Did you know that xylitol and erythritol, popular low-calorie sweeteners found in sodas, chewing gum, and toothpaste, are on the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list? Despite their widespread use for decades, recent studies reveal potential health risks that you need to know about.
🔬 The Clotting Concern: Consuming these sweeteners in regular amounts can increase the likelihood of blood clot formation. While they don't spike insulin levels, they do promote clotting, which is a precursor to strokes and heart disease. A major study highlighted a significant tendency for clotting in individuals who consumed xylitol regularly compared to those who didn't.
🍎 Choose Real Food: It's time to go back to basics. Opt for single-ingredient foods your great-grandmother would recognize. If you need a sweet fix, consider natural alternatives like bananas, dates, figs, or pears. For baking, try turbinado sugar or date sugar for a touch of minerals and vitamins. Maple syrup can be a great addition to pies, but use it sparingly.
🚫 Say No to Artificial Sweeteners: These substances might occur naturally in tiny amounts in vegetables, but consuming them in larger quantities can lead to significant health issues. Xylitol accumulates in the body much faster than glucose, leading to elevated biomarkers associated with cardiovascular changes.