Artificial sweeteners
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners (/ɑːrˈtɪfɪʃəl ˈswiːtənərz/), also known as sugar substitutes, are substances used to sweeten foods and drinks instead of sugar. The term encompasses a range of products, from low-calorie sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, to sugar alcohols like xylitol and erythritol.
Etymology
The term "artificial sweetener" is derived from the English words "artificial", meaning made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, and "sweetener", which refers to a substance used to impart a sweet taste.
Types of Artificial Sweeteners
There are several types of artificial sweeteners, each with its own properties and uses. Some of the most common include:
- Aspartame (/ˈæspərteɪm/): A low-calorie sweetener used in many diet drinks and foods. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.
- Sucralose (/ˈsuːkrəloʊs/): A zero-calorie sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is used in a wide range of food and drink products.
- Saccharin (/ˈsækərɪn/): One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, saccharin is 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar but has a slightly bitter aftertaste.
- Acesulfame potassium (/ˌeɪsiːˈsʌlfeɪm pəˈtæsiəm/): Often combined with other sweeteners, it is 200 times sweeter than sugar and is often used in baked goods.
Health Effects
While artificial sweeteners are often used as a healthier alternative to sugar, their health effects are a topic of ongoing debate. Some studies suggest that they may contribute to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, while others indicate that they are safe for general consumption.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Artificial sweeteners
- Wikipedia's article - Artificial sweeteners
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