Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener which consists of two ordinary amino acids: aspartic and phenylalanine acid. Made available in the year 1981, in the US, this synthetic sweetener has turned into the most sought after and widely utilized sugar alternative. This sweetener is included in many types of beverages and foods and is the chosen sugar alternative for those who like to reduce sugar and calorie in their balance diet.
Regardless of its fame, aspartame is also very controversial as of many issues concerning its security. Here are the pros and cons of using thus synthetic sugar.
Pros of Aspartame
For so many years, this sugar alternative has been extensively promoted as the vigorous substitute to regular sugar because of many advantages such as:
Has power over weight: This synthetic sugar is well thought out as non-nutritive meaning the calorie present in this sugar is insignificant hence adding almost no calories. Aspartame is 150 to 200 times sweeter than usual sugar this just a fraction is required for the preferred sweetness, this makes the best option to avoid weight gain, reduce the intake of calorie and lose weight. But, some research recommends that consuming aspartame consumer could result to weight gain, even the basis remains unknown.
Avoidance and managing diabetes: Aspartame, first of foremost contains amino acids, which are phenylalanine and aspartate which is not a carbohydrate. So, it is improbable to boost the level of blood sugar without compromising the sweetness of your beverage and food. This makes this sugar alternative a great alternative to usual sugar for those suffering diabetes.
Prevent Dental cavities: Not like usual sugar, this synthetic sweetener doesn’t enhance the chance of having tooth decay.
Cons of Aspartame
Even if aspartame is certified by the FDA, some studies show that using this synthetic sugar is unsafe. Listed below are some of the controversial cons of using this product.
Conflicting outcomes of researches: Research done on this product give conflicting outcomes. Moreover to this, its authorization is covered with controversy. Out of 166 research, 74 of these research were sponsored by the Nutrasweet manufacturer and concluded that using this product is safe, while the rest of research that were done independently revealed issues when it comes to its security. The Food and Drug Administration confirms those researches which consider this product safe to use.
Possible Side Effects: H.J Roberts publishes a book that shows the potential effects of using the aspartame. According to H.J Roberts, this product is the main cause of approximately 80 percent of protests filed. Potential side effects of using this product include dizziness, abdominal pain, and change in temper, nausea or vomiting, memory loss, headache, change in eye vision, fatigue and diarrhea. Apart from these possible side effects, aspartame is also associated with other medical conditions like unexplained depression, joint pain, psychological issues, systemic lupus, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia symptoms, and certain cancers.
Increased Hunger: Studies show that using this product can lead to enhanced hunger. This is because of the small amount of calorie which aspartame has.
The adjudicators are still out on the impact of this synthetic sugar like diabetes products. Current reports are conflicting, and are still hard to determine whether the use of aspartame is really beneficial or not. Experts say that as long as you take it moderately, possible side effects can be prevented.