Aspartame could cause cancer, according to the WHO
According to an exclusive report from Reuters, the World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to label aspartame, a widely used sweetener, as a cancer-causing substance.
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The widely present constituent, discovered in sugary beverages and bubblegums, has been deemed as "potentially cancer-causing for individuals" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization (WHO) focused on cancer research.
The ruling made by the WHO is not expected to have an instant impact on the usage of aspartame. However, similar statements in the past have resulted in more careful examination of the component and legal actions against the companies producing it.
As an instance, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that the weedkiller glyphosate, produced by Monsanto, was probably contributing to the development of cancer in human beings, resulting in multiple legal cases and numerous restrictions imposed on the substance globally.
Nurtasweet, the leading producer of aspartame, was acquired by Monsanto back in 1985 with a staggering price tag of $2.7 billion ($7.6 billion in today's value). Having successfully developed it into one of the most widely-used synthetic sweeteners globally, Monsanto eventually divested its ownership of the company in 2000.
The Coca-Cola Company and Keurig Dr. Pepper—companies that possess well-liked diet sodas and juices containing aspartame—were not readily accessible for providing their viewpoint on how the World Health Organization's verdict will influence their merchandise.
Aspartame: Harmful Effects And Risks
Back in 1974, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States initially granted its seal of approval to aspartame. This substance, known scientifically as methyl ester, is a chemical compound that offers a sweetness level 200 times more potent than table sugar. Essentially, it serves as a sought-after additive to enhance the taste of low-calorie or sugarless beverages.
The FDA believes that artificial sweeteners are generally safe, although there is a limit. This regulatory body has established a strict standard regarding the recommended consumption, requiring an individual of typical size in America to consume an abundant quantity of diet soda daily in order to face significant adverse effects on their health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is not the initial organization to associate the component with cancer. Instead, a French study conducted on over 100,000 individuals revealed a heightened danger among those who consume significant amounts of artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame.
The complete report from the World Health Organization, which provides further evidence associating sweeteners with an increased risk of cancer, is expected to be published in the upcoming month.
Popular Foods With Aspartame
Sugar-free sodas: Despite claiming to be a nutritious substitute, diet sodas are widely recognized to have negative impacts on your well-being, possibly even more detrimental than regular sodas. Now, a fresh concern arises with the introduction of aspartame, an artificial sweetener utilized to add flavor without the use of sugar.
Chewing gums devoid of sugar: The majority of sugarless chewing gums employ substitutes such as aspartame and xylitol.
Sweeteners in coffee: Popular sweeteners like Equal and Nutrasweet are made with aspartame. Once more, numerous experts advise choosing regular sugar sachets for your morning cup of joe, particularly since artificial sweeteners can be highly habit-forming.
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