Artificial sweetener
Aspartame or other artificial sweeteners must be avoided. In food content labels they are listed under references such as NutraSweet, Canderel or simply as E951, therefore making it difficult for the consumer to identify them. They are found in many “light” products such as yogurt, desserts, chewing gum and diet drinks. “Light” does not automatically mean “healthy”.

Fructose is a natural content in fruits, so it‘s healthy. Unfortunately, as fructose can be artificially produced, it cannot be recommended. It doesn‘t create a feeling of saturation, like the natural effect of sugar. One eats and eats, taking in more and more calories, without feeling satisfied. In the short run, fructose causes gas and diarrhea. In the long run, it makes you gain weight and brings on disease. Many of the so-called diet yogurts, with only 1% fat, suggest low-calorie products when, in fact, they contain fructose with all of its calories.

Important: a current study shows, that artificial sweeteners might change gut microbiome and lead in part to metabolic disorders (glucose intolerant).* There is no single positive effect for humans or animals taking artificial sweeteners; this could be demostrated even if the group of participants wasn’t extensive.

*Sugar substitutes linked to obesity. Professional journal “Nature”, 17.09.2014, Alison Abbott

Online article