Are You Reliant on Artificial Sweeteners?
By Tom Herrin
In our world of so many advancements, some seem to be really grand and glorious, and others seem to be somewhat small and quiet. One of those that has come along in the past century or so is artificial sweeteners. As a matter of fact, the first one to be practically marketed was introduced in the late nineteenth century before James Garfield was president. It is amazing to me that they did this then. That sweetener was saccharin, and it has continued until today in one form or another. Even though it went through some debate about possible health safety problems, it has survived. In the past 30 or 40 years, a few others have surfaced. The latest ones may taste more like sugar than the early ones.
Diabetics and Sweeteners
The true need for artificial sweeteners was likely for use by diabetics. Prior to the development of usable insulin, their lives were limited as to length and quality. Those who had this condition faced serious health issues and lots of uncertainty. Following the advent of insulin, artificial sweeteners must have had a huge impact. It allowed a disciplined diabetic to enjoy most of the same foods and drinks that others did. What a great benefit.
Sweeteners and Calories
While the real deal for them may have been diabetic use, artificial sweeteners are now popularly used by many who want to control calorie intake. It is not at all uncommon to see dieters with sugar-free drinks. It may allow them to enjoy snacks or drinks more without the fear of gaining weight. Another good perk is that these sweeteners don't threaten to cause problems with the teeth. Bacteria that destroy good teeth depend on sugar to provide the nutrition they need to survive.
Sugar Does Not Have to Be Eliminated
Unless we are diabetic, we can still eat or drink treats that have sugar. We simply need to exercise some restraint and good judgment. Having a sweet treat does not mean eating a meal made of them. It simply means having a little bit of something and knowing when to stop. If we can do this, there is no need for sweets to be off the list for us. If we have trouble with this, there are plenty of sugar-free items on the shelves at most stores.
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