Are you putting your heart at risk? This popular ingredient in your food could be dangerous!
- Replies 0
As we get older, we naturally become more mindful of what we eat, making choices that support our overall health and well-being.
Many of us have switched to artificial sweeteners, thinking they’re a smart way to cut back on sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
But what if the very ingredient we’ve trusted for years could actually be harming our hearts?
A new study from Sweden is raising important questions about one of the most common sugar substitutes—one that might not be as safe as we once thought.
Before reaching for another sugar-free treat, it’s worth taking a closer look at what this research reveals.
The findings might just change the way we think about "healthy" alternatives.
Aspartame, found in many diet sodas, sugar-free gums, and low-sugar yogurts, has long been a go-to for those watching their sugar intake.
However, researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have uncovered some troubling findings.
Their study suggests that aspartame could lead to increased insulin levels, which over time may raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
This research started with a simple observation—one of the lead researchers, Dr. Yihai Cao, noticed a student drinking a sugar-free beverage and became curious about how artificial sweeteners affect the body.
His team then conducted a 12-week study in which mice were given an aspartame-laced diet equivalent to about three cans of diet soda per day for humans.
The results? Mice consuming aspartame developed larger, fattier plaques in their arteries along with increased inflammation—both serious risk factors for heart disease.
The study identified a key immune signal called CX3CL1, which plays a role in inflammation and plaque buildup.
Under the influence of insulin, CX3CL1 acts like a magnet, trapping immune cells along the walls of blood vessels, where they contribute to dangerous blockages.
When researchers removed CX3CL1 receptors from immune cells, the buildup stopped—suggesting a direct connection between aspartame, inflammation, and heart disease.
While these results are based on animal studies, they raise valid concerns about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on heart health.
Dr. Cao and his team are eager to conduct further research on humans to confirm their findings.
Given how widespread artificial sweeteners are in our food, understanding their impact is more important than ever.
Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital, recommends avoiding both sugar and artificial sweeteners when possible.
If you need an alternative, she suggests trying natural options like allulose, monk fruit, or stevia (without erythritol, another artificial sweetener linked to heart risks).
Another simple strategy? Sweeten foods with fruit or gradually adjust your taste buds to prefer less sweetness overall.
As Schiff points out, “I’ve never seen a single study that concluded that increasing sugar or artificial sweetener intake was healthy. It’s worth making changes in your diet to stay healthy.”
Here at The GrayVine, we believe in staying informed and making the best choices for our health. This study is a good reminder to look beyond calories and consider what’s really in our food.
Related articles:
Shocking Discovery Sparks Massive “Zero Sugar” Soda Recall – Find Out Why!
Experts share 5 tactics to banish artificial sweeteners out of your life for good
Now, we’d really love to hear from you! Have you ever experienced health issues you think could be linked to artificial sweeteners? What are your favorite natural ways to sweeten your foods and drinks? Do you have any tips for cutting back on sugar and artificial sweeteners?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read next: Boost your brainpower with these 4 cereals – experts expose ones you must avoid!
Many of us have switched to artificial sweeteners, thinking they’re a smart way to cut back on sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
But what if the very ingredient we’ve trusted for years could actually be harming our hearts?
A new study from Sweden is raising important questions about one of the most common sugar substitutes—one that might not be as safe as we once thought.
Before reaching for another sugar-free treat, it’s worth taking a closer look at what this research reveals.
The findings might just change the way we think about "healthy" alternatives.
Could your favorite sugar substitute be affecting your heart health? Image Source: Pexels / Photo By: Kaboompics.com.
The Sweetener in Question: Aspartame’s Hidden Dangers
Aspartame, found in many diet sodas, sugar-free gums, and low-sugar yogurts, has long been a go-to for those watching their sugar intake.
However, researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have uncovered some troubling findings.
Their study suggests that aspartame could lead to increased insulin levels, which over time may raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
This research started with a simple observation—one of the lead researchers, Dr. Yihai Cao, noticed a student drinking a sugar-free beverage and became curious about how artificial sweeteners affect the body.
His team then conducted a 12-week study in which mice were given an aspartame-laced diet equivalent to about three cans of diet soda per day for humans.
The results? Mice consuming aspartame developed larger, fattier plaques in their arteries along with increased inflammation—both serious risk factors for heart disease.
Mice that consumed aspartame (right) developed more and larger arterial plaques (red) compared to those that did not consume the sweetener. Image Source: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
Also read: States challenge Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk—implications for DOGE
A Deeper Look at the Findings
The study identified a key immune signal called CX3CL1, which plays a role in inflammation and plaque buildup.
Under the influence of insulin, CX3CL1 acts like a magnet, trapping immune cells along the walls of blood vessels, where they contribute to dangerous blockages.
When researchers removed CX3CL1 receptors from immune cells, the buildup stopped—suggesting a direct connection between aspartame, inflammation, and heart disease.
What Does This Mean for Us?
While these results are based on animal studies, they raise valid concerns about the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on heart health.
Dr. Cao and his team are eager to conduct further research on humans to confirm their findings.
Given how widespread artificial sweeteners are in our food, understanding their impact is more important than ever.
Also read: Could this favorite American food be fueling rising dementia rates?
Should We Be Rethinking Our Sweetener Choices?
Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital, recommends avoiding both sugar and artificial sweeteners when possible.
If you need an alternative, she suggests trying natural options like allulose, monk fruit, or stevia (without erythritol, another artificial sweetener linked to heart risks).
Another simple strategy? Sweeten foods with fruit or gradually adjust your taste buds to prefer less sweetness overall.
As Schiff points out, “I’ve never seen a single study that concluded that increasing sugar or artificial sweetener intake was healthy. It’s worth making changes in your diet to stay healthy.”
Here at The GrayVine, we believe in staying informed and making the best choices for our health. This study is a good reminder to look beyond calories and consider what’s really in our food.
Related articles:
Shocking Discovery Sparks Massive “Zero Sugar” Soda Recall – Find Out Why!
Experts share 5 tactics to banish artificial sweeteners out of your life for good
Now, we’d really love to hear from you! Have you ever experienced health issues you think could be linked to artificial sweeteners? What are your favorite natural ways to sweeten your foods and drinks? Do you have any tips for cutting back on sugar and artificial sweeteners?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read next: Boost your brainpower with these 4 cereals – experts expose ones you must avoid!
