England – A new study found that eating foods rich in sweeteners instead of sugar led to a decrease in appetite and feelings of hunger, contrary to popular belief.
University of Leeds researchers studied the effects of eating biscuits with sugar or two types of food sweeteners: the natural sugar substitute “Stevia,” or the artificial sweetener “Neotame,” which is derived from aspartame.
Participants who were overweight or obese ate biscuits with either a fruit filling containing sugar, a natural sugar substitute, or an artificial sweetener.
The researchers took blood samples to determine baseline levels of glucose, insulin and appetite-related hormones, and participants were also asked to rate their appetite and food preferences.
After eating the cookies, their fullness was assessed over several hours.
Levels of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide 1 and pancreatic polypeptide, i.e. hormones associated with food consumption, were measured.
The results revealed no differences in appetite or endocrine responses related to the two types of sweetener compared to sugar. But insulin levels measured two hours following eating decreased, as did blood sugar levels.
This is the latest study published by the SWEET consortium of 29 European research, consumer and industry partners, which is developing and reviewing evidence on the long-term benefits and potential risks of switching to artificial sweeteners.
Professor Graham Finlayson, lead researcher at the School of Psychology at the University of Leeds, said: “The use of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers has received a lot of negative attention, including prominent publications linking their consumption to poor blood sugar response and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.”
He added: “Our study provides conclusive evidence supporting the daily use of sweeteners and sweetness enhancers for body weight and blood sugar control.”
Source: Daily Mail
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2024-04-01 08:55:34
