It's time to dive deep into the world of artificial sweeteners—their origins, common types, uses, and the effects they have on our health.
It's particularly relevant for us at Sol Energy, as we pride ourselves on crafting energy drinks that are not only delicious and effective but also free from these artificial additives.
After learning about the potential health effects, you'll see why we're passionate about avoiding artificial sweeteners.
What Are Artificial Sweeteners and Why Were They Created?
Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes. They were developed to provide the sweetness of sugar without the associated calories, aiming to benefit people trying to control calorie intake or manage diabetes. The discovery of these sweeteners often happened by accident, with scientists stumbling upon compounds that tasted sweet but were not metabolized by the body in the same way as sugar.
The Three Most Common Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame
Discovered in 1965, aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It is made with two amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid, with the phenylalanine being modified by adding methanol. It's commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and low-calorie desserts. Despite its popularity, aspartame has been subject to scrutiny and controversy over potential health effects.
Sucralose
Known widely by its brand name, Splenda, sucralose was discovered in 1976. It's made by replacing hydroxyl groups in sugar molecules with chlorine atoms. It is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose. Sucralose is unique because it's stable under heat and has a wide range of applications, from baking to beverage production.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Ace-K was discovered in 1967 and is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It is made by transforming acetoacetic acid into a potassium salt. It's often used in combination with other sweeteners to mask its bitter aftertaste. You'll find it in a variety of products, including sugar-free baked goods, candies, and especially in diet sodas and energy drinks.
Common Products Containing Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners have found their way into many products, particularly in the food and beverage industry. They are prevalent in diet sodas, energy drinks, baked goods, chewing gum, candy, ice cream, and even some pharmaceutical products like cough syrup and toothpaste. The beverage industry, in particular, utilizes these sweeteners extensively to offer low-calorie or zero-calorie options to consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake.
At Sol Energy, we've taken a different path. Understanding the growing concerns surrounding artificial sweeteners, our energy drinks are crafted without any of these chemicals. We believe in using the power of natural ingredients to provide a healthier, great-tasting alternative to the artificially sweetened options on the market.
The Negative Effects of Artificial Sweeteners
While artificial sweeteners may seem like a guilt-free way to enjoy sweet flavors, emerging research suggests they could have adverse health effects. Some studies have linked the consumption of artificial sweeteners to a range of health issues, including:
Stomach Issues:
Since our stomachs are not designed to digest artificial sweeteners (hence 0 calories) they can potentially damage your gut microbiome, causing issues like upset stomach, leaky gut, IBS, and even even impaired glycemic response.
Cardiovascular Disease:
Energy Drinks and heart issues have long been a topic of discussion, but what many may not realize is that artificial sweeteners could be causing these heart issues. According the the NutriNet-Santé cohort (1), there is a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk.
Changes in DNA:
As explained above, sucralose is designed in a way that doesn't allow for digestion - hence 0 calories. However, our stomachs are not unaffected by it. A recent study (2) suggests that secralose-6-acetate (found in sucralose) causes DNA damage, which could potentially increase the risk of cancer and other health problems.
It's important to note that while these studies suggest potential risks, the scientific community continues to debate the extent of these effects. However, at Sol Energy, we prefer to err on the side of caution. Our commitment to health and wellness drives us to select ingredients that not only energize and revitalize but also maintain harmony with the body's natural processes.
While artificial sweeteners may offer short-term benefits like calorie reduction and sugar intake control, the potential long-term health impacts cannot be ignored. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for products free from artificial sweeteners will likely increase.
At Sol Energy, we're ahead of the curve, offering energy drinks that are delicious, effective, and crafted with your health in mind. Join us in making healthier choices, one sip at a time.
References:
(1) https://www.bmj.com/content/378/bmj-2022-071204
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37246822/
