Dr. Mark Stengler, December 24, 2013
The dangers of aspartame
Aspartame is safe? Don’t believe it!
The European Food Safety Authority claims it conducted the most thorough safety review ever on this artificial sweetener, but I have to wonder just how that’s even possible.
After all, when they started the project back in 2009, the EFSA claimed it would look at so much research that it would take until 2020 to finish the project.
Now, here they are — suddenly done, 7 years early.
What happened? I’m guessing pressure from the soda industry. After all, like the FDA here in the United States, the European Food Safety Authority is more of a political body than a scientific one.
In fact, the orders to wrap up the aspartame study early didn’t come from scientists. They came from the politicians and career bureaucrats of the European Commission.
Well, I’m not afraid of the soda companies. I’m not afraid of politicians. And I’m certainly not afraid of career bureaucrats.
So let me tell you what the European Food Safety Authority and the FDA won’t, and that’s the truth about aspartame: It’s the most dangerous additive ever approved for human consumption.
It’s been linked to genetic damage, kidney dysfunction, and cancer — including tumors in the brain. It can trigger allergic reactions and cause or worsen migraines.
It’s been linked to close to 100 side effects — and for all those risks, aspartame doesn’t even deliver on the promise of a “diet” alternative to sugar.
Studies have shown that people who switch from sugary drinks to diet drinks sweetened with aspartame don’t lose weight and don’t reduce the risk of diabetes. In fact, people who drink diet sodas actually have a higher risk of obesity and diabetes.
It beats me how they’re even allowed to call this stuff “diet” soda.
The best alternative to sugary drinks is plain old filtered water. If you want some flavor, infuse some fruit or mint. And if you want fizz, try seltzer.
Another great option is tea. Hot or iced, tea can help protect the brain and heart and even fight cancer. Just be sure to take it unsweetened, or use a safe natural sweetener such as lo han.