Aspartame is an artificial sweetener found in various foods and beverages, from breakfast cereals to chewing gum. A recent WHO study found that aspartame is a possible carcinogenic, meaning it could cause cancer. However, this sparked controversy as The Food Drug and Administration (FDA) and other health professionals disagree with the conclusion.
Read on to find out more.
Limit Daily Intake Consumption Limits
The acceptable daily intake of aspartame is listed as 1-50mg/kg. Simply put, a person weighing 70kg (154 pounds) would have to consume more than ten cans of Diet Coke to exceed the daily intake, assuming they are consuming aspartame in other foods or beverages.
That’s a lot. So it’s not likely you are to exceed the limit. But it’s important to keep track.
Check the label if you’re unsure whether your food or beverage contains the ingredient. Products with sweeteners are usually labeled “sugar-free” or “diet.”
Eat Real, Rather Than Artificial, Foods
Those promoting healthy eating recommend avoiding artificial sweeteners entirely. The reason being, these products have been linked to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Besides, eating organic foods, free of additives, chemicals, and other potentially harmful ingredients, is healthier for you. And if you’re on a weight loss journey, choosing foods with sweeteners won’t help you reach your goals. In fact, it will have the opposite effect by changing your microbiome while increasing your body mass index (BMI).
Alternatives to Sweeteners
If you feel you need something sweet, try fruits like peaches or bananas, mix cottage cheese with honey, or have some peanut butter and apples. Ultimately, there are healthy ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. Be creative and try new recipes.
