Dangers of Artificial SweetenersWe need to be aware of the dangers of artificial sweeteners that are used widely in the food industry nowadays. Many people usually turn to this type of sweeteners when looking for a sugar substitute, thinking that they are "healthier alternatives" without actually understanding the side effects of artificial sweeteners. 
Artificial sweeteners are sometimes referred to as non-nutritive sweeteners because they are not carbohydrates and do not yield energy. Two common types of artificial sweeteners are saccharin and aspartame.Saccharin is a white, usually odorless powder that are used widely in various foods and beverages especially sweets, soft drinks, and chewing gum. It is also a common ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. It is available in tablet, liquid and granulated forms. Saccharine is 300 times sweeter than sugar! Aspartame is another type of artificial sweetener. It is made from aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame is much more sweeter than sugar although not as much as saccharin - approximately 200 times sweeter. It is commonly used as sweetener in certain food but not soft drinks due to its instability in liquids.
Experiments done on rats injected with high amounts of saccharin and aspartame suggest that these substances can potentially lead to cancer and leukemia. Other complaints have also been received regarding the intake of these artificial sweeteners, where people reported to have experienced side effects such as headaches, depression, abdominal cramps and rashes, to name a few. In addition to that, certain groups of people, for instance heavy smokers who consume saccharin are exposed to the risk of bladder cancer. A lot of people believe that consuming food containing artificial sweeteners will actually help them to lose weight. However, others report that consuming such products made them feel more hungry and cause them to increase their food intake. Studies conducted on this matter find that contrary to popular belief, artificial sweeteners do not lower energy intake or decrease appetite. 
You might have had experience drinking diet soft drinks with the hope of losing weight and found that they resulted in nothing. Everyone wishes that it is that simple to lose weight. But the fact is that there are so many other ways and factors that play a role in helping one to control weight.Some athletes that consume energy drinks reported that they experienced adverse side effects of artificial sweeteners contained in the drinks as well as allergic reactions. For this reason, products such as energy drinks containing this type of sweeteners are not recommended for athletes, especially those with saccharin and aspartame. The dangers of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, also include the risks of having high blood pressure, visual deterioration and seizures. It is sometimes associated to mood disturbances, causing frequent mood swings.
Well, the bottom line is actually quite simple: whether you believe that there are side effects or not, the reality is that they are not necessary. In fact, the downsides might be more than the benefits that you think you would be getting. Why risk getting the side effects when there are other natural, safe (yet sweet!) alternatives such as honey that does not only satisfy your taste buds, but has also been proven to boost your health? Pass on artificial sweeteners,and give honey a go!
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