FEATURE
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Soda, especially diet soda, has been under siege for its purported link to health risks, including heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and stroke. A 2011 study done by the University of Miami found that those who drink diet soda daily, rather than regular soda, were nearly twice as likely to have a stroke. Although research may show a correlation between diet soda and these conditions, it is still unclear why or how soda has these effects on the body.
THERE'S JUST NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH SHOWING ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS ARE ABSOLUTELY SAFE.
The presence of artificial sweeteners in diet soda is just one facet of this issue, but despite concerns over the potential negative effects, American consumption of diet soda is on the rise. According to Beverage-Digest, while overall sales of regular soda have experienced slight declines each year since 2005, sales of Diet Mountain Dew and Diet Dr. Pepper increased by more than five percent in 2010. Last year Diet Coke sold more than 926 million cases in the United States alone.
Because diet sodas that are sweetened artificially have zero calories, they might seem like attractive options for those trying to watch their weight. But research suggests that sugar substitutes may actually promote weight gain. Sue Martin, a registered dietitian for the Wyandotte County Health Department, says that sugar substitutes are confusing for our bodies and can lead to overeating. "When you eat these sweeteners your brain thinks, 'OK, I'm satisfying my sweet tooth,' but you still have that sweet craving because your body didn't receive any calories," Martin says.
Jamie Koonce Chinese medicine practitioner
Sweet foods trigger our brain to expect a high-caloric intake. Although artificially sweetened sodas don't have any calories, they still produce this response in our brains. These sweet cravings not only persist, but may even increase after a few hours. A study conducted by Purdue University in 2008 confirmed this phenomenon. The study, which used laboratory mice, showed that mice that were given diet soda sweetened with saccharin actually gained more weight than those given regular soda. The results indicated that the artificial sweetener slowed metabolism and resulted in overeating.
WHAT ARE NATURAL SWEETENING OPTIONS?
As a result of the limited amount of studies on the long-term effects of sugar substitutes on humans, some consumers are looking for natural sweetening alternatives. Jamie Koonce, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, recommends seeking natural sweetening options, including, cane sugar, raw honey or sugar alcohols. "There's just not enough
research showing artificial sweeteners are absolutely safe," Koonce says.
Koonce also says that Stevia appears to be a safe option. Stevia, marketed under the brand name Truvia, is a zero-calorie natural sweetener that is made from the leaves of the Stevia plant. Truvia harnesses the natural sweetness in the Stevia plant and combines it with erythritol, which is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits.
Some local businesses are gearing their products to more natural sweetening options. The homemade syrups at Java Break, 17 E. Seventh St., are made with pure cane sugar and do not contain artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup. The coffee shop also sweetens its chai teas with honey. Justin Gardner, Mesa, Ariz. junior and an employee at Java Break, says very few people ask to have their drinks prepared with artificial sweeteners. "I think the majority of people want natural," Gardner says. "Maybe one in 10 customers ask for their drinks sugar-free."
WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
With the prevalence of artificial sweeteners in food products and their allure for dieters, these sugar substitutes are not likely to go away any time soon. In 2004 the National Household Nutrition Survey estimated that approximately 15 percent of the U.S. population uses artificial sweeteners on a regular basis.
Our bodies need sugar for energy and everyday metabolism. As a registered dietitian,
Sue Martin says that artificial sweeteners have their time and place, but she would not recommend using them simply in place of sugar. "If you have to monitor your body sugar levels, go ahead and use artificial sweeteners," Martin says. "There's a chemical aspect that we don't know the effects of yet so I wouldn't use them on a consistent and reliant basis."
According to the World Health Organization, only 10 percent of our caloric intake should come from added sugar, which is about 200 calories a day on a 2000-calorie diet. Moderation is key for both artificial sweeteners and real sugar. Jessica Hall, Lawrence junior, doesn't pay attention to whether she uses real sugar or substitutes. "I don't think there's really a difference for me," Hall says. "An excess of either is bad."
Sugar is often demonized, especially in its purported links to obesity, but sugar is not necessarily bad in moderation. A teaspoon of honey contains 22 calories, while a teaspoon of sugar has 16 calories. In comparison, a can of Coke contains 9.75 teaspoons of sugar. When choosing natural sugar, keeping track of your daily intake and calorie-count is essential to maintain a healthy level of consumption.
One facet about artificial sweeteners is clear: they are confusing. With so many different brand names and competing health information, it's difficult to get informed and easy to feel overwhelmed. So the next time you find yourself pondering sweetening options at the coffee shop, maybe play it safe and drink your coffee black.
Photo Illustration by Adam Bubler
Sugar rush: Only 10 percent of our caloric intake should come from added sugar. Moderation is key for both artificial sweeteners and real sugar.
QUICK GUIDE TO SWEETENERS
Saccharin
mes: NutraSweet & Equal.
Aspartame
Brand names: Sweet N'Low & Necta Sweet Saccharin contains zero calories and doesn't raise your blood sugar. The FDA proposed a ban on this sweetener in 1958, but Congress overruled after widespread public opposition to the ban. (Note: this was the only artificial sweetener available at the time.) Today, this is likely the most researched sweetener and it is often considered the "safest."
Brand names: NutriSweet & Equal.
Aspartame is widely considered the most controversial artificial sweetener. It is approved in more than 100 countries and its purposed links to cancer have been dispelled over the years. However, a survey of industry-funded studies related to the safety
of aspartame reveals that 100 percent deemed the sweetener safe. Of the independently-funded research on aspartame, 92 percent claimed negative health risks.
Sucralose
Brand name: Splenda
Unlike chemically altered sugar substitutes, this is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia plant. This plant has been used by indigenous groups of South America for hundreds of years. It contains zero calories and no documented adverse health risks have been associated with the sweetener.
Sucralose is the newest non-nutritive sweetener available and can be used in cooking/baking. This sweetener was accidentally discovered while trying to create an insecticide. Although its marketing campaign suggests "it's made from sugar," the final product is so chemically altered that it is very misleading to suggest it is natural like sugar. Although toted as a no-calorie sweetener, sucralose does contain calories. Every cup of Spenda contains 96 calories.
Erythritol
Stevia
Brand name: Truvia
A natural sugar alcohol, it is essentially a non-calorie sweetener, with only 0.2 calories per gram. It occurs naturally in fruits and doesn't affect blood sugar. Unlike many other sugar alcohols, which may have gastric side effects, consumption of erythritol generally doesn't cause gas, bloating or have a laxative effect. This sweetener can be used alone, but it is also an ingredient of Truvia.
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Others went for banana peels.
Parr opted for bouncy balls, which forced racers to spin around if hit by one.
The event is just one of several events SUA is producing in the remaining month and a half left in the semester. SUA vice president of communications Andrew Fillmore, a junior from Belle Plaine, spoke about some of the highlights:
peels that racers used against opponents. Every round eight participants raced through two laps on oversized tricycles. The winner each round won a $15 gift card.
"One hundred percent bounce ball every time." Parr said.
KU'S BEST DANCE CREW Students will have the chance
Auditorium Tuesday, April 19, to speak about the "It Gets Better" project, which he created.
Kaplan and other event staff originally tried to eat the bananas for the peels but gave up after about 10.
Heather Kaplan, a sophomore from Shawnee, handed out peels to racers. She also donned a banana suit for the event.
Rain had threatened to derail Kansas Kart, but the sky held for the event.
"What's more fun than wearing a banana suit?" Kaplan said.
Tickets are available at the SUA Box Office on the fourth level of the Kansas Union and are $15 for students.
SEE SUA ON PAGE 3A
"It Gets Better" consists of a series of videos designed to communicate to gay and lesbian youth that "it gets better" regardless of the hostility or insecurity they may be experiencing. Celebrities and politicians have lent their names to the cause, including President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Posner is perhaps best known for his songs "Cooler Than Me" and "Please Don't Go."
Fillmore said that although Savage often did his "Savage Love" presentation, the Union event will be focused on "It Gets Better."
The event is $5 with a KU student ID.
Travis Young/KANSAN
to do. Then Penthouse and Memorial Stadium to house major events.
SUA will host hip-hop artist Mike Posner at Liberty Hall Tuesday, April 26.
MIKE POSNER
Johnson said the platform stemmed from listening to a friend's parents reminisce about their time at the University.
"They talked about how when they went to school they remember having concerts after basketball games." Johnson said. "And we would like to welcome big name artists and speakers, things like that, back into Allen Fieldhouse and even Memorial Stadium."
KUnited's goal is to make those venues more accessible as an option to infrequently house big events.
"Something like what KUUnited is proposing would be ideal," Anderson said. "But the question will still be do we spend a huge amount of money for that one show or spread it out over the entire year?"
SUA president Rachel Anderson said attempts were made year after year to have an event in Allen Fieldhouse.
Funding will always be an issue to book events, Anderson said, but developing a partnership could help fraybrose costs.
Anderson, a senior from Manhattan, said as an organization SUA had discussed this idea extensively.
Jon Sabillon, a senior from Lawrence, dresses up as Mario for SUA's Kansas Kart event Thursday afternoon and cheers as Jeni Burrows, SUA's special event coordinator from Belle Plaine, drives the through the finish line. There was a track set up in the parking lot of the Visitor's Center with various obstacles and had handful of different proiectiles the drivers could nick up
"But," Marchiony said, "It is very difficult to schedule outside events at Allen Fieldhouse." During the academic year, Fieldhouse ised exclusively
by Samantha Collins
oy, the assistant, said it's not an feat KUnited is apting.
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Historically, though, it's been done.
As recently as 2006 Allen Fieldhouse hosted comedian and actor Bill Cosby during Homecoming week.
Even artists such as Bob Marley and Louis Armstrong once graced the University with their musical presence.
"Certain artists won't come because we have to be able to offer them a sell-out space and this could help in bringing any artist," Johnson said.
Marchiony said the first discussions regarding this kind of proposal would most likely take place between himself and the Athletics Department facilities staff.
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Without knowing specifics and without speaking to other staff members, he said it was difficult to discuss feasibility.
"We would talk about it as a department and decide on whether or not it would be something we would want to schedule here and something we would want to represent," Marchiony said.
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Neither Marchiony nor Anderson said they had personally spoken with KUnited coalition members.
SEE COALITION ON PAGE 3A
Forecasts by University students. For a complete detailed forecast for the week, see page 2A All contents, unless stated otherwise, © 2011 The University Daily Kansan
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RELAYS | 3A
Some events move to downtown
Kansas Relays moves three events to downtown Lawrence.
FOOTBALL | 10A
Team has first spring practice
Coach Turner Gill studies his players during practice to decide on their positions.
SOFTBALL | 8A
Kansas needs to strengthen its defense for weekend's game against Oklahoma St.
After losing its two games against Oklahoma earlier this week, the Kansas softball team fell 0-8 in its conference record.
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