Artificial sweeteners are used as a low calorie option to sweeten foods and beverages. Although they do make things taste sweet without the added calories (which sugar provides) they do come with a host of side effects.

Aspartame is the most commonly used artificial sweetener and it has a neuro-toxic effect on the brain so it's linked to a host of disease states such as Alzheimer’s, brain tumours, headaches, dizziness and depression.

Other artificial sweeteners include saccharin, cyclamate, alitame, sucralose, acesulfame-K and neotame.

The interesting thing about artificial sweeteners is that most people are attracted to them because they are providing us with a lower calorie option, which means less weight gain. However, they have a strong effect on our neuro chemistry which affects our moods. We can end up craving more carbohydrates. If we don’t burn these carbohydrates off then we put weight on so it’s not really helping too much!

Foods to Watch Out For

Artificial sweeteners can be found in loads of food products so read the labels clearly: soft drinks, flavoured waters, chewing gum, diet meals, ice creams, sauces, chocolate, protein bars and desserts!

Healthy Options

• Stevia: a South American herb which is 300 times sweeter than sugar, and zero calories.
  
  
• Raw honey: nice and natural, plus a great source of minerals and has potent anti-bacterial properties.
  
  
• Coconut sugar and nectar is hot on the market right now. It has a low glycemic index and tastes great! Give it a whirl next time you're baking as it's a great sugar substitute!

Special thanks to Endeavour College of Natural Health for supplying this article. Lola Berry is an Endeavour College of Natural Health graduate and ambassador.