Aspartame – the hidden poison in supermarkets

Aspartame is one of the most infamous sweeteners in the market. It comes with different names like Equal or NutraSweet. Over 6000 products since 1965 contain it. Its sweetening power is 180 to 200 times stronger than sugar and has the same caloric value as sugar, ie 4 calories per gram.

Of course, aspartame thrives on diet products. Another most common products are chewing gums, fruit juices, candies, puddings, chocolates, yoghurts, and instant soups. Most of the diet or light products contain it.

How poisonous is it?

The worst part of the story is that products which contain aspartame affect people with diabetes and obesity. They are marked as “sugar-free” to be more attractive. Do not think that only “healthy” drinks are marked as sugar-free. Many vitamins, syrups from the pharmacies, candies for a cough, even mouthwash liquids contain it.

Not everybody knows that this chemical is hazardous to our health and creates addiction which leads to many health problems!

Aspartame for children and pregnant women?

Experts point out that children, both as developing organisms and pregnant women, should be fed in accordance with the principles of balanced nutrition. While the consumption of light products with artificial sweeteners can potentially cause problems.

Richard Wurtman and Timothy Maher conducted research that showed the reason why aspartame is considered as dangerous. It is, essentially, a molecule of three chemical components that are neurotoxic. Aspartic acid (40%), methanol (10%) and phenylalanine (50%). Another research says how aspartame has direct and indirect cellular effects on the brain.

Aspartic acid and phenylalanine are neurotoxins which affect the brain and kill the cells. Methanol is another dangerous metabolic poison. It is a narcotic! When we metabolise aspartame, it produces diketopiperazine which helps the development of a brain tumour.

Aspartame is responsible for 75% of the side-effects due to food additives according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many of these side effects are very serious. To name just cognitive impairment and death. Some of the 90 different documented symptoms from this report are headaches, dizziness, mental confusion, nausea, muscle spasms, skin problems. Furthermore, depression, weakness, tachycardia, insomnia, breathing difficulties, panic attacks etc…

How to avoid it?

First of all, read the ingredients. Aspartame is usually main or supporting sweetener. Even if the letters are too small, you will always be able to spot it. Some producers might mask it as E951. If you base 90% of your food from natural and organic stores, you will most probably avoid aspartame. on the other hand, a big percentage of products in the classic supermarket will contain aspartame. Follow your inner feeling, it’s better to shop form small farmers markets, butchers and organic stores. As an alternative, Stevia, even in processed form, is much better and healthier choice.