Foods With Aspartame to Avoid

Foods With Aspartame to Avoid

Aspartame is an artificial sugar substitute used in a variety of foods to reduce calorie content. While aspartame is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, controversy still exists regarding its safety. Mercola reports that aspartame consumption can lead to cancer, birth defects, diabetes and seizures. Cutting back may protect your healthnow and in the future. NutraSweet is one name brand for aspartame.

Yogurt

Many types of yogurt, including those that are fat-free and sugar-free, are made with aspartame, which cuts the calories in the product. While eating aspartame-sweetened yogurt may help your waistline, many health professionals worry about the long-term effects of the artificial sweetener. In fact, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a lifelong use of aspartame can lead to the development of cancer, and sucralose is preferable as an alternative when choosing a yogurt brand. Scan the ingredients before buying.

Desserts

Some desserts are made with aspartame to make them lower in calories. Products marketed as diet desserts, such as pudding, Jell-O and frozen pie, require caution when eating. Some gelatin desserts also contain aspartame and are sold as "sugar-free" alternatives. Sugar-free ice cream is also likely to be manufactured using NutraSweet. Replace these desserts with other options, such as fruit or churned ice cream, that don't contain this potentially harmful additive, but are still lower in fat and calories than many desserts.

Diet Soda

Most diet sodas on the market are made with aspartame to make them calorie-free while still allowing soda lovers to indulge. A better choice when trying to lose weight is unsweetened iced tea or water, both of which are calorie-free, but don't pose a health risk. This is especially important for children who currently drink diet soda; according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, consuming aspartame from an early age increases cancer risk. In addition, pregnant women who regularly consume aspartame in diet soda put their babies at risk of brain damage or mental retardation, reports Mercola.

Sugar-Free Gum

Many people chew gum to prevent them from overeating, and those who are serious about counting calories may choose sugar-free versions to control intake. However, many of these products are made with aspartame so that they retain their sweetness, reports MayoClinic.com. Gum is so low in calories that choosing those sweetened with regular sugar won't add enough calories to lead to weight gain and will still help you control your appetite. Chewing aspartame-sweetened gum regularly may be putting your health at risk by increasing your risk of diabetes and cancer.

source : livestronge.com