Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute in many foods and beverages.

It was first sold under the brand name NutraSweet.

Since 2009 it also has been sold under the brand name AminoSweet.

The Safety of Aspartame

When ingested, this artificial sweetener breaks down into natural residual components, including aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol.

Further, breakdown of these products including formaldehyde and formic acid.

Formic Acid

Accumulation of formic acid being suspected as the major cause of injury in methanol poisoning.

Human studies show that formic acid is excreted faster than it is formed after ingested. In some fruit juices, higher concentrations of methanol can be found than the amount produced from aspartame in beverages.

Methanol

Methanol is also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits. It is a chemical.

It is the simplest alcohol and is a light, volatile, colorless, flammable liquid with a distinctive odor very similar to, but slightly sweeter than, ethanol (drinking alcohol). At room temperature, it is a polar liquid and is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an organic compound. It is a colorless gas with a characteristic pungent odor. Commercial solutions of formaldehyde in water, commonly called formalin, were formerly used as disinfectants and for preservation of biological specimens.

In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health.

On 10 June 2011, the US National Toxicology Program has described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen".Formaldehyde-based solutions are also used in embalming. This will disinfect and temporarily preserve human and animal remains.

Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic.Formaldehyde resins are used in many construction materials.

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation used to be used in Canadian homes. These were found to irritate eyes and nose. This study was as recent as 1988. Recent studies have shown a strong association between exposure to formaldehyde and the development of childhood asthma.

It can cause headaches, burning sensation in the throat, difficulty breathing and will really aggravate asthma. It can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes.

There has been much contraversy about using this sugar substitute.Are you questioning whether this artificial sweetener is really good for you? I sure am!

There are sugar substitutes that you can use, such as Zylitol or Stevia. Putting honey or maple syrup on your oatmeal is a wonderful alternative.

If you are on a Candida program, it is best to avoid any form of sugar, as this only keeps the need going for you to have sweets.

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