Food additives to avoid

Aspartame, otherwise known as Canderel and Nutrasweet is widely used as a sweetening additive in thousands of foods and drinks. It is 200 times sweeter than natural sugar and is often listed as ingredient E951. 

 

Whilst there are governments, health authorities and medical researchers globally that support the use of aspartame in our food and drink, there is substantial research that shows it to be unsafe and toxic, and 'highly likely' to be responsible for the global rise in Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus. 

 

A bit of history

Aspartame was originally discovered in 1965, and research indicated that it may cause cancer in rats. In 1980, it was reviewed and classed as safe but vital raw data was ignored. Aspartame was approved for use as an additive in 1981. 

 

Upon digestion, it breaks down into chemicals including phenylalanine and methanol (which belongs to the same class of poisons as Cyanide and Arsenic) and then to formaldehyde and formic acid. There is much controversy on the effects that these chemicals have on those that consume aspartame sweetened food. The symptoms of, what is known as, Aspartame Disease include spasms, shooting pains, cramps, numbness in limbs, joint pains, dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, headaches, tinnitus, blurred vision and blindness, and symptoms of Fibromylagia. 

 

In the UK, products which contain aspartame must list the chemical as an ingredient and carry the warning “Contains a source of phenylalanine”. Phenylalanine depletes Serotonin and therefore can cause depression, panic attacks, rage and violence. It is also life threatening to those with Phenylketonuria, which causes problems with brain development. 

 

Worryingly, research shows aspartame is deadly to Diabetics, causes Alzheimer’s disease in women as young as 30, and could even be responsible for Gulf War Syndrome. Given the research and the fact that Monsanto who create aspartame are also the largest GM food company, I would suggest steering very clear of any foods containing this E-number. Instead train your tastebuds to accept less sweet foods, it's easier than you think and your skin and health will thank you for it!