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Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

theguardian.com

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Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#32
post #18

Ok I’ll be that guy. The study says there’s no risk unless you drink equivalent of 70 cokes per day. So I think I’m ok. Barely.

You're not wrong, but the full quote from the article is: >“ Back in 1981 they established an acceptable daily intake of aspartame, of 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. To consume over that limit would require a very large daily consumption of Diet Coke or similar drinks. On 14 July, Jecfa may change that risk assessment, or they may not.” Emphasis mine. I'd be curious to see if this understanding ha…

That doesn't mean it's good for you. I agree with the labeling of it as a neurotoxin, whether or not the rubber meets the pavement at a psychological level. There are better ways of calming for the vast majority of people than satisfying a sweet tooth so often. For one thing it can reduce the overall satisfaction of eating sweet things, through the law of diminishing returns.

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#33
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IARC_group_2B

I read through this list before when I was talking to a conspiracy theorist about 5G. Radio frequencies are on this list. As are caffeic acid (found in coffee, wine, mint), aloe vera and pickled vegetables.

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#34

Reminder that bacon is already a known carcinogen for those worrying about artificial sweeteners but happily eating processed meats.

It’s actually sodium nitrite that’s carcinogenic (after being exposed to high heat), and I can find bacon without sodium nitrite here pretty much at every grocery store.

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#35

Reminder that bacon is already a known carcinogen for those worrying about artificial sweeteners but happily eating processed meats.

My understanding is that bacon itself is not the culprit of the possible (note — possible) carcinogen. The sodium nitrate that is often used as a preservative is. Nitrate-free bacon is easy to find though.

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#36
post #15

I wish there was a switch in the mass production of products to contain neither sugar or sweeteners. But it feels like that is never going to happen.

No chance there would be a switch. Consumer tastes and eduction aren't going to change.

Short of that, I wish there was clearer and more consistent labeling. I avoid sugar and sweeteners. Its annoying to be in the mood for a flavored drink, see something that claims to be zero sugar/all natural/etc, grab it in a hurry, then discover on the first sip its got erythritol in it. I read the label, but sometimes I miss it. My preferred options are unsweetened iced tea, coffee, or flavored water. Those are reliable, but can get boring.

Food is generally easier. I just avoid anything that has (or should have) a lot of carbs as a rule when looking for convenient pre-packaged food. No point in sweetening a can of sardines...

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#37
post #15

I wish there was a switch in the mass production of products to contain neither sugar or sweeteners. But it feels like that is never going to happen.

Why would there be? Sugar is good. Products with sugar are good. Self control is also good. People can like products with sugar and exercise self control, so there will always be a demand for mass produced products with sugar, and that's a good thing.

Self control doesn't reduce the amount of sugar that's already added to the soda I would like to drink. It just means I don't get to drink it. I have to go find low-sugar sodas. I would like to have more options.

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#38
post #35

Reminder that bacon is already a known carcinogen for those worrying about artificial sweeteners but happily eating processed meats.

My understanding is that bacon itself is not the culprit of the possible (note — possible) carcinogen. The sodium nitrate that is often used as a preservative is. Nitrate-free bacon is easy to find though.

Nitrate-free (or, "no nitrates added") bacon still contains nitrates. About the same amount as standard bacon, and in some cases, more.

https://www.americastestkitchen.com/cooksillustrated/how_tos...

Re: Aspartame sweetener to be declared possible cancer risk by WHO, say reports

#39

Reminder that bacon is already a known carcinogen for those worrying about artificial sweeteners but happily eating processed meats.

It’s actually sodium nitrite that’s carcinogenic (after being exposed to high heat), and I can find bacon without sodium nitrite here pretty much at every grocery store.

If you read carefully, it still contains sodium nitrite except as powdered celery. So the source of the sodium nitrate is “natural” but the dose is still the same.
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