Surprising Health Boost in Tea or Coffee Could Increase Stroke Risk

A widely-used sugar alternative, commonly promoted as a better choice for health, may actually raise your chances of encountering cardiovascular issues, suggests a new research paper. The investigators indicate that this ingredient, typically employed as a sweeter in various foods and beverages, could potentially elevate the likelihood of suffering from strokes or developing heart conditions.

Erythritol, which boasts just 6% of the calories found in sugar yet provides 70% of its sweetness, has reportedly assisted with the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes according to earlier research, as cited by Healthline.

Nonetheless, recent findings from the University of Colorado Boulder suggest that a solitary serving of a drink containing erythritol might have adverse effects on brain and vascular well-being, potentially resulting in issues with blood clot formation.

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The research indicates that erythritol has an increasing effect oxidative stress And decreases the generation of nitric oxide in endothelial cells within the brain’s vasculature. This might hinder blood circulation, potentially raising the likelihood of cerebrovascular incidents like strokes.

The principal researcher behind the study, Auburn Berry, commented: “Although erythritol is extensively utilized in sugar-free items promoted as beneficial choices, additional investigation must be carried out to comprehensively assess its effects on blood vessel well-being. As a rule, individuals ought to monitor their daily intake of erythritol.”

During mass production, erythritol is generated through the fermentation of glucose derived from either corn or wheat starch by a specific strain of yeast. The outcome is a material that looks like fine white crystals.

Discussing the research with Medical News Today Berry pointed out that the additive interferes with the production of nitric oxide, which is essential for vasodilation to ensure proper blood flow.

In lab tests, scientists treated human cells with an erythritol solution at concentrations similar to those present in typical energy drinks, then observed their reactions for a period of three hours. The findings indicated that these cells underwent significantly greater oxidative stress compared to cells not subjected to this treatment.

Is erythritol safe to consume?

WebMD highlights that there is increasing evidence indicating "erythritol and other artificial sweeteners could have adverse effects on health. New studies suggest that erythritol might be associated with an elevated risk of." heart attack , strokes, and even fatalities.""

Despite this, erythritol is considered safe by the FDA, so it doesn’t currently require long-term safety trials.

This categorization enables food producers to exclude erythritol from their products' nutritional labeling because it has been deemed " Generally Recognized as Safe" by the FDA.

Furthermore, Thomas M. Holland from Rush University Medical Center’s Institute for Health and Aging—who was uninvolved with the research—cautioned Medical News Today regarding possible risks, pointing out that erythritol might lead to higher instances of "mental deterioration."

He cautioned: "Erythritol prompts an increase in damaging molecules known as reactive oxygen species, which result in cell injury. The primary worry is that these reactive oxygen species can harm nerve tissues, potentially leading to higher levels of cognitive deterioration."

Experts are advising prudence regarding consumption and recommend considering substitutes such as stevia—an alternative sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant indigenous to South America—as a healthier choice for reducing calorie intake without experiencing potential harmful impacts.