KARACHI:
Sugar is widely recognised as a major contributor to various health issues, including diabetes, tooth decay, and obesity. Resultantly, many individuals have turned to artificial sugars, also known as non-caloric sweeteners, as they are a seemingly healthier alternative. These sweeteners, such as aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, cyclamate, and neotame are commonly used in a plethora of food products.
Even though they are used in minute quantities, their intense sweetness has raised concerns among people regarding their safety and potential adverse effects. In Pakistan, the consumption of artificial sweeteners is on the rise as doctors recommend them as a substitute for sugar. However, recent reports from the World Health Organisation have shed light on the carcinogenic nature of aspartame, particularly used in diet coke. Numerous studies have also suggested a link between artificial sweeteners and cancer in humans. Consequently, cyclamate has been banned in the US and saccharin is prohibited in many countries worldwide. Many other sweeteners are also banned in various countries across the globe. Even in small quantities, these sweeteners may be linked to cancer and other diseases, so the government must act and impose a ban on their use in food products to protect public health.
So, what alternatives are available to consumers seeking a sweet taste without compromising their well-being? The answer lies in natural sugars found in fruits, milk, and honey. These natural sources of sweetness do not pose any known adverse effects on health and can serve as healthier alternatives to artificial sweeteners and common sugar. Researchers in the field of food science are diligently working on extracting sugars from these natural products. Soon, these natural sugar extracts could be viable and safe options for sweetening various food products, offering consumers a healthier choice without compromising on taste.
Samran Khalid
Bahawalnagar
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2023.
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