Low-Calorie Sweetener Linked to Dangerous Heart Conditions

A recent study has found that the widely used low-calorie sweetener Xylitol can nearly double the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Researchers discovered that Xylitol leads to a 1,000-fold increase in sweetener concentration in the blood, compared to the moderate increase with sugar. Dr. Stanley Hazen of the Cleveland Clinic explained that such high Xylitol levels are unprecedented and potentially harmful. The study also suggests that Xylitol may make blood platelets more likely to clump together, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Matthew Tomey pointed out that further research is needed to confirm the link between Xylitol and cardiovascular events. Given the expected rise in cardiovascular diseases, the implications of this study are significant. Experts like Dr. Andrew Freeman recommend avoiding sugar substitutes and instead drinking water or unsweetened beverages.