For years, sweeteners have been used as a substitute for sugar, especially for people who are unable or unwilling to consume sugar due to health reasons.

Sweeteners come in different forms such as natural sweeteners, artificial sweeteners, low-calorie sweeteners, and sugar alcohols. Although sweeteners have been marketed to be safer and healthier substitutes for sugar, several studies have shown that consuming sweeteners can have adverse effects on one’s health, most specifically on the risk of developing stroke.

What are Sweeteners?

Sweeteners are a substitute for sugar. They are used as sugar alternatives for people with diabetes, sugar intolerance or people who want to reduce their sugar intake.

They are available in different forms such as low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin; sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol; and natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, and agave nectar. These sweeteners are used in various food products such as beverages, baked goods, and processed foods.

The Risks of Consuming Sweeteners

The consumption of sweeteners is associated with multiple health risks, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. Some research studies have shown that sweeteners can lead to weight gain, causing metabolic changes in the body.

These metabolic changes can contribute to the development of chronic diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of stroke.

Sweeteners and Stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency caused by a sudden interruption in the blood supply to the brain. Stroke occurs when the blood vessels in the brain become blocked or ruptured, causing brain damage and other complications.

According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 11% of all deaths. Several studies have linked the consumption of sweeteners to an increased risk of developing stroke.

The Mechanism of Action

Although the exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, several research studies have suggested that consuming sweeteners can cause negative metabolic changes that increase the risk of developing stroke.

These metabolic changes include changes in gut microbiota, the release of inflammatory markers, and a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

The Evidence

A 2019 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology examined the relationship between sweeteners and the risk of stroke and dementia in a sample of over 81,000 women.

The findings showed that women who consumed a higher amount of sweeteners had a significantly increased risk of developing ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blockage or a clot that restricts blood flow to the brain. The study also showed that consuming sweeteners was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.

Another 2019 study published in the journal Stroke analyzed the relationship between sweetened drinks and stroke risk in a sample of over 80,000 women.

The findings showed that women who consumed two or more servings of sweetened drinks a day had a significantly increased risk of developing ischemic stroke, compared to those who consumed less than one serving per day. The study also found that the consumption of diet soda, which contains artificial sweeteners, was associated with a higher risk of developing stroke.

What Does Nature Reveal?

Nature has provided us with several natural sweeteners that are a healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners. These natural sweeteners come from natural sources such as plants and fruits and are minimally processed.

Some of the natural sweeteners available are honey, maple syrup, molasses, agave nectar, stevia, monk fruit, and dates. These natural sweeteners have a low glycemic index, which means they do not spike blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

The consumption of sweeteners is associated with multiple health risks, including stroke. Artificial sweeteners, particularly those found in sweetened beverages, have been linked to an increased risk of stroke.

A healthier alternative to artificial sweeteners are natural sweeteners that come from natural sources and are minimally processed. Nature has provided us with several sweet fruits and plants that can be used as a substitute for sugar and artificial sweeteners.