If you’re trying to cut down on sugar or protect your teeth, you might be using artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose found in diet sodas and sugar-free snacks.
However, there’s some concerning news about one sweetener in particular—erythritol. According to a study by the Cleveland Clinic, published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, erythritol could raise your risk of serious heart issues, such as heart attacks and strokes, even if consumed in typical amounts.
The Cleveland Clinic’s research found that erythritol increases platelet reactivity, making blood more likely to clot. Blood clots can cause major health problems like heart attacks or strokes.
This isn’t the first time the Cleveland Clinic has studied this; a 2023 study published in Nature Medicine also linked erythritol to a higher risk of severe cardiac events and blood clots.
Dr. Stanley Hazen, the cardiologist who led the research, explained that people with higher levels of erythritol in their system were twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack, stroke, or even death compared to those with lower levels.
Although the Cleveland Clinic’s research involved animal models, and other factors could be at play, the findings suggest that artificial sweeteners like erythritol might not be as safe as they seem.
Besides, many of these sweeteners can cause unpleasant side effects like bloating and gas. If you want to avoid erythritol, it’s a good idea to check labels on products like yogurt and diet sodas.
The information comes from Parade, which shared these findings to help raise awareness about the potential risks of artificial sweeteners.
So while they might seem like a good alternative to sugar, it’s important to be aware of the possible health risks associated with their use.
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/popular-artificial-sweetener-heart-attack-risk?utm_source=pushly