Swap Out Your Sweeteners: Heart-Healthy Alternatives to Low-Calorie Options Revealed

While reducing sugar intake can certainly have numerous benefits for health, recent findings indicate a possible health risk associated with certain low-calorie and artificial sweeteners. Erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in stevia and monk fruit, has been associated with an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and even death, according to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine in February.

The study investigated the risk of atherothrombotic disease related to multiple polyol sweeteners. It concluded that erythritol can cause blood platelets to clot, a condition that can potentially trigger a heart attack if the clot migrates to the heart or a stroke if it travels to the brain.

Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, lead author of the study and director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, recently conveyed the gravity of the research findings to CNN.

“The degree of risk was not modest,”

He goes on to reveal that participants with a blood level of erythritol in the top 25 percent had a two-fold higher risk for heart attack and stroke compared to those in the bottom 25 percent. It’s a risk level matching that of other severe cardiac risk factors, such as diabetes, says Hazen.

Hazen shared that the findings were unexpected by the research team.

“We never expected this. We weren’t even looking for it,” he said. “We found this substance that seemed to play a big role, but we didn’t know what it was. Then we discovered it was erythritol, a sweetener.”

This shock discovery is not the first of its kind. Previous studies have also revealed similar effects from other sugar alternatives, such as xylitol, which has been connected to long-term heart health issues.

Bradley Serwer, MD, an Interventional Cardiologist and Chief Medical Officer at VitalSolution, sheds some light on the historical track record of artificial sweeteners.

“Many artificial sweeteners have been studied and historically have been sold as healthy alternatives to sugar, but they have often been found to have significant side effects,” he points out. He also reveals that erythritol has previously been linked to increased platelet activity resulting in abnormal blood clot formation.

As well as increased cardiovascular risk due to heightened platelet activity, Serwer indicates that artificial sugars might lead to other unintended health consequences.

“In addition to increasing risk of cardiovascular events from increasing platelet activity, these artificial sugars often trick the body into producing more insulin. Insulin increases sweet cravings, so people crave more sugar after eating artificial sweeteners, thus causing a negative impact which leads to metabolic syndrome,” he explains.

Despite efforts to avoid artificial sweeteners, it might be harder than you think. According to Hazen, erythritol is increasingly being added to pre-packaged foods, including those advertised as suitable for diabetes sufferers.

“It’s become the sweetheart of the food industry, an extremely popular additive to keto and other low-carb products and foods marketed to people with diabetes,” he said. “Some of the diabetes-labeled foods we looked at had more erythritol than any other item by weight.”

Reducing your overall sugar consumption and choosing natural sources such as fruit juice, honey, molasses, or maple syrup can be beneficial, according to experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine. These options have natural sugar and provide some nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, Serwer, as a cardiologist, frequently advises his patients to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, often suggesting they seek out alternatives to high-calorie, sugary foods.

“It is important to inform them that it may be better to avoid these sugar alcohols altogether,” he recommends. Be aware of what you consume, read the labels properly, and always opt for healthier alternatives to ensure your well-being.

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