Sweeteners may age your brain faster

Artificial sweeteners are being used in every sweet product that you purchase off the shelves. These sweeteners may also be used on the table in day-to-day life. They are considered a better alternative to sucrose, which may lead to diabetes and insulin resistance. What if not enough research was done to understand the long-term effects of such sweeteners?

What are artificial sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are artificially created sweetening agents that may be synthesized as an alternative to sucrose, which may have a higher chance of causing systemic diseases like diabetes and obesity. These sweeteners are 10-100 times sweeter than sucrose, with fewer calories, and are thought to have no adverse effects. These sweeteners include xylitol, sorbitol, aspartame, erythritol, etc.

Brain aging vs sweeteners

Recent studies have shown that artificial sweeteners have a 62% increased chance of cognitive deprivation, which may be equivalent to 1.6 years of brain aging.

This decreased cognitive capacity may lead to memory loss, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive developmental issues. It has also been associated with increased risk in diabetes patients due to them being more immunocompromised and vulnerable. It leads to increased inflammation and a shift in the gut-brain axis.

How to counteract this growing issue?

• Create awareness

• Avoid sugar substitutes

• Avoid artificial beverages

• Substitute with fruits, honey, and yogurt

• Substitute with natural flavoring like cinnamon, dried fruits

• Make homemade juices and snacks

• Reduce sugar consumption and adapt your palate

• Increase intake of prebiotic diet like onions, legumes, oats, and bananas