Satisfying our sweet cravings while staying healthy is important to many of us. That's where sweeteners come in. They can be classed as natural or artificial, and people have different opinions about how they affect our health. But one particular artificial sweetener, aspartame, has been under scrutiny recently due to its potential harmful properties. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what aspartame does, and highlight the benefits of natural alternatives, such as Stevia, which is used in iPRO’s healthy hydration drinks.

Understanding artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic ingredients created to mimic the sweet taste of sugar. Aspartame is one artificial sweetener commonly found in diet soft drinks. But recent research has raised concerns that it could cause cancer in humans, with the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifying it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." 

The link between aspartame and health problems

Various studies have suggested a connection between aspartame and serious health problems. These include cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, seizures, stroke, and dementia. Aspartame has also been associated with negative effects such as intestinal dysbiosis (imbalanced gut bacteria), mood disorders, headaches, and migraines. These findings have made people worried about whether aspartame is safe to consume over a long period.

Looking to natural sweeteners 

On the other hand, natural sweeteners, derived from sources like honey, agave nectar, fruit extracts, plants, and coconut sugar, offer a healthier alternative. Natural sweeteners are not chemically manufactured and occur in nature. Better yet, they provide a sweet taste without the potential harmful effects associated with artificial sweeteners.

Stevia: a natural non-sugar sweetener

iPRO, a leading brand in healthy hydration, is dedicated to supporting good health and using only natural ingredients. And that's why they made the conscious choice to use Stevia, a natural non-sugar sweetener, in all of their healthy hydration drinks. 

Stevia is a plant based zero-calorie alternative that provides a sweet taste without the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame. By incorporating Stevia into their products, iPRO remains committed to their mission of promoting health and wellness for all.

The importance of a balanced diet

When considering sweeteners, it's important to remember that their impact on our bodies depends on various factors. Sweeteners that are approved by regulatory bodies like the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are deemed safe for consumption, as long as they are part of a balanced diet. However, it’s no longer recommended to view unhealthy artificial sweeteners as a better alternative to sugar or as aids for maintaining a healthy weight.

Lookout for ‘healthy’ low-sugar drinks

It's worth noting that some soft drinks marketed as "healthy" and low in sugar may contain other ingredients that have adverse effects on our health. While they claim to reduce sugar content, they can still be packed with artificial additives, caffeine, and other unhealthy substances. It's essential to read labels and choose beverages with natural, clean ingredients, like iPRO Hydrate.

iPRO's commitment to health and wellbeing

iPRO takes pride in promoting good health and using natural ingredients in their hydration drinks. Free from both sugar and unhealthy artificial sweeteners, they infuse their drinks with electrolytes, vitamins, and other nutrients to support overall wellbeing. By shunning sugar and caffeine, iPRO offers a refreshing and healthy choice for healthier hydration.

Stock up your fridge with naturally sweetened healthy hydration by purchasing iPRO Hydrate today from the parkrun shop. With four fruity flavours to choose from, there is a flavour for all of the family.