Once touted as a miracle food, artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes took the market by storm in the 1970s. But experts continue to warn against consuming erythritol as a sugar substitute as it could increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. A recent study showed that erythritol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in cookies, diet soda, jelly, candy, gum, protein bars, mouthwash and toothpaste, as well as foods labeled “sugar-free” or “natural,” have zero nutrients and can cause more health-related issues than natural sugar. Learn more about artificial sweeteners.
