More Than A Number

Most people avoid using sugar – and instead use natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, semi-natural sweeteners, sugar alternatives and so on. Composed of chemicals or natural compounds, they are chosen over sugar as they add sweetness without calories that come hand in hand with sugar. FDA approved artificial sweeteners are: saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame-K, and sucralose.
Saccharin
Used since 1879, it has been one of the most controversial sweeteners because in 1977 it was discovered that it caused cancer in rats. Later, the ban on saccharin was removed because rats were being given 800 diet sodas a day. A study revealed that saccharin posed no threat towards getting bladder cancer.

Aspartame
This is one of the most thoroughly studied artificial sweeteners. It has undergone over one hundred toxilogical and clinical studies, and was found to be safe for the general population. Pregnant women have to be careful with their intake of aspartame because it can potentially cause brain damage.

Acesulfame-K
Considered safe by the FDA, this artificial sweetener does not raise blood sugar levels. Some groups however, like the Center for Science in the Public Interest insists that more thorough research be carried out to evaluate its link to cancer.

Sucralose
This is perfect for diabetics and contains no calories. Over one hundred studies of Sucralose were found to contain no toxic effects, nor pose risks towards reproductive or neurological systems. Some critics insist that sucralose is linked to organ damage.
Remember, whether consuming real sugar or an alternative, moderation is the key!