A Welsh scholar, Dr. David Benton, has published a research study calling the value of artificial sweeteners into question. The study, published in Nutrition Research Reviews, examines the science behind the growing trend to replace natural sweeteners with artificial ones in order to reduce the calorie content. Now that obesity has become epidemic in many parts of the world, products claiming to be lower in calories have become big business. Benton’s research, however, indicates that the body is able to sense and adapt to a reduced energy intake. As a result, people who use artificial sweeteners tend to eat more at one time, or to become hungry sooner. This simply reinforces the fact that the best way to lose weight is with a balanced diet, smaller portions, and plenty of exercise.
