Chem Memo #1: Artificial Sweeteners

Sweeteners a better option?

Sweeteners are found in our everyday life, since they are the substitute that we use instead of regular table sugar (sucrose). We may find them in our soft drinks, baked goods, candy, canned foods, and dairy products.

Manufacturers of sweeteners may call their product all natural even though they have been sent for processing/refined. It is said that artificial sweeteners are many times sweeter than average table sugar; this is how they received names like “intense sweeteners.” What makes people attracted to this alternative substance is that you need way less of the artificial sweetener compared with the amount of sugar you would normally use for sweetness.

There are benefits to sweeteners and that is why we see them at our local grocery stores. “Artificial sweeteners have virtually no calories. In contrast, a teaspoon of sugar has about 16 calories — so a can of sweetened cola with 10 teaspoons of added sugar has about 160 calories.” This means that if you are looking for ways to lose weight or prevent weight gain, these sweeteners are surely an attractive option.

Along with the benefits of weight control, artificial sweeteners also help with diabetes. Unlike table sugar, artificial sweeteners aren't carbohydrates. Because of this, artificial sweeteners will not raise blood sugar levels.

Although there are benefits with artificial sweeteners, there are definitely some health concerns. Studies say that artificial sweeteners have caused a variety of health problems, including cancer. This study is mainly linked to 1970, when they detected bladder cancer in laboratory rats that consumed an ingredient in  artificial sweetener called saccharin. Also, people who eat artificial sweeteners as apart of their daily routine may damage their taste to healthier options. You begin to find less sweetening foods, such as fruit, less appealing.

I personally believe that table sugar may be the better option. Although too much sugar is arguably bad for us. Substitutes like artificial sweeteners have more health concerns that overtop the certain benefits. If you are trying to lose weight, cutting junk sugar (candy) is completely a better option than using sweeteners.

This question still remains. Are artificial sweeteners a better option?


“Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 Sept. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936.