We love bringing you cozy reads and inspiring pieces. And while this article might read a little differently (but can still ignite inspiration), Dark Heart’s purpose in sharing this topic directly aligns with Dark Heart’s belief in delivering the purest beverages possible.
We have a passion for approachable coffee, and we also have a passion for transparency. We care about what we serve to our humans, and we are proud of both the quality and the heart that we pour into each cup.
As you explore this piece, know that Dark Heart’s belief in pure ingredients is no way synonymous with pushing a health agenda; what you put in your body is 100% your choice. And hell yes to that!
So, with that being said, let’s take a stroll to the Candy Land of substitutes, shall we?
I’M RESEARCHING, TOO
When was the last time you Googled anything related to artificial sweeteners? Last week? Well hey, that’s awesome! Before writing this article, I can honestly say that I’m not sure I had ever searched for much relating to pretend sugar. But, I love and appreciate amazing coffee, and I beyond admire Dark Heart’s commitment to pure ingredients, so I felt compelled to conduct my due diligence.
Let’s learn together, and please enjoy my genuine, human commentary, as a means of sharing my own health exploration… and alleviating my concerns. Ha!
A FAKE SUGAR SUMMARY
Artificial sweeteners were introduced to the market in the 1950s and have been controversial ever since. Introduced as a “healthier” means of satisfying one’s sweet tooth, they are now marketed as having minimal calories and celebrated as good alternatives to refined sugars and natural sweeteners. These sweeteners have also been advertised in benefit of many low-carb diets. (Dr. Axe) One stroll down the grocery store aisle, and we can all witness this marketing bad boy in full effect.
Now, let’s waltz to the sucralose foundation of side effects and symptoms. (While researching, this component absolutely blew my mind, and I couldn’t help but assess my own struggles with headaches and candida overgrowth.) Fake sweeteners can cause symptoms such as headaches, migraines, weight gain, and even more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease. They upset the gut flora by intensifying gut inflammation, and they jack up our metabolic function and glucose levels.
And did you know that artificial sweeteners are dangerously addicting? (Crap is right… like we need any assistance in intensifying our cravings for junk.) These sweeteners teach our taste buds to crave sweeter and sweeter foods, and therefore, the sense of satisfaction is constantly catching up. Also, cravings for sugar are most satisfied when married to calories. So, a sugar substitute addiction, paired with the constant absence of satisfaction, can lead to even greater incidences of obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney damage, and more.
Oh and hey, on that same wave, is weight loss a goal of yours? Based on the previous paragraph of findings, I learned that no calorie sweeteners are actually linked with weight gain, not weight loss… and maybe sarcasm. Groovy.
PRETEND SWEETENERS TO AVOID
If the above information is igniting something within you, and you wish to proceed, then check out this list of artificial sweeteners to watch for on the shelves at your local grocery (or personal pantry):
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Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet, NatraTaste Blue)
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Sucralose (Splenda)
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Acesulfame K (ACE, ACE K, Sunette, Sweet One, Sweet ‘N Safe)
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Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low) ← My mom still uses this every single morning in her tea. Note to self: Research further.
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Xylitol (Erythritol, Maltitol, Mannitol, Sorbitol and other sugar alcohols that end in –itol)
THE SWEETEST THING
I wanted to make the above findings as brief as possible. Any and all health research can feel hella overwhelming, and Dark Heart would rather inspire than send a homie off of the deep end without floaties.
If you are a lover of Dark Heart, then you know their mochas and honey lattes highlight the coffee and not the sugar; they want to show off the coffee and not hide it with syrups and substitutes. And wow is it delicious.
Before we wrap, know that there are many arguments for just about every side of The Candy Castle. (Have you checked out the new Netflix season of Explained?) If you have a love for artificial sweeteners in your coffee, then hey, no judgement for real; there are definitely options right down the street.
In conclusion, go forth, and as always, don’t be afraid to ask questions in this life.
(Special note to dog owners: Sugar alcohol-based artificial sweeteners are a life-threatening toxin to our majestic beasts, so keep your breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts, etc. away from your babies.)
Sources: I went down the internet wormhole of research-based sources on both sides and bunk marketing sources on both sides. And wow folks, there’s a lot out there. BUT, Dark Heart is a fan of Dr. Axe, so definitely check out his research!