Aspartame is a combination of two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are acids obtained from the digestion of protein nutrients. Aspartame is a clean, white, odorless crystalline powder. It has a sweet taste similar to sucrose. and is a sweetener instead of sugar Or artificial sugar that tastes closest to table sugar.
If measured between equal amounts of aspartame and granulated sugar, aspartame is approximately 200-300 times sweeter than granulated sugar. and provides the same amount of energy as sugar, which is 4 kilocalories per gram. Or if compared to the sweetness from sucrose Aspartame is approximately 160-220 times sweeter.
However, ยูฟ่าเบท specify that Eating sweeteners instead of sugar Especially aspartame It contributes to the urge to eat more sugar. and has an impact on negative emotions Causes insomnia, depression, stimulates alertness Increases stress-causing substances (Cortisol) as well as excessive free radicals. This can increase the risk of brain and nervous system health. While some people may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, rashes, fatigue, and abnormally fast heartbeats when ingested.
We can find sugar substitute sweeteners like aspartame in various foods and beverages such as:
- Sugar-free drinks Especially in diet soft drinks. or sugar-free soft drinks
- Powdered sugar products Used to add sweetness to various drinks or foods.
- Sugar Free Cereal
- Sugar Free Bakery
- Sugar Free Gum or Candy
- Sugar Free Ice Cream
- Some children’s medicines are Sugar Free, especially cough medicine.
In addition, aspartame may be seen in drinks or food that have properties listed as Sugar Free, low in calories, and does not make you fat. They use sweeteners instead of sugar.
If you want to add sweetness to your drinks or food. It is recommend to use these natural sweeteners instead of aspartame.
- honey
- maple syrup or maple syrup
- freshly squeezed juice
- Stevia
- Blackstrap molasses or molasses with a sugar content of approximately 50-60%.
Even though it is known to be naturally sweet But it should be consumed in an amount appropriate to your body’s needs. For example, honey should be consumed about 1-2 tablespoons per day, totaling no more than 5 tablespoons per day so you don’t have to worry about excess sugar. and overweight This is because most sweeteners are high in calories.