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Introduction
Sugar is an essential component of many products that people consume. However, the concern about sugar, particularly its negative effects on human body, is growing, which leads to a wider use of sugar substitutes, or artificial sweeteners. Sugar substitutes have the same taste as sugar while having a lower energy level. The views on sugar substances vary: some researchers believe that they are safe whereas others speak of its dangerous impact on health.
The Effect of Sugar on Health
Even though sugar is a valuable source of food energy for the human body, many scientists are sure that its damage to health overweighs its advantages. Among the most widely known negative outcomes of sugar consumption is obesity. For instance, a study conducted by America on the Move has demonstrated that taking sugar out of the diet along with a moderate amount of physical activity leads to a significant decrease in BMI in obese children (Rodearmel, Wyatt, Stroebele, Smith, Ogden, & Hill, 2007). Another study has established a link between the consumption of carbohydrates, to which sugar belongs, and the emergence of cardiovascular disease (Siri-Tarino, Sun, Hu, & Krauss, 2010). In addition, sugar is proven to be the cause of dental problems such as caries (Moynihan & Petersen, 2004). What is more, a study argues that the symptoms of excessive sugar consumption strongly resemble those of addiction, including such symptoms as specific behavior and neurochemical changes. In other words, sugar can cause unhealthy dependence (Avena, Rada, & Hoebel, 2008). Sugar
Sugar Substitutes: Advantages and Disadvantages
Artificial sweeteners are considered a worthy alternative of sugar. Not only do they allow to perform weight control, but they are also safe for individuals with diabetes (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). In the USA, the manufacturing of sugar substitutes is conducted according to the standards established by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA ensures that the production is safe for consumption. Nevertheless, some concerns exist regarding the impact of sugar substitutes on health. Firstly, sugar substitutes must be consumed according to the norm of acceptable daily intake; neglecting this rule may cause health problems such as diarrhea. Secondly, many natural sweeteners do not differ from sugar in the impact on the human body (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015). Finally, studies on animals have demonstrated that sugar substitutes are the cause of brain tumors, as well as weight gain (Tandel, 2011). It should be said, though, that some researchers do not consider the evidence sufficient (Tandel, 2011). The specialists from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research claim that moderate consumption of sugar substitutes can spare a person from health problems (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015, p. 2).
The Implications for Nutritional Trends
Due to the current popularity of weight control, fitness, and healthy lifestyle, many individuals are concerned about sugar consumption. This trend has a serious influence on the everyday food choice on an individual level: even individuals without diabetes prefer artificial sweeteners to sugar. Furthermore, the trend has affected food production: a variety of food items, such as soft drinks, yogurt, fruit juice, chewing gum, and ice cream are produced with the use of sugar substitutes (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2015, p. 1). Manufacturers often care to present this fact in the advertisement to attract consumers. Since it is a mass tendency, it is highly important that future medical specialists study the impact of sugar and sugar substitutes on special courses such as Health and Medicine.
Conclusion
In recent years, substituting sugar with artificial sweeteners has become a trend. Sugar substitutes offer multiple benefits for health. While the negative impact of sugar is sufficiently examined, the disadvantages of sugar substitutes definitely need further research.
References
Avena, N.M., Rada, P., & Hoebel, B.G. (2008). Evidence for sugar addiction: Behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 32(1), 20-39.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2015). Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes. Web.
Moynihan, P., & Petersen, P.E. (2004). Diet, nutrition and the prevention of dental diseases. Public Health Nutrition, 7(1A), 201-226.
Rodearmel, S.J., Wyatt, H.R., Stroebele, N., Smith, S.M., Ogden, L.G., & Hill, J.O. (2007). Small changes in dietary sugar and physical activity as an approach to preventing excessive weight gain: The America on the Move family study. Pediatrics, 120(4), e869-e879.
Siri-Tarino, P.W., Sun, Q., Hu, F.B., & Krauss, R.M. (2010). Saturated fat, carbohydrate, and cardiovascular disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91(3), 502-509.
Tandel, K.R. (2011). Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics, 2(4), 236-243.
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