Artificial sweeteners are commonly advertised as a low-calorie option to sugar and are present in items such as diet sodas and sugar-free desserts. But are they truly healthy? Let us understand the advantages and disadvantages of artificial sweeteners and their potential negative impacts.

What are artificial sweeteners?

   Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that provide the sweetness of sugar with minimal or zero calories. Common examples include aspartame, sucralose, saccharin and stevia. These sweeteners are significantly sweeter than sugar, so only a small quantity is needed to achieve the desired sweetness.

The appeal of artificial sweeteners

Calorie-free sweetness

   Artificial sweeteners are popular because they provide sweetness without adding calories, which is appealing to people trying to lower their calorie intake,....