Throw your chewing gum away. It causes cancer.
Around 20 days ago, The WHO declared that the widely used artificial sweetener, aspartame could be a possible carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)
What is aspartame? Do I have cancer? Should I stop chewing gum? Should I stop consuming ‘sugar free’ products? Read more to find out.
What even is aspartame?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sugar and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages. You can find it in your pack of gum or even in your can of coke.
It may also be labelled as Nutrasweet®, Equal®, or Sugar Twin®.
Which products use aspartame?
From your favourite pack of gum to a can of diet coke, below are a list of products that you and I have probably used or purchased before that contain aspartame:
- Table top sweeteners like NutraSweet, Equal and Sugar Twin
- Sugar free gum like Orbit, Trident, Extra, Wrigley’s and Mentos gum
- Gelatin-based products like sugar-free Jell-O and Royal Gelatin
- Sugar free syrups like Mrs. Butterworth’s Sugar Free Syrup and Log Cabin Sugar Free Syrup.
- Soft drinks labelled as zero sugar / sugar free will most likely contain aspartame. These could include drinks like Coca Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite Zero Sugar, Fanta Orange Zero Sugar and Schweppes Bitter Lemon.
How to identify if a product contains aspartame
- READ THE INGREDIENTS AT THE BACK
- Most products branded as ‘sugar-free’ are likely to contain aspartame, but not all aspartame-containing products have ‘sugar-free’ or ‘zero sugar’ labels.
- If a product tastes sweet but claims to have no sugar added, consider checking for the sugar alternatives used.
Other sugar alternatives
There is an abundance of natural sugar alternatives, ranging from honey to dates, that offer delicious sweetness, often on par with or even sweeter than sugar, without the harmful effects.
Recently, I discovered a product called monk fruit sugar, which leaves no aftertaste unlike stevia or aspartame. You guys should definitely try it out!
Is it addictive?
Aspartame, though not a drug, can trigger a desire to consume more, akin to the way we crave sugary treats. Its sweet taste can elicit a pleasurable response in the brain, leading some to seek out aspartame-containing products, similar to the urge for an extra piece of gum. However, this isn’t a physiological addiction but rather a behavioral preference driven by the enjoyment of sweetness. Moderation is key when using aspartame or any sweetener, and a balanced diet is crucial for overall well-being.
How harmful is it actually?
Aspartame has been added to the list of possibly carcinogenic substances, alongside other products like aloe vera, talcum powder, or pickled vegetables. Therefore, there is no need to panic and eliminate every product containing aspartame. Typically, the dosage of aspartame in products is low. Occasional consumption should not lead to any harmful effects.
It’s important to note that this topic is not heavily researched, so staying updated on any changes in its status is advisable.
Thank you so much for reading till the end! If you have any suggestions, recommendations, or disagree with any content on this blog, please feel free to email me at blogs@arjundugar.com
