2023-05-16 18:00:00
Weight control practices have spread throughout the last century, especially in the western population, and the industry has taken charge of manufacturing products that replace the most feared food for the scale: the sugar.
These alternatives, popularly known as sweetenershave been the subject of several studies since their appearance, since although they provide a sweet flavor to dishes or drinks without contributing caloriesits chemical composition may not be as beneficial to health as it seems.
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In this line is framed the new guideline issued by the WHOwhich advises not using sugar-free sweeteners for weight control long-term or to reduce the risk of contracting noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes.
Contrary to what one might think, the objective of this recommendation does not seek to replace previous studies in relation to the amounts of intake appropriate, but it serves to provide more information to the consumer in order for him to take more conscious decisions about your diet and health.
Are sugar-free sweeteners good for WEIGHT LOSS?
There are two types of sweeteners: caloric and not caloricalso called “sugar-free”.
Regarding those mentioned in second place, in the EU, the most used in food and beverages are acesulfame-K, aspartameel cyclamate, the saccharinsucralose and now also stevia. They are manufactured from the chemical synthesis of toluene and other petroleum derivatives and are characterized by having a sweetening power 300 times higher than that of sugar conventional.
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The fact that these artificial substitutes do not have sugar in their composition encourages food brands to label products as “sugar-free”, even though there are one or more sweeteners of this type in the ingredients. That is why it is interesting to know that the only benefit -scientifically proven- of non-caloric sweeteners is that they help weight loss in a short termbut long-term results are not proven.
What are the risks of consuming sugar-free sweeteners?
In relation to the damage that these alternatives could cause, the WHO warns that the unwanted effects are more important when evaluating the safety of these products. Some of them could be:
- Type 2 diabetes: is a condition in which the cells do not respond to insulin and as a result the body needs more insulin to help glucose get into the cells.
- Cardiovascular diseases: among them, heart failure or arterial hypertension.
- The mortality for the above reasons.
As the WHO explains, “the use of NNS (non-sugar sweeteners) may not produce desirable effects for those who are not regular consumers of free sugars or who are not otherwise at risk of excessive energy intake resulting from the intake of free sugars. Therefore, it is likely that this segment of the general population is only subjected to the possible unwanted effects of NNS consumption.”
In line with all of the above, the lack of knowledge about the presence of sugar-free sweeteners in ultra-processed foods could lead to the greater inclusion of these foods in the diet. That is why, with this guide, the WHO seeks to expand the information available about sugar substitutes and raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
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The guideline in relation to NSS is framed in a set of recommendations that aim to improve diet quality Worldwide. And, although the possibility that in the future there will be new findings about sugar-free sweeteners, WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety, Francesco Brancaexplains: “NSS are not essential dietary factors and have no nutritional value. People must reduce the sweetness of the diet completely, starting early in life, to improve their health.”
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