In recent years, health-conscious people all around the world have been searching for healthy alternatives to sugar to curb their calorie intake and avoid the associated health risks. One artificial sweetener that many people consume is Splenda, which is marketed as an excellent substitute for sugar.
However, many people have raised a concern about whether Splenda can cause cancer. In this blog post, we answer once and for all the question – does Splenda cause cancer?
What is Splenda?
Let’s begin by discussing how Splenda is made. Splenda, also known as sucralose, is made by replacing some of the sugar molecules with chlorine atoms, resulting in a compound called sucralose. Sucralose is not broken down by the body, resulting in a calorie-free sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels and can be used in moderation.
Although some studies have shown that consuming sucralose can have negative effects on the body, multiple studies, for decades, claimed that Splenda does not cause cancer. Until now.
Does Splenda Cause Cancer in Studies?
The National Cancer Institute, for example, for many years claimed that there is no clear evidence to suggest that Splenda or any artificial sweetener causes cancer. The FDA has also approved Splenda for consumption and has deemed it safe for regular use. Regardless of whether you have a sweet tooth or not, it is safe to say that consuming Splenda in moderate amounts will not increase the risk of cancer.
What was known for many years is that consuming Splenda in excessive amounts could cause nausea, dizziness, and other digestive issues. That being said, there are other healthier and natural alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners like honey or agave nectar that you can consider incorporating into your diet instead of Splenda.
Splenda is Very Widespread
Splenda is a zero-calorie sweetener that can be used in place of sugar, making it an excellent option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. The first place to find Splenda is your local grocery store. Splenda is available in most grocery stores and supermarkets.
You can find Splenda in the baking aisle, where they keep baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, and sweeteners. Splenda comes in different forms, including granulated, packets, and liquid.
If you’re a coffee lover, you’re probably familiar with the small packets of sweeteners that coffee shops and restaurants offer. The sweeteners they provide often include various types of sugar, as well as Splenda. When visiting a coffee shop or restaurant, look for a small container that holds the sweeteners. You’ll often find Splenda packets among them.
Uncovering the Hidden Sources of Splenda
Splenda, also known as sucralose, is a widely used artificial sweetener found in many commonly consumed foods. It is marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, but recent studies have raised concerns about its safety and impact on health. While most people are aware of the presence of Splenda in obvious products such as diet sodas and sugar-free gum, there are many hidden sources of this sweetener that may be surprising. Let’s explore some of these hidden sources in order to help you make more informed decisions about your dietary choices.
- Many baked goods and packaged snacks contain hidden sources of Splenda. Check the labels on products such as granola bars, cereal bars, and protein bars, as well as low-calorie or sugar-free cookies, cakes, and brownies. These products often contain large amounts of added sweeteners, including Splenda. Be mindful of portion sizes and consider healthier snack alternatives such as fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.
- Salad dressings, marinades, sauces, and dips are often high in sugar and calories. In an effort to make these products more appealing to health-conscious consumers, manufacturers often add artificial sweeteners such as splenda. Check the labels on these products and consider making your own dressings and sauces from scratch using natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup, or fruit purees.
- Many brands of yogurt, especially those marketed as low-fat or sugar-free, contain added sweeteners such as Splenda. Read labels carefully and opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt instead. You can add your own fruit, honey, or other natural sweeteners to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Many brands of infant formula contain artificial sweeteners, including Splenda. While these sweeteners are generally regarded as safe, it is important to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician. If you are looking to avoid artificial sweeteners in your baby’s diet, consider breastfeeding or making your own formula from scratch.
- Certain medications, including cough syrups, chewable antacids, and some liquid antibiotics, may contain added sweeteners such as Splenda. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any concerns about the presence of artificial sweeteners in your medications.
To reduce the risk of Splenda causing cancer, remember to read labels, consider making your own food from scratch, and consult with healthcare providers if you have any concerns. Together, we can make a positive impact on our health and the health of the planet.
Why We Should Know if Splenda is Causing Cancer
For decades now, the use of artificial sweeteners has been a hot topic in health and wellness circles. Splenda, also known as sucralose, has been touted by its manufacturers as a healthier alternative to sugar. But just how safe is it?
Recent studies in 2022 have focused on the potential link between Splenda and cancer. Let’s explore the studies and findings, so you can make an informed decision about whether to continue using Splenda.
Studies About Splenda Causing Cancer
Splenda has been marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar since its creation in the 1970s. However, its safety has been questioned time and again. Most recently, in 2022, a large study concluded that:
In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.
In 2022, a study conducted by the Ramazzini Institute in Italy found a link between Splenda and an increased risk of cancer. The study showed that rats fed higher doses of Splenda had a higher incidence of malignant tumors than those not exposed to Splenda. While this study was conducted on rats, it is worth noting, as it raises concerns about the safety of Splenda for humans and whether splenda cause cancer?
Studies on Humans About Splenda Causing Cancer
Another study published in 2022 in the International Journal of Cancer also showed a link between Splenda consumption and an increased risk of cancer. The study was conducted on women in the United States, and it showed an increased risk of leukemia in those who consumed higher amounts of Splenda. While this study only looked at women, it is still troubling, as it highlights a potential health risk for a large population.
Splenda Manufacturers Hit Back
But not all studies have found a clear link between Splenda and cancer. Some studies have found no significant evidence to support the idea that Splenda is a carcinogen. For example, a study published in 2022 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found no link between Splenda consumption and cancer.
It’s crucial to note, however, that the studies that have found no link whether splenda cause cancer are often funded by the companies that manufacture Splenda. This leads to scepticism about the objectivity of the studies that didn’t find Splenda causing cancer.
Alternatives to Splenda
So, what should you do if you’re concerned about the potential cancer risk associated with Splenda? One option if you are worried if splenda cause cancer, is to switch to natural sweeteners, such as honey or stevia. Another option is to use Splenda in moderation. While the amount of Splenda needed to cause cancer in humans is still unknown, it’s always a good idea to use artificial sweeteners in moderation.
Final Thoughts: Does Splenda Cause Cancer?
In conclusion, when thinking does splenda cause cancer, the studies conducted in 2022 have shown evidence of the link between Splenda and cancer. While some studies have found a correlation, others have not. However, it’s always a good idea to be cautious when it comes to artificial sweeteners, especially if you’re concerned about the potential risks.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider natural sweeteners or use Splenda in moderation. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you should make an informed decision based on the available evidence.
