Researchers from the University of Washington has suggested that people who use low-calorie sweeteners tend to have better diets and exercise regimes than those who do not.
They also found that low-calorie sweetener consumers had “significantly higher” healthy eating scores, were more physically active, less likely to smoke and less likely to consume solid fats, added sugar and alcohol. It appears to offer evidence to oppose previous research that had implied that such sweeteners confused the body, contributed to weight gain or promoted lower quality diets.
It also demonstrates that low-calorie sweeteners could form part of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle, with participants in the research self-reporting health-related behaviours such as tobacco and alcohol use. The diet quality section of the survey was measured using the Healthy Eating Index, developed by the US Department of Agriculture.
Maureen Conway, RD director of nutritional affairs for McNeil Nutritionals, said: “Experts agree that setting small goals and arming yourself with good tools can help people succeed at their weight loss goals without feeling overwhelmed. The results found in this analysis clearly support this view. This builds on existing science that low-calorie sweeteners like Splenda, as part of a healthy meal plan and with regular physical activity, can be an excellent way to help with weight loss and weight maintenance.”
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