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Aspartame can be found in many diet sodas and sugar free candies. The makers of these products claim that they are healthier because they contain few calories and less sugar than that of their normal products. But is aspartame actually healthier? This article is going to explain what aspartame is, known side effects associated with consuming, and how these side effects occur.

Aspartame is the methyl ester of amino acids` aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is an active ingredient in almost 5,000 beverages and foods you consume, and comes in the names Candrecel, Nutrasweet, and Equal. Aspartame is even used as a table condiment, and is also found in many chewable vitamin supplements. Aspartame is mostly used to give people a "sweet taste" that is craved when dieting. But with all the known side effects associated with consuming, it makes you wonder if it`s even worth using.

The main problem associated with consuming aspartame is the problems it can cause you mentally. The following list sums up the known side effects that consumption of aspartame can bring:

* seizures and convulsions
* brain cancer
* dizziness
* phobias
* tremors
* severe headaches
* personality changes
* panic attacks
* memory loss
* irritability
* confusion
* insomnia
* depression
* chronic fatigue

Aspartame can even lead to physical problems such as:

* sexual problems
* birth defects
* burning urination & other urination problems
* parkinson's disease
* hair loss / baldness or thinning of hair
* arthritis
* bloating
* slurring of speech
* infection susceptibility
* rapid heart beat
* joint pain
* asthma
* diarrhea
* weight gain
* high blood pressure
* chest pains

The above side effects happen because methanol is released in the small intestine when the methyl group of aspartame encounters the enzyme chymotrypsin. The methanol is then turned to formaldehyde, which is then converted to formic acid. To give you an example of how dangerous this is, think of formic acid as an ant sting poison, which it is primarily used for. It is also used to strip epoxy and urethane coatings, just what your body doesn`t need! When aspartame is consumed, the ingredients flow straight to your brain, leaving you with all the above symptoms.

Aspartame`s dangers don`t effect everyone, but for the vast majority of us, we should stay away from it. Sugar is actually safer and more healthy, so think about that before you crack open your next can of diet soda thinking you are doing yourself a favor. If you are dieting and need to have something sweet, then go exercise and use post-workout nutrition in order to satisfy your sweet tooth. That way you don`t have to worry about the excessive calories. Until next time, later.