Sugar-free Jell-O contains the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is commercially marketed as NutraSweet or Equal. Many health advocates have questioned the safety of aspartame, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA. Though the FDA has deemed aspartame to be "safe as a general purpose sweetener in food," it has been scrutinized because of its side effects. So, before you serve your famous Jell-O mold at your next family function, brush up on the side effects of aspartame.
Cardiovascular Effects
Aspartame has been linked to several side effects concerning the heart. It has been said to cause tachycardia, an increased heart rate at rest or during sleep. A healthy adult heart beats about 60 to 100 times per minute. A heart with tachycardia must work much harder to distribute blood, placing the body and the myocardium, or thickest part of the heart muscle, under greater oxygen demand. When the heart does not meet its own oxygen demand, myocardial cells begin to die off, which could lead to a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.
Brain Effects
According to Janet Star Hull, creator of the Aspartame Detox Program, aspartame inhibits the production of serotonin, which in turn inhibits the formation of melatonin. Melatonin regulates the body's sleep and wake cycles, so without it, you may experience insomnia. Depressed individuals often exhibit low serotonin levels, as do some hyperactive children. Serotonin and melatonin can be acquired by eating a healthy diet, but those who regularly consume foods with aspartame, such as sugar-free Jell-O, may experience insomnia, depression and mood swings.
Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Side Effects
According to the Aspartame Information Center, aspartame has been approved for use in more than 100 countries and is used in more than 6,000 foods or ingredients. Though aspartame has undergone more than 200 scientific investigations, it is still deemed safe despite its history of causing gastrointestinal upset. Users of this artificial sweetener have reported bloating, edema, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst and hunger, diarrhea and burning urination. Menstrual and sexual disorders have been linked to aspartame use.
Dessert and Snack Alternatives
If you limit your sugar intake but don't want to expose yourself to aspartame, consider other alternatives. If Jell-O is a favorite at your home, prepare a box of regular Jell-O and only serve the recommended portions found on the nutrition label. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing walk or jog. If you prefer to forgo Jell-O, opt for 1 cup of sliced strawberries topped with regular Cool Whip; it only has 1 g of sugar. If it's ice cream you're craving, spread 2 tbsp. of regular Cool Whip on half of a graham cracker and top with the other half. Freeze it for one hour, and you will have "homemade" ice cream sandwiches.
References
- Medical News Today: What Is Tachycardia? What Causes Tachycardia?; Christian Nordqvist; January 2010
- Dr. Janet Star Hull: Does Aspartame Cause Depression, Insomnia, Hyperactivity, and Mood Swings?
- Aspartame Information Center: Aspartame Fact Sheet
- Mercola.com; Aspartame: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
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