On May 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented its latest report on sugar-free sweeteners based on no less than 283 studies!
According to this report, commonly used sugar-free sweeteners are acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, as well as stevia and its derivatives.
The WHO recommendation is clear: “sugar-free sweeteners should not be used as a means of weight control or to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases”.
According to the WHO, long-term use of sugar-free sweeteners as a substitute for sugars does not help with weight control and fat reduction, both in adults and children. On the contrary, it could lead to potential adverse effects such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality in adults.
Instead, the WHO encourages us to reduce our consumption of free sugars by using means other than these sugar-free sweeteners.
At Oh Oui!, since the beginning of the adventure, it was essential for us not to include sweeteners or sugar alcohols in our recipes until the effects on health were proven. And, if necessary, this study reassures us that we have gone in this direction! Also, in addition to being criticized for their undesirable effects on health, it appears that sweeteners deceive our brain by sending it a sweet message. You will become addicted to sugar!
To make our pastries, at Oh Oui!, we only use natural sugars such as coconut flower sugar, agave syrup or grape sugar, which all naturally have a low glycemic index and we have chosen to reduce their quantity in our recipes! Thanks to this reduction in sugar, you gradually detach yourself from your “addiction” to sugar.
Do not hesitate to share with us your personal feelings following the reduction of sugar in your diet, we would love to discuss with you.
Delphine and Fanny.
Sources:
“ WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline ”, article published on the WHO website, 03/15/2023.
WHO report: “ Use of non-sugar sweeteners – WHO guideline ”, 05/15/2023
