Food & recipes

Toxic Food: Ditch the fake sugars

Michael Van Straten explains why you should avoid artificial sweeteners at all costs!

Michael Van Straten explains why you should avoid artificial sweeteners at all costs!
Artificial sweeteners have no nutritional value whatsoever. There are many stories of plots, counterplots, conspiracies and dire health consequences related to this group of additives. However, much of this information is false and promoted on spurious websites, but my belief is in the need for the ‘precautionary principle’ – the absolute proof of safety. These are my concerns:

Saccharin:

This is a possible cause of cancer in lab animals and up to 1997 had to be labelled as such in the USA. The Center for Science in Public Interest in America said that If saccharin is even a weak carcinogen, it would pose an intolerable risk to the public because there is evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and limited evidence that it may cause bladder cancer in humans.

Aspartame:

It has been reported that of the 166 studies of human safety, 74 had Nutrasweet industry – makers of aspartame – funding and 92 were independently funded.100 per cent of company research confirmed safety, whereas 92 per cent of the independents found problems. Headaches, depression, especially in those with mental health problems and increased hunger are all possible. It is strange that some top opponents of aspartame, now owned by the pesticide giant Monsanto, have top jobs in their law firms and PR consultants – a name you will recognise is Donald Rumsfeld who was CEO of the original makers Searle; he was twice US Secretary of Defense!

Acesulfame K

Contains the carcinogen methylene chloride and long-term exposure to this can cause headaches, depression, nausea, liver and kidney problems and cancer; yet it is permitted in your food.

Cut sugar intake to change your taste; use organic raw sugar – it works for everything except meringues – organic honey, or why not try the all-natural sweet alternative of stevia?

Article by

Michael Van Straten

Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant

is a naturopath and nutritional consultant. Go to michaelvanstraten.com

Discover more

Article by

Michael Van Straten

Naturopath and Nutritional Consultant

is a naturopath and nutritional consultant. Go to michaelvanstraten.com

Discover more