Stop Eating Artificial Sweeteners Now

It is widely known that artificial sweeteners are detrimental to one's health, but people still consume them at a rapid rate because of their low caloric count. Well, it seems that science has taken away that last redeeming quality, according to Runner's World. A new study has shown that eating artificial sweeteners can actually lead to consuming more calories later on. The Journal of Physiology published the study which showed that the brain can identify the difference between a zero-calorie sugar and energy supplying sugars. When the body ingests normal sugars, the brain will release the rewarding chemical dopamine, but with zero calorie sugars you will not get a dose of the rewarding chemical.
“It implies that humans frequently ingesting low-calorie sweet products in a state of hunger or exhaustion may be more likely to ‘relapse’ and choose high-calorie alternatives in the future,” according to the lead study author, Ivan de Araujo, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry, Yale University of Medicine, publisher of the findings in Journal of Physiology.

This study just gives you another reason not to use artificial sweeteners. They have been found in the past to be loaded with chemicals that lead to health problems down the line.  If you are worried about the calories that come in sugar, reach for a natural sweetener. Try agave nectar, date sugar, fruit juice concentrate, honey, maple syrup or molasses. Unlike artificial sweeteners, these natural treats will trigger a big dose of dopamine, so you can snack happy!