Artificial Sweeteners: Friend or Foe? Examining Their Impact on Long-Term Health

When someone mentions celebrations or festivals, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? For most of us, it would probably be sweet treats. Throughout our lives, sugar has been a constant companion whether it’s the refreshing lemonade during summer, the comforting tea for rainy days, or traditional treats such as gujiya during Holi and sewai on Eid. Yet, with the advent of technology, sugar has been unfairly villainised, giving rise to artificial sweeteners that are currently in use. This trend began years ago and artificial sweeteners gradually became a popular choice for health-conscious individuals.

However, once hailed as healthier alternatives, artificial sweeteners are now being reassessed. A recent NIH research shows their harmful effects on gut bacteria which aid in digestion and immunity. Such findings echo WHO’s 2023 guidelines, discouraging non-sugar sweeteners as their long-term use can result in obesity as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, leading to increased mortality rates.

With such groundbreaking studies, it has become important to consider a nutritious choice. Surprisingly, natural sugar extracted from sugarcane and our age-long companion can be considered a good choice. Not many people know this, but sugar is a boon for low blood pressure patients as it provides instant energy. It is also useful for individuals engaged in high levels of prolonged physical activity. Moreover, it leads to the release of two useful hormones, serotonin and dopamine, which is why many people turn to sugary foods, also called comfort food, for emotional comfort during stress or sadness.

To cut a long story short, artificial sweeteners remain one of the debated areas. Having its benefits in certain contexts, and especially in present times with the cultural shift towards a healthier way of life, awareness and the right choice will always be paramount. Nevertheless, with advances in nutrition science, it will be vital for us to keep pace with the developments, while keeping our culture alive and our roots intact.