Increased risk of diabetes and other diseases
Due to today's bad lifestyle, the risk of diabetes, heart and kidney related diseases is increasing rapidly. People are getting more attracted towards convenient options available in the market rather than natural and healthy foods. Due to this, people are moving towards sugar free products to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in their diet.
Variety of sugar free products
Diet coke, sugar free biscuits, chocolates, cookies and various types of sugar free drinks are available in the market. Companies claim that consuming these products does not increase the sugar level in the body because they do not contain calories and sugar. But the reality is different from this. Sugar free products use artificial sweeteners, which can be harmful to health. We discussed this topic with Dr. Anjali Phatak, dietitian and director of NutriPlus.
Effect of artificial sweetener
According to Dr. Anjali Fatak, sweetener is added as per requirement in sugar free products. These are of two types: artificial and alcohol sugar. Artificial sugars include aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin, while alcohol sugars include sorbitol, xylitol, and erythritol. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned not to use them, as their long-term consumption can be extremely harmful to health.
mental confusion
Consuming artificial sweeteners tricks the brain into thinking that you are not consuming sugar, when in reality you are eating more sugar than it is. These products are 200 to 600 times sweeter, which does not provide mental satisfaction and you start eating them in large quantities.
stomach related problems
Artificial sweeteners disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria, which can increase bloating, gas and other digestive problems. These also harm the good bacteria and have a negative impact on your immunity. If you consume them in excess, there may be a problem of insulin resistance, which can cause diabetes.
Keep distance from these things
Sugar Free Biscuits: They contain palm oil and high sodium, which increases bad cholesterol and has a negative impact on heart health.
Diet Coke and Sugar Free Drinks: These contain 0% calories, but contain aspartame and caffeine, which can be harmful to health.
Ways to control sugar
Use jaggery or dates in place of these products. If you are not diabetic and want to lose weight, always choose a healthy lifestyle and natural foods. Avoid artificial sweeteners and consume normal sweeteners, but balance them with nutrition.