Have you seen the side effects of aspartame? A must-read if you drink zero sugar beverages!

These days, you drink a lot of zero sugar beverages, right?

I drank it casually, thinking it has no calories and won't make me gain weight.

It turns out it contains aspartame.

 

 

However, recent studies suggest that aspartame stimulates insulin secretion, and

There has been talk that it could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

I thought it might be better to just eat sugar if this is real, so I looked into it.

Is aspartame really safe? I have summarized the research findings.

 

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Aspartame, what effects does it have on the body?

 

 

1. Does increasing insulin response interfere with blood sugar regulation?

 

Research team at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden

Zero drinks, 3 cans, for 12 weeks for mice

I administered the corresponding amount of aspartame.

Then, the insulin level increased significantly.

 

Why did this happen?

 

Aspartame deceives the sweet taste receptor.

They say it was made to look like sugar was actually added.
Then our body thinks, "Huh? Sugar just came in?"

It's just that they secrete more insulin unnecessarily.

Ultimately, it could affect blood sugar control in the long run.

 

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2. Even to arteriosclerosis? It may affect cardiovascular health

 

The research team experimented on mice with arteries.

I found that more fat plaques (like residue) have accumulated.
If this worsens, the arteries narrow, and blood flow becomes obstructed.

It means that the risk of cardiovascular disease can increase.

 

What is the relationship between cardiovascular disease and it?
Aspartame may stimulate insulin response, potentially increasing inflammation within blood vessels.
- Over time, arteries narrow, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.

 

At this point, I think I should just drink water.

 

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3. Does it also affect gut health?

 

Aspartame will disrupt the balance of gut microbiota.

There are studies suggesting the possibility.

It is said that it can especially increase intestinal inflammation.

They say this is also connected to weakened immunity.

 

What happens when your intestinal health deteriorates?

- Digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhea may occur.
- As immunity weakens, you may frequently catch colds or similar illnesses.
There is a possibility that the risk of diseases such as obesity and diabetes may increase.

 

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Then, what should I eat instead of aspartame?

 

Sugar is also bad, and if Aspartame is not good either

What am I supposed to eat instead?

So, I summarized a few alternative sweeteners.

How about this instead of aspartame?

 

- Stevia: It's a natural sweetener, which is good, but it has a slight bitterness, so people's opinions vary.
Erythritol: Has little effect on blood sugar and tastes similar to sugar, but eating too much may cause stomach pain.
- Sucralose: A sweetener derived from sugar with a similar taste, but there are long-term safety concerns.

 

Honestly, sugar substitutes are not all perfect.

Still, in the long run, I think natural sweeteners might be better.

 

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Aspartame, should it be avoided at all costs?

 

Aspartame cannot be definitively considered bad in all cases.

However, excessive intake can affect insulin response, vascular health, and gut health.

It is true that it has the potential to have an impact.

 

- Small amounts may not pose a significant problem.
- However, in the long run, it is better to consider alternative sweeteners.
- Especially if there is a risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, it is advisable to be cautious.

 

Is just drinking water the answer...?

 

👉🏻 How often do you drink beverages containing aspartame?
👉🏻 Do you have a preferred sweetener other than aspartame?

 

Please leave your opinion in the comments!

 

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✅ Want to know which foods and beverages contain aspartame?

Check the food ingredients on Food Safety Korea! (Click)