It doesn’t seem to matter if you calculate your BMI, step on a scale, “pinch an inch”, or however you evaluate your health, being overweight comes with risks, including the potential issue of sweetener health risks from diet products. Many people purchase diet foods, diet soda, “granola bars”, “power bars”, etc. to lose weight. Sadly, most people end up on a hamster wheel, weight fluctuates up and down and the pants you wore last week are too tight today. 

Did you know that many of the diet foods you purchase contain sugar alcohols? Even sugar free chewing gum, toothpaste and other products can contain Xylitol. In fact, Xylitol is naturally found in small amounts in fruit and vegetables. Now, before you throw out your toothpaste, consider this. Researchers have found that consuming products containing high levels of xylitol increase the risk of blood clot related events that could lead to heart attack and stroke. 

Frustrating, isn’t it? First you are told to get your weight down or you could have a heart attack or stroke. Then you are told that the products you are using to manage your weight might increase your risk for heart attack or stroke. Again, I am on my moderation soap box, we need our toothpaste and chewing gum. That said, I for one will start reading food and product labels more closely and if they contain xylitol I might just think twice and try a different product. It’s always smart to stay informed about sweetener health risks when it comes to processed foods but go ahead and eat those green and leafy vegetables even if they contain low amounts of xylitol because the benefits outweigh the risks, just don’t swallow your toothpaste! Stay well and stay informed!