Dangers of Aspartame

First synthesized in 1965, Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used in several food items and beverages as a substitute for sugar. It is used in scores of diet and low calorie food products and is known to us by the familiar brand names of NutraSweet, Spoonful, Equal, etc. People conscious of their weight and the amount of calorie intake include this artificial sweetener in their diet.

Aspartame was first introduced as an ingredient in food items in the year 1981. However, since then aspartame has been the center of a lot of controversies. Grave dangers of aspartame emerged as the years went by, such as irreparable brain damage when consumed over a long period of time.

What is Aspartame?

Aspartame is the methyl ester of a phenylalanine/aspartic acid dipeptide. When consumed in various food items, the aspartame releases aspartate during the digestion process. This aspartate released is a neurotransmitter used by the neurons in the brain and is naturally required by the brain cells. However, when the aspartate level becomes excess in the body, it is capable of leading to blood poisoning and even death of nerve cells present in the spinal cord and brain. Thus, high levels of aspartame can result in brain damage.

Dangers of Aspartame

Debates about its dangers in gum and other food products have been going on since the 1980s. However, aspartame is a FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved product, then how can it be dangerous? The FDA approved this ingredient way back in 1974, then how can it be detrimental to health. It so happens that during the early 80s, the FDA was owned by Donald Rumsfeld, who used this artificial sweetener in a way to mint millions of dollars. He approved the use of aspartame in food products and enjoyed the monetary returns he got.

Since Aspartame was approved by the FDA, most people were left unaware of the dangers of consuming this sweet poison. Pregnant women consuming food items with aspartame end up exposing the fetus to such toxin. The consumption can conduce to accumulation of high levels of glutamate which can damage the baby's brain easily. Not only the fetus brain, but also our neurons can be destroyed completely by Aspartame. Aspartame is such a slow, silent killer that most damage is done before any symptoms such as shortness of breath, palpitations, hearing problems, headaches, etc. can warn us of the damage.

It is also documented that on consumption of diet drinks, aspartame from the drink is broken down in the small intestine by the process of digestion. During this process of digestion, aspartame releases some amounts of methanol, which happens to be a retina and optic nerve transmission interrupter. This ultimately leads to visual disturbances and vision problems. In fact, in a double-blind study conducted, it was found that aspartame causes behavioral changes and mood swings as well. Aspartame has also been linked to depression and other emotional disorders.

The saddest part is that scores of people across the globe are still unaware of the dangers of aspartame, because the trillion dollar diet industry does not want to lose this golden egg laying hen. Aspartame has been their source of big bucks and they do not want this door to close. This is the basic reason why the facts about its dangers have been brushed under the carpet for the past several decades.

However, how long can the truth be hidden? Since you are now informed, it is your duty to inform all your friends and family. Spread the word about the dire consequences and make sure you refrain from any food item or beverage that contains aspartame. Get out of the state of doldrums and stop allowing this sweet poison to slowly kill you and your loved ones!