Jul 23 2012
The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) draws attention to a
growing number of experts supporting the message that low calorie
sweeteners play an important role for healthy, active people. Used in
more than 6,000 products around the world, low calorie sweeteners can
significantly reduce the energy density of foods and beverages when used
as a substitute for sugar.
Speaking in Glasgow last week at the official London 2012 Olympics
global scientific meeting, the International Convention on Science,
Education and Medicine in Sport (ISCEMIS), nutrition expert Penny
Hunking said: "The value of regular exercise to help people manage their
weight is well recognised. The mantra 'eat less, do more' holds true but
strategies to practically achieve this can be challenging, as exercising
can physically and mentally stimulate overall appetite and lead to
overeating. Physically active individuals need to be mindful of the
caloric density of foods and drinks they choose; consuming many more
calories than one burns, would defeat the purpose of exercise. Low
calorie sweeteners do not enhance the appetite and are a smart, positive
alternative to high calorie sugar sweetened products, benefiting weight
management by lowering overall energy intake."
Hunking's views follow a recent statement published by the journals of
the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Diabetes Association
(ADA), published earlier this month. The statement highlights that the
smart use of non-nutritive (low calorie) sweeteners as a substitute for
sugars in food and beverages could help people reach and maintain a
healthy body weight.
Also at ICSEMIS, biopsychologist Professor Marion Hetherington made an
interesting point about environmental factors as a prompt for exercise
and healthy eating. She said, "Healthy food and drink cues help
consumers to make healthier decisions, such as eating better foods and
exercising more."
Low calorie sweeteners can form an important part of those healthier
decisions, especially as there is a need for physically active people to
hydrate more often. Sports scientist Professor John Brewer highlighted
this in his presentation. He said, "Even top athletes need to take more
care of their hydration needs before, during and after exercise.
Hydration with zero or fewer calories can be achieved with the help of
low calorie sweeteners and flavoured drinks in particular offer a taste
motivation thereby promoting effective hydration."
Source: International Sweeteners Association