Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Moderation is key with sugar substitutes
Understanding artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes
Natural sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners
Uses for artificial sweeteners
Possible health benefits of artificial sweeteners
Possible health concerns with artificial sweeteners
Novel sweeteners
Sugar alcohols
Uses for sugar alcohols
Possible health benefits of sugar alcohols
Possible health concerns with sugar alcohols
Uses for natural sweeteners
Possible health benefits of natural sweeteners
Possible health concerns with natural sweeteners
Moderation is key
Content
Uses for sugar substitutes
Safety of sugar substitutes
Health benefits linked to sugar substitutes
Health concerns linked to sugar substitutes
The bottom line
The bottom line
Artificial sweeteners can be a short-term way to help some people lessen their use of sugar and lose or manage weight. In general, sugar substitutes are safe for healthy adults.
But be aware of how sugar substitutes affect your food and drink choices. These ingredients may get your tastebuds used to sweetness. And that can make drinking enough water a challenge.
Products made with sugar substitutes also may give you the wrong message about processed foods. A snack labeled low sugar or no sugar may not be the most nutritious choice. Whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, usually have the best mix of nutrients for the body.
But artificial sweeteners can help some people enjoy sweetness without excess calories. And if used in moderation, artificial sweeteners can be part of a healthy diet.
