Sugar substitutes: Shocking truth you didn't know
Why some sugar substitutes are very harmful (photo: freepik)
There are many sugar substitutes available that are completely calorie-free and widely sold, such as sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. It turns out that these substitutes can be more harmful than sugar. Marca explains why this happens.
What you need to know about sugar substitutes
All of them are chemically processed from sucrose, or table sugar. Although they are used to reduce calorie intake, they can have a negative impact on health.
A study by the Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute at the University of Southern California shows how sucralose affects health.
Why sucralose can increase appetite
Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener, sweeter than sugar, heat-resistant, and water-soluble, which is why it is used in beverages and baked goods. However, a study conducted by the Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute at the University of Southern California questions its effectiveness in weight loss and appetite control.
The study involved 75 adults aged 18 to 35 who were of normal weight, overweight, or obese. They participated in three sessions and consumed sucralose, sucrose, or water. Brain blood flow was measured using MRI before and after the drinks, with full focus on the hypothalamus, a key area in hunger regulation.
The results showed that consumption of sucralose increased blood flow to the hypothalamus much more than water or sucrose, indicating a stronger hunger signal. This effect was more pronounced in people of normal weight and had no significant impact on those with obesity.
Thus, sucralose increased brain activity related to hunger. That’s not all: participants in the experiment reported feeling hungrier when consuming sucralose, which led researchers to conclude that sucralose does not activate hormones that cause satiety but may increase the desire to eat.
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