Artificial sweeteners have been around for awhile, and there are some differing opinions on them. Some people swear by them, while others have negative views on them. The evidence is now beginning to suggest artificial sweeteners can aid weight loss, but let’s examine the good points and bad points.
Positive Benefits
It’s easy to see how artificial sweeteners can aid weight loss from the fact that they have no calories. Artificial sweeteners can be added to things to improve the taste, but they won’t drive your caloric intake up.
To put that into perspective, if you want to put sugar into your morning coffee, every gram of it equals 4 calories. There are 4.2 grams in a teaspoon, so 16.8 calories for every teaspoon of sugar you add to your coffee. On the other hand, the number is zero if you go with an artificial sweetener.
It’s also thought to be a better option for diabetics who want something sweet. Artificial sweeteners don’t cause tooth decay or cavities either.
Negative Side Effects
Although artificial sweeteners can aid weight loss, they do have some negative side effects too. The most serious of these is that it alters the bacteria levels in our gut. In doing this, it drives up our blood glucose levels, which puts us at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
In Conclusion
It’s entirely possible that artificial sweeteners can aid weight loss but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good for us. As with anything, it’s important to consider everything in full. Before relying on an artificial sweetener, weigh up its benefits and side effects, and make sure it’s right for you.
