Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners

Reading time: approx. 5 minutes

Hey Brothers! 

Welcome to LenDentonThrive Letter #68!

I write the LenDentonThrive Letter to provide Over-50 Guys with practical, science-backed information and strategies that help you lose weight, get fit, and live longer… all in a smarter - not harder way. In this week’s edition, we’re continuing a conversation of the health impacts of sugar, and how to beat sugar addiction.

Let’s jump right in!

Toxic and Addictive

In a recent edition of the Letter, I wrote that sugar is both toxic and addictive! And, if you’re an Over-50 Guy who grew up in the USA, chances are you’ve grown up in a food culture that is filled with sugar! Sugar is everywhere and in practically everything! The Standard American Diet is full of sugar. Americans consume more sugar per person than any other country in the world! 

Because of these high levels of sugar consumption, obesity is at epidemic levels in America. And, so are obesity-driven diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and even some cancers.

The two main sources of sugar in Americans’ diets are sugary soft drinks and ultra-processed foods. A recent study shows that over 70% of the average American’s daily calorie intake comes from these two sources!

Sugar is also addictive! 

Research has shown that sugar and sweetness can induce rewards and cravings that are comparable in magnitude to those induced by addictive drugs!  Another study found that intense sweetness can surpass the cocaine reward!

Sugar is toxic and addictive. It’s deeply embedded in our Standard American Diet. And,  it’s leading to bad health outcomes for Americans. 

In short, it’s slowly killing us! 

So, what should we do instead? 

The obvious answer is to radically reduce the amount of sugar in our daily diets. But, that’s easier said than done. Here are some quick tips:

1. Eat more protein at mealtime.

2. Reduce snacks, fast foods, and sugary soft drinks.

3. Eat more whole foods like lean meats and vegetables.

Artificial Sweeteners - Pros and Cons

Another way to reduce your sugar intake is to replace it with an artificial sweetener. This can help you continue to enjoy the sweet tastes you’re accustomed to while reducing the harmful effects of consuming too much sugar.

But, choosing the right artificial sweetener for your needs can be tricky. Some sweeteners are safer than others. And some sweeteners have after-tastes that some guys find unpleasant. Table 1 below shows six of the most popular sweeteners on the market along with some pros and cons for each: 

Build Your Plan to Escape From Sugar

The research shows us that sugar is toxic and addictive. It’s also closely connected to bad health outcomes for everyone, including over-50 Guys like us!

Ten years ago, I decided to break free from sugar’s grip on my health and fitness. In addition to improving my overall diet, I swapped out sugar and replaced it with sucralose as my go-to sweetener.

The results were dramatic! 

I lost 70 pounds in 7 months. And, my cholesterol and blood chemistry improved as well. Now ten years later, I’m healthier and more fit than I was in my 40s! 

Much of my success is because I kicked my sugar habit.

The road to long-term health and fitness goes through the kitchen, not the gym. Exercise matters, but your diet matters much more! 

Do you have a plan to kick your sugar habit? 

In the next edition of the Letter, we’ll take a deep look at planning your sugar escape and beating your sugar addiction for good.

Thanks for stopping by.

Smarter - not harder.

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