I swear it seems that every other week, some new research or study comes out that dispels a previous school of thought about food. First, they thought fat made us fat, now it’s reportedly sugar. They thought the food pyramid was the bible now the USDA used MyPlate to describe healthy portions of protein, fruit, vegetables, and grains.
Now a recent observational study suggested that the sugar substitute found in Stevia called erythritol may prompt clot formation raising one’s risk of a stroke or heart attack. Well just darn! What can we eat?
What exactly is Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol that is 70% as sweet as sugar but has almost no calories. Apparently, two studies: one in Europe, and one in the U.S.A found that the people who ate the most sugar substitute had twice the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke than those who ate the least.
Erythritol was also found to promote clot formation in mice and causes platelets to be more reactive.
This says to me that as a consumer I need to educate myself about things I put in and, on my body, and use discretion in the types and amounts of macronutrients I eat. I believe natural is always better than manufactured and home-grown, unprocessed, or organic should be my first-choice option for food.
***This writing does not take the place of advice from your provider and as always is for educational purposes only. ***
Best In Health,
Dr. Goldie
