Hello and welcome to the Nutrition Facts podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Michael Greger.

Now I know I'm known for explaining how not to do certain things. Just look at my books,

how not to die. The one I'm working on right now, how not to die it. But what I actually

have to share with you is quite positive and boils down to this. What's the best way

to live a healthy life? Here are some answers.

Today we take a close look at sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners may be found in everything from

breathments and chewing gums to jams, jellies and juices and even energy bars and yogurts

is one healthier than another. Sugar is no longer considered just empty calories but potentially

independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. So what happens if you switch to

artificial sweeteners? Here are some answers. Recommendations to limit sugar consumption

vary around the globe with guidelines ranging from limit sweet desserts to one every other

day to keep sugar consumption to four less occasions per day. In the US the American Heart

Association is leading the charge, proposing dramatic reductions in the consumption of

soft drinks and other sweeten products. They recommend sticking to under about 5% of calories

a day from added sugars which may not even allow a single can of soda. Why the American Heart

Association? Because the overconsumption of added sugars has long been associated with

an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, meaning heart disease and strokes. We used

to think that added sugars was just a marker for an unhealthy diet. At fast food restaurants

people are probably more likely to order a cheeseburger with their super-sicoda than a salad.

But the new thinking is that no, the added sugars and processed foods and drinks may be an

independent risk factor in and of itself worse than just empty calories but actively disease

promoting calories. We went from eating seven pounds of sugar every year to 100 years ago to 50 pounds

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