Artificial sweeteners

I was talking about nutrition problems in this YWN Coffee Room in January 2024:

http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/coffeeroom/topic/ethics-and-entenmanns

Pure natural sweetener only!!

Honey!!!!!

Maple syrup

Or fruits

Sugar has much worse side effects than Stevia.

The harmful effects of sugar:

🧠 Brain and Mental Health
Addiction-like effects: Triggers dopamine release, leading to cravings and dependency.

Mood swings: Causes blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to irritability and fatigue.

Increased risk of depression: High sugar intake is linked to greater risk of depression and anxiety.

Cognitive decline: Excess sugar may impair memory and learning; linked to Alzheimer’s risk (“type 3 diabetes”).

❤️ Heart and Circulatory System
Increased risk of heart disease: Raises triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation.

Increases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis): Promotes plaque buildup and vascular damage.

High blood pressure: Especially from sugary drinks and processed foods.

🩺 Metabolic and Hormonal Effects
Weight gain and obesity: Extra calories and fat storage from insulin response.

Insulin resistance: Precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes: Strongly linked to sugar intake.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Fructose is metabolized in the liver and can lead to fat accumulation.

Leptin resistance: Disrupts satiety signaling, leading to overeating.

🍭 Teeth and Mouth
Tooth decay and cavities: Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria that produce acid.

Gum disease: Linked to high-sugar diets and poor oral hygiene.

🦴 Muscles and Joints
Increased inflammation: Sugar contributes to systemic inflammation, worsening arthritis and joint pain.

Higher uric acid levels: Can increase risk of gout.

🧬 Immune System
Weakened immune response: Excess sugar may suppress immune function and white blood cell activity.

Increased risk of infections: Weaker immune function makes you more vulnerable.

🧖‍♀️ Skin and Aging
Accelerated skin aging: Sugar binds to proteins via glycation, damaging collagen and elastin.

Acne: High-glycemic diets are associated with acne flare-ups.

🧠 Neurological and Behavioral Effects (Children and Adults)
Hyperactivity in children (often reported).

Behavioral issues and inattention: Linked to blood sugar instability.

🩸 Digestive and Gut Health
Disruption of gut microbiome: Feeds harmful gut bacteria and yeast like Candida.

Bloating and gas: Fermentation of sugars in the gut can cause discomfort.

👶 Effects During Pregnancy and on Children
Gestational diabetes: Linked to excessive sugar intake during pregnancy.

Macrosomia (large baby size): Higher sugar intake increases risk.

Childhood obesity and metabolic issues: Early sugar exposure influences long-term health.

🧪 Cancer Risk
Increased cancer risk: Obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation (exacerbated by sugar) are risk factors for several cancers (e.g., breast, colon, pancreatic).

Promotes cancer cell growth (controversial but under study): Some cancer cells use glucose more aggressively than normal cells (Warburg effect).

⚖️ Addiction and Lifestyle Effects
Binge-eating behavior: Sugar encourages reward-seeking and lack of control over intake.

Poor diet quality: High sugar intake often displaces nutrient-dense foods.

📉 Longevity and Overall Mortality
Shortened lifespan: Excessive sugar has been associated with higher overall mortality.

Chronic disease burden: Linked to many of the top causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Common Sources of Hidden Sugar:
Sweetened beverages (soda, energy drinks, juice)

Breakfast cereals

Flavored yogurt

Sauces and condiments (e.g., ketchup, BBQ sauce)

Protein bars and granola

Baked goods

Canned soups and ready-made meals

My only point here was that Stevia, which is just as natural as sugar, is a healthier alternative to sugar.

Between the comparative side effects, or downsides, of them both, Stevia wins over sugar.