Read full article in WebMediums

FDA approved sugar substitutes

Sugar is one of the supplements that triggers the most metabolic diseases

Unlimited sugar intake is considered worldwide as a triggering factor of metabolic diseases. Therefore, it constitutes a real public health problem.

Even, for some health specialists, it is classified as an addictive substance of care. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using, above all, its proven substitutes.

How harmful is sugar intake for life?

The World Health Organization emphasizes that obesity is the main pandemic to be treated. The latest serial study by the WHO highlighted that since 1975 this condition has tripled indiscriminately.

In turn, it indicates that in 2016 alone, more than 1.9 billion overweight adults were quantified. Of these, approximately between 600 and 700 million were obese.

The problem with the consumption of sugars is the lack of caloric control to which the person is subjected and the adoption of a harmful posture. It is defined as "tolerance to sugars and fats".

The scoop in question has important pathophysiological bases associated with the dopaminergic and oxytocic system (dopamine and oxytocin). Organic substances that, at a certain point, are linked to sensations of pleasure, well-being and emotions in general.

As soon as sugar intake becomes prolonged, the release of these compounds is proportional. Because of this, an effect similar to that corresponding to other drugs such as alcohol and cannabis is produced.

Tolerance to sugars and fats leads to an unbalanced diet

In short, addiction in conjunction with other bad habits unleashes a dark outlook for health.

Essentially, metabolic problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular or even mental illness can take a toll on an individual's well-being.

Any ideas on what sugar substitutes are?

The FDA defines sugar substitutes as "high-intensity sweeteners". That is, they are those that, with just a small portion, can cause a sweet effect in any food.

Its main advantage is that, in terms of calories, they do not provide almost any or, failing that, nothing. Compared to traditional sweeteners such as sugar, honey or molasses itself, they are harmless to metabolism.

Sugar substitutes are called to turn the situation in relation to excessive consumption of it.

It is known that an exorbitant amount of this product is capable of providing hundreds of calories to the individual. Energy that, in the long run, is not used and is stored as fat.

With "high intensity sweeteners" it is possible to enhance the flavor of common meals or foods. From ice creams, varied recipes, drinks and more, so its daily use seems very useful.

Which ones are FDA approved?

There are up to 5 high-intensity sweeteners currently marketed under FDA lines. Essential food products that meet all basic certificates and continue to deliver results to date:

  1. Saccharin: known commercially as Sweet N' Low, it was discovered in 1879. However, it was not until 1958 that its approval was made official and the starting point for its commercialization.

  2. Aspartame: or commercially known as Equal, it was certified by the FDA for distribution in 1981. Since then, it has remained one of the main high-intensity sweeteners in popularity.

  3. Sucralose: the popular Splenda is the trade name for this sweetener. Its approval occurred in 1998, marking a turning point in the market for these products.

  4. Acesulfame K: the commercial brand most spread internationally is Sweet One. Thanks to its approval in 1988, it has also set an interesting pattern in the market. In general, it is a product to take into account.

  5. Advantame: This is the most current derivative approved by the FDA and therefore does not have an established trade name. However, it is expected that it will soon be adopted by some special brand.

Splenda is one of the most recognized brand names in high-intensity sweeteners.

Although it is true that there are other renowned ones, their evaluation by the FDA has not been confirmed. Consequently, their prolonged use is not recommended due to the lack of objectivity in what they offer.

The maximum benefits of sweeteners without calories

It is proven that the management of these implements in the diet does not put health at risk. In fact, they are the first choice for recipes for those with a history of and diabetic problems.

In short, the following advantages are defined:

satiating

Recent scientific conclusions support that high-intensity sweeteners contribute to satiety. The sweet sensation level is enough per meal to avoid eating too much.

In other words, it does not increase appetite, but rather regulates it exponentially.

It is an important point that adds to its intrinsic power of not providing extra calories to the diet. By reducing sugar craving levels and calming satiety, the individual's weight will be in absolute control.

Lower amount of calories

As has been highlighted, these products do not exaggerate calories.

It means that most of them are harmless to weight and do not alter it. Therefore, the risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases is reduced.

Allies of dental health

Unlike common sugars, high-intensity sweeteners enjoy an extra distinctiveness. Its components are not erosive, much less harmful to the health of dental pieces.

They are better absorbed and degraded by saliva, preventing the growth of bacterial plaque. In short, they reduce the percentage of dental demineralization as such.

They favor the daily control of glycemia

Glycemia or glycemia is the level of blood sugar concentration that is evaluated at certain times of the day.

Under physiological conditions, after each meal (postprandial) it usually increases to a certain range.

For diabetic patients, postprandial blood glucose levels are higher than normal.

To control such an eventuality, high intensity sweeteners are effectively prescribed. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the amount of sugar in the blood was regulated.

Written by

Estudiante de Medicina. Redactor SEO, creador y diseñador de contenido para redes sociales con más de 3 años de experiencia.

Discover all the information on healthy diets and the best foods to lose weight. Health advice, natural remedies and nutrition office.