Monday, September 22, 2008

What you don't know about Aspartame

Aspartame is a synthetic ingredient that my family steers clear from whenever possible. What is it composed of? Aspartic acid and phenylalanine, chemically bound with methanol. So let's start with breaking these 3 compoments down:

~ Aspartic Acid -
normally, aspartate acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. However, as with other excitotoxins, the presence of too much aspartate in the brain can cause the killing of certain brain cells by over-stimulating them. This slow damaging of neurons can lead to Parkinson's disease and memory loss as well as many other neurological problems. It actually reacts very closely to the effects of MSG.

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Phenylalanine - is an amino acid normally found in the brain. Human testing has shown phenylalanine levels in the blood are increased significantly in those who chronically use aspartame. Excessive levels of phenylalanine in the brain can cause the levels of serotonin to decrease, which can lead to depression, schizophrenia and make one more susceptible to seizures.

~ Methanol (aka wood alcohol) -
is “considered a cumulative poison due to the low rate of excretion once it is absorbed. In the body, methanol is oxidated to formaldehyde and formic acid; both of these metabolites are toxic.” Formaldehyde? Wow. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogeon (cancer causing ingredient)
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So now that we've broke the ingredients down, do you realize the dangers of Aspartame? Many of the big companies call this ingredient safe since some of it's elements already occur
naturally in our system. However, our bodies already create these chemicals and too much of a 'good thing' only creates heath issues. And when mixed with these other chemicals, it's even worse.

It's actually scary that our world deems this (and so many other things) 'safe' for human consumption. There is so much counter evidence out there that states there are dangerous risks to our health by consuming it. So why take the risk?

We are finding more and more products out there are having adverse effects on our health. This is why I am urging you to do your own research. Find sources you trust and learn about what you are consuming and trusting with the people that are most important to you.

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My Sources are:
http://www.naturalnews.com/019834.html
http://www.sweetpoison.com/aspartame-side-effects.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/024225.html
http://www.theenvironmentalblog.org/2007/04/aspartame-safety-questioned-again-equal.html