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Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most important causes of death in the world. Research has already, in the past, denounced the risks of excessive consumption of sweeteners on heart health. More recently, a study implicated erythritol in the development of strokes and heart attacks.
Sweeteners are everywhere: beware of the risks involved
Sweeteners are used in products derived fromfood industry, to replace sugar. The initial idea was to limit the negative effects of sugar, but more and more studies finally reveal the hidden and toxic side of these synthetic substances and cause cardiovascular disease.
Today, we find them on our plates, available in all kinds of food products stamped « light » :
- THE drinks (sodas) ;
- THE dairy products (yogurts);
- THE low fat foods (prepared dishes) ;
- THE sweets to add directly to coffee or tea.
What are the implicated sweeteners and their effects on our health?
- L’aspartame for his influence on cerebrovascular diseases ;
- Acesulfame K and sucralose for their association with coronary heart disease ;
- Erythritol for its connection with strokes and heart attacks.
Erythritol: a friend who wishes you well?
Erythritol is usually offered as natural alternative with white sugar. Indeed, it is found in certain fruits and fermented products although it is mainly synthesized today.
The study highlights several points of vigilance on this sweetener:
- It is not very well assimilated by the body and accumulates in the blooduntil it is evacuated by the urine;
- A high level in the blood can cause blood clots ;
- People who present with risk of heart attack or stroke are precisely those that have a high level of erythritol in the blood.
This sweetener is sometimes recommended people with diabetes or metabolic difficultiesdue to its low glycemic index. But these same people are known to be at risk for cardiovascular disease. In other words, this substance might do them even more harm!
Studies still need to be conducted to ascertain the longer-term effects on the body and on people with real risk of heart and brain disease.
Note that a moderate consumption of sweeteners should be tolerable on your health. As with many foods, they should be consumed in moderation. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor in order to obtain dietary advice adapted to your medical situation.
