Tag: Sweeteners health

While saccharin was embroiled in a 1970s health scare regarding cancer in rats, regulatory bodies have since deemed it safe for human consumption, yet public perception remains wary. This lingering uncertainty highlights the ongoing debate: which is healthier, saccharin or stevia, an artificially created compound or a naturally-derived plant extract?

In a 2023 guideline, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against using non-sugar sweeteners for long-term weight control, casting doubt on a key benefit often touted by manufacturers. The question, **are zero sugar sweeteners healthy**, is therefore more complex than simply substituting calories.

According to regulatory agencies like the FDA, high-purity steviol glycosides—the primary component of pure stevia—are classified as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). With growing concerns surrounding erythritol, many are now asking: is stevia without erythritol bad for you, or is pure stevia the safer alternative?