Aspartame is a non-caloric artificial sweetener that is used widely as a sugar substitute in many low-calorie food products. Despite being approved for consumption by the FDA, there are several concerns regarding its safety.

In this article, we will discuss the harmful effects of aspartame on your cardiovascular system.

What is Aspartame?

Aspartame is a synthetic sugar substitute made up of two amino acids, phenylalanine, and aspartic acid. It is commonly used in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie food and drink products.

Aspartame and Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system is responsible for pumping blood and delivering oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. Aspartame has several harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, and some of these are discussed below:.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Studies have shown that consuming aspartame can increase the risk of heart disease.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, regular intake of aspartame can lead to a higher risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Aspartame can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol, which is the “bad” cholesterol, and decrease the levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the “good” cholesterol.

This imbalance in cholesterol levels can lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

Increased Blood Pressure

Aspartame can also increase blood pressure, which can put a strain on the cardiovascular system.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who consumed aspartame had significantly higher blood pressure levels than those who did not consume it. Increased blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Increased Risk of Diabetes

There is evidence to suggest that aspartame consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

According to a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, individuals who consumed aspartame had a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who did not consume it. This increased risk may be due to the fact that aspartame can disrupt insulin function, which can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Impact on the Endothelium

The endothelium is the inner lining of the blood vessels, and it plays a vital role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that aspartame consumption can negatively impact the endothelium.

According to a study published in the journal Nutrition Research, regular intake of aspartame can lead to impairment of endothelial function, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Aspartame and the Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Aspartame consumption has been linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome.

According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, individuals who consumed aspartame had higher levels of abdominal obesity, higher fasting glucose levels, and higher levels of triglycerides, all of which are risk factors for the metabolic syndrome.

Aspartame and Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats, and they can be life-threatening in some cases. Aspartame consumption has been linked to an increased risk of arrhythmias.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, consuming aspartame was associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in women with no history of heart disease.

Conclusion

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is widely used in low-calorie food and drink products. However, it has several harmful effects on the cardiovascular system, including an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Aspartame consumption can also negatively impact the endothelium and increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and arrhythmias. Therefore, it is advisable to limit or avoid aspartame consumption to maintain cardiovascular health.