The World Health Organization is poised to designate aspartame as “having a potential to cause cancer in humans,” indicating its classification as a possible carcinogen.
Aspartame, a widely utilized sweetener, is commonly found in various beverage and food items such as Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, Pepsi Zero Sugar, and Mountain Dew Zero Sugar, Sugar-free desserts, Sugar-free chewing gums, etc.
FSSAI to Investigate Potential Aspartame-Cancer Link: Examining WHO Report Findings
FSSAI to seek stakeholder input on guidelines for carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
Apart from it, there are also other regulatory agencies and food safety authorities closely monitoring this situation.
There are continuously reviewing the scientific data available and other regulatory measures to ensure the safety of consumers.
Qi Sun, an associate professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, expounds that the cancer research committee has an extensive scope when it comes to carcinogens.
The determination of whether aspartame can be classified as a carcinogen depends on the available evidence, Sun explains.
Artificial Sugar vs Natural Sugar
When it comes to health concerns, both artificial and natural sugars have their pros and cons.
Artificial sugars are low in calories and do not directly raise blood sugar levels, making them popular among people who are controlling their weight loss or have diabetes.
Whereas, natural sugars are the sugars found naturally in whole foods like glucose and fructose are natural sugars and are found in fruits and vegetables.
They provide energy and devote to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. However, excessive consumption of natural sugars, particularly in the form of added sugars found in processed foods and beverages, can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and other health issues.
However, opting between artificial sugar and natural sugar depends on individual dietary requirements, health objectives, and overall consumption habits.
It is crucial to adopt a balanced approach and remain mindful of the overall sugar consumption in one’s diet, irrespective of whether it is derived from artificial or natural sources.
