Are Artificial Sweeteners Worse Than Sugar? How They Compare, According to a Dietitian.
It’s no secret that too much added sugar is bad for us. Sugar-rich food and beverages such as soda, cakes, pastries, candy, syrups and other sweets have long been linked with a myriad of health issues including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, gout and more. But are sugar substitutes the antidote or worse than sugar itself? Here’s what the latest evidence says about sugar, artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes — and how they compare.
What are artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes?
Over the years the range of sugar substitutes has expanded, and today there are a dizzying array of sugar alternatives available, each with its own flavor and risk profile. Sugar substitutes fall into three main categories: artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols and other low-calorie sweeteners. All of those listed below are generally regarded as safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
