the world in recent years has seen a surge in people with health problems not caused by malnutrition, but rather 'overnutrition'

countries like the USA have one of the highest numbers of obese populations, primarily caused by lifestyle and diet factors.

this has led to a new trend in food where the health conscious are very particular about the things they consume.

people who watch their diet typically observe their daily calorie intake to suit their lifestyle and avoid over-consuming. the demand for low calorie foods have sparked the development and usage of artificial sweeteners which contain close to zero calories and yet serve the same function of sugar. to provide 'sweetness' to food products, without the unwanted carbohydrates.

artificial sweeteners include aspartame - which is used in 'coke zero' a popular derivative of coca-cola, stevia - which is 300 times sweeter than sugar and is recently recognized as 'generally regarded as safe' (GRAS), saccharin - one of the oldest developed artificial sweetener, and many more.

the saying 'there is no free lunch in this world' leads us then to these questions -

what are the drawbacks to using artificial sweeteners?
health effects?
psychological preconceptions about using artificial sweeteners?
what do malaysians think about the usage of artificial sweeteners in food?


discuss.

aspartame is also known to be carcinogenic in high doses. however it remains one of the most popular artificial sweeteners used in drinks nowadays.

most artificial sweeteners, when consumed - although they provide some degree of sweetness, which is pleasurable - have also been known to give a strange aftertaste or/and alter the overall taste and feel of the product which it is used in. psychological or chemical?

bitterness maskers and flavour enchancers are now also developed to be included with artificial sweeteners, likening it to the domino effect. tumble 1, and the rest follows.

also, if given a choice, would any of u go for a product with artificial sweeteners?

so is caffeine which is a psychoactive drug, but i digress.

in nutrition, the most basic and simple rule is to consume in moderation. therefore, everything consumed in excess will either be detrimental or undesirable.

the question is whether to avoid, or embrace?

think of the people with health problems, or people who are really concerned with their diet. small doses wont kill. there are many more 'unhealthy' chemicals consumed on a daily basis

This post has been edited by b3ta: Sep 27 2009, 09:11 PM

stevia is banned in a couple of countries (controversial) but is GRAS however, research is needed to demonstrate total safety.

it's also classed as a supplement instead of an additive by the FDA. thing is, these governing bodies for food regulations are so affected by major food corporations that some decisions made by them can be controversial at times.

also, i have tasted pure stevia before. tastes nasty. it's 300 times sweeter than sugar and if u put some on ur tongue it will taste so sweet it's bitter and leaves a strong odd aftertaste. im in the opinion that it will not totally emulate the taste and feel of sugar.

the one i have tasted was in powder form and practically ready to be used with food products.

it was.

stevia is meant to be used in low concentration though. a little is already enough.

Diet coke uses aspartame + ace K and it's hugely popular

do any of u guys drink d.coke?