Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
Today, artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes are found in a variety of food and beverages marketed as "sugar-free" or "diet," including things such as soft drinks, chewing gum, baked goods, and candy. Because these sweeteners are so prominent in our diet, it raises concern as to whether these sweeteners are a healthy alternative to natural sugar. There are many types of sugar substitutes. Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes derived from naturally occurring substances, including herbs or sugar itself. These are known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than regular sugar. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates that occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, but can be manufactured. These aren't considered non-caloric or non-nutritive sweeteners because they contain calories, but they're lower in calories than regular sugar, making them an attractive alternative (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Novel sweeteners are combinations of various types of sweeteners. Novel sweeteners, such as stevia, are hard to fit into one particular category because they are new; the production and ingredients are still unstandardized. Finally, natural sweeteners occur naturally: foods like honey, lemon or molasses that sweeten food and drinks (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). There have been several studies on whether sugar or artificial sweeteners are more beneficial. The no-calorie sweeteners sound like a good idea, but some research suggests that they don't ultimately help people lose weight; we tend to make up the calories elsewhere in our diet (Fernstrom, Munger, Sclafani, de Araujo, Roberts & Molinary, 2012). Schools have also joined the fad of non-nutritive s...
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Jon Gabriel explains how sugar has become an addictive drug like nicotine, the only difference is that its legal. Once we become hooked on it we become habituated to its effects and need more and more to satisfy ourselves. As a result of the increase in marketing and the on going dependence on sugary foods and beverages, children are taking in more and more sugar and obtaining less and less nutrients. According to Gentry Lasater,
Beil, Laura. 16 May 2013. Sweet Confusion: Does High Fructose Corn Syrup deserve such a bad
Abstract: The use of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener in various food and drink products has drastically affected the American people in the last three decades. Dominating 55% of the sweetener market because of its industrial benefits, HFCS’s increased use has caused dramatic effects in its consumers, including upsetting normal hormonal functions, destroying vital organs, nerves, and throwing off the body’s mineral balance. As the use of HFCS increased, the rates of obesity, diabetes, and related health problems have escalated, resulting in a nationwide epidemic.
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It is apparent that living an unhealthy lifestyle, as well as eating poorly, negatively affects one’s health. From a young age it is quickly learned which foods are considered healthful as opposed to junk food. It is a parents responsibility to supervise the intake of their child's food, however there is a higher risk than ever before of childhood obesity.
"Child Abuse Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Who Abuses Children? - OnHealth." Onhealth. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
... in food in the cafeteria lead to clogging the arteries that eventually lead to heart diseases (Ardis). Nevertheless, artificial sweeteners have not been tested in humans and show kids they are healthier, rather than real sugar and real sweeteners, when in reality they contain ingredients that can cause cancer.
Center for Disease control and Prevention. (2014, July 7). Nutrition. Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.bam.gov/sub_foodnutrition/index.html
The "Benefits Of Authoritarian Parenting." Benefits Of Authoritarian Parenting? 25 Mar. 2014 http://benefitof.net/benefits-of-authoritarian-parenting/>. The Disadvantages of Strict Parenting. Everyday Life. 26 Mar. 2014 http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/disadvantages-strict-parenting-3790.html>.
The American Heart Association (AHA) among other experts worldwide have made consistent recommendations regarding daily sugar intake however research has provided evidence that the American population surpasses these recommendations putting their health at risk. These recommendations include limiting added sugar to “6 tsps (25 g) for women, 9 tsps (38 g) for men”, and limiting added sugar intake for children to “Range between 3-6 teaspoons (12 - 25 grams) per day” (UCSF,2014). However, data collected by the Department of health and Human services and the Centers for Disease Control and prevention suggests that “The average American consumes 19.5 teaspoons (82 grams) every day” (Ervin et al. 2013). The US Department of Agriculture translates this to “About 66 pounds of added sugar consumed each year, per person” (USDA,
In our society today, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is increasing. Diabetes is caused by many factors, like genetics, inactivity, and obesity. With obesity on the rise in our country, so is diabetes, especially in young children. With the fattening and unhealthy foods provided by fast food chains and grocery stores, children are the ones that diabetes affects the most, causing them to have higher chances of being diagnosed with diabetes. According to Kim and Lee (2008), the rates of childhood obesity have tripled over the past three decades.