Your Cart is Empty
A recent study found that certain sugar substitutes may have unforeseen negative effects on long-term cognitive health. It revealed that heavy consumption of specific artificial sweeteners is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in adults.
The research examined seven artificial sweeteners, finding that those individuals that used them the most experienced faster declines in memory and cognitive functions compared to those with the lowest consumption.
The study involved over 12,000 adults from Brazil, with an average age of 52, tracked over an eight-year period. At the study's outset, participants filled out self-reported questionnaires about their diet, providing details on their food and drink consumption over the previous year.
The artificial sweeteners used in the study were aspartame, acesulfame-K, saccharin, erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol, and tagatose. They are commonly found in ultra-processed foods such as soda, flavored water, energy drinks, low-calorie desserts and yogurt. Some of them are also used as standalone sweeteners.
Participants underwent cognitive assessments at the start, midpoint, and end of the study to track changes in memory, language, and thinking abilities over time. These evaluations measured capabilities such as verbal ability, short-term memory, word retrieval, and cognitive processing speed.
The findings revealed that individuals consuming the highest amounts of sweeteners experienced faster declines in cognitive and memory skills compared to those with the lowest intake. This decline was 62% faster, corresponding to roughly 1.6 years of cognitive aging.
A notable finding was that individuals under 60 with the highest sweetener consumption exhibited more rapid declines in overall cognitive function. The study also revealed that faster cognitive decline was more pronounced in participants with diabetes compared to those without the condition.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Association Between Consumption of Low- and No-Calorie Artificial Sweeteners and Cognitive Decline
Muscles are essential to keeping the body healthy and functioning well. In addition to allowing us to move, they help regulate blood sugar, support metabolic health, and protect our joints while helping us remain independent. Yet, as we grow older, muscle strength and size naturally decline. This gradual loss can affect stability, raise the risk of falls, and make it take longer to bounce back after an injury or illness.
The strength of the skeleton is often assessed by measuring bone mineral density, which reflects how well bones can withstand damage and resist fractures. According to research, changes in the skeleton could also provide important clues about cognitive aging. A new study points to a potential connection between reduced spinal bone density, changes in the brain, and a more rapid decline in brain aging.
Many Americans consume soybean oil regularly, often without realizing how frequently it appears in processed foods. Researchers are now investigating whether this widely used ingredient may play a part in the development of obesity. In a study involving mice, scientists compared the effects of different fats on weight gain and metabolism, focusing primarily on soybean oil.