The Latest Study About Artificial Sweeteners Says: Not Good, Not Bad

Is dark chocolate good for you? Is a glass of wine better to sip—or skip? The advice from doctors always seems to be changing. Here’s the latest flip-flop.

Sugar vs. Artificial Sweeteners

You’ve heard that cutting back on sugar is important to maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic health conditions, like diabetes. It seemed like artificial and non-sugar sweeteners (like the ones in Diet Coke) were the answer.

It wasn’t long before research told us that artificial sweeteners were no good. But the latest study says something a bit different. Here’s what you need to know!

So, What’s the Right Answer?

A recent analysis in The BMJ explored the health effects of consuming artificial sweeteners. It was actually a study of studies, examining 56 studies on adults and children. The researchers set out to determine if artificial sweeteners affect our risk for chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Overall, the researchers found no statistical difference between people who eat non-sugar sweeteners and those who don’t. In other words, eating non-sugar sweeteners did not affect the study participants’ risks of developing a disease.

In fact, there may even be a small advantage to eating non-sugar sweeteners! Some of the study participants reported improved weight loss and better-controlled blood sugar levels when eating artificial sweeteners.

How to Handle Your Sweets Cravings

The lead study author, Dr. Joerg J. Meerpohl, doesn’t want you to stock up on stevia. He wants to see a study that will follow people long-term. Meerpohl also recommends replacing sugary treats with a healthy option.

“There are cheaper and widely available alternatives to artificially sweetened foods,” he told the New York Times. “You can always have water instead of Diet Coke.”

Can’t get your usual afternoon Diet Coke out of your head? You might want to make a flavor-packed infused water with fresh fruit and herbs, pop open a sparkling water or a healthy snack that tastes like dessert.

Treat Yourself to a Low Sugar Dessert!

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The calories and fat have been trimmed from a traditional fruit pizza to create this gorgeous, refreshing treat. It will steal the show at parties and potlucks. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Yogurt Parfait

Tart grapefruit and lime are balanced with a bit of honey in this cool and easy parfait. —Lois Enger, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Rustic Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Here's a delectable dessert that all ages will enjoy. From raspberries to a Nutella-covered homemade pastry crust, you won't be able to get enough of this. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts

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Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple

I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Chunky Apple Snack Cake

We enjoy this cake as a snack, packed in lunches or as a scrumptious dessert when warmed and topped with a scoop of low-fat ice cream. If the batter seems really thick, don't worry: Once you stir in the apples it loosens up. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

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Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops

With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, this is one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho

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Ginger Plum Tart

Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. Plus, it's extra-awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Summer Blackberry Cobbler

My husband is from Alabama, so I like to treat him to classic Southern desserts. This cobbler is a must-have for us in the summer. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California

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Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake

Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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No-Bake Apple Pie

We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet...but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan

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Pear Tart

My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California

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Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake

This cheesecakes looks and tastes indulgent, but it's a lightened up version you can feel good about serving your family. —Kathy Shan, Toledo, Ohio

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Almond Pear Tart

I had never seen a "pie without a pan" until my daughter brought back this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico

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Plum Good Crisp

This is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

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Lime & Spice Peach Cobbler

This was my grandmother’s favorite recipe to make when they had bushels of peaches. Now I love to bake it whenever I can for my family and friends. —Mary Ann Dell of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

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Rustic Pear Tart

I saw a recipe for this rustic tart in a cookbook and wanted to try my own version of it. I changed the spices and chose my own fruits. It is a great dessert for the fall.—Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina

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Tropical Crisp

One bite of this sweet, juicy, crunchy crisp, and you just might hear the crash of the ocean and feel warm sand under your toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2

Before serving yogurt sundaes, get ready for requests for seconds. Our family enjoys them for breakfast, but they're sweet enough for dessert. What an easy way to get our fruit and calcium. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

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Plum Crisp with Crunchy Oat Topping

Made with fresh plums and a crunchy oat topping, this crisp is a lighter alternative to classic fruit pie. It goes over well with the women in my church group.—Deidre Kobel, Boulder, Colorado

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Berry White Ice Pops

Kids and adults will love these ice pops speckled with colorful mixed berries for a nice cold treat. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut

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Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the grill, this late-summer dessert practically melts in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California

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Marinated Oranges

This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois

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Pretty Peach Tart

When ripe peaches finally arrive at fruit stands, this is the first recipe I reach for. It's just plain perfection—and a delightful way to celebrate their arrival! You can make the tart with other varieties of fruit, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario

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Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts

These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania

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Raspberry Peach Tart

There’s no shortage of fresh peaches and raspberries where I live. I use the fruit I grow to bake up this sweet and special fruit tart.— Mary Ann Rempel, Southold, New York

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The post The Latest Study About Artificial Sweeteners Says: Not Good, Not Bad appeared first on Taste of Home.

Carrie Madormo