Medical News Today also consulted Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California. Dr. Chen was not involved in the study.
Prioritizing Whole Foods for Natural Sweetness
Dr. Chen emphasized the value of obtaining sweetness from whole food sources.
“When possible, I recommend choosing naturally sweet foods, such as whole fruit, which provide sweetness along with fiber and other beneficial nutrients,” he said.
Artificial Sweeteners and Diabetes Management
Dr. Chen acknowledged that artificial sweeteners can serve a practical purpose for individuals with diabetes, as they typically trigger a smaller immediate rise in blood glucose compared to sugar.
Long-Term Health Requires a Broader Perspective
However, he cautioned against viewing the absence of a short-term glucose spike as a blanket endorsement for high consumption.
“However, avoiding a short-term glucose spike does not necessarily mean that consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners is beneficial for long-term health,” he said.
Dr. Chen stressed that cardiovascular health depends on a comprehensive approach rather than a single dietary swap.
“The bigger picture matters: overall dietary quality, portion sizes, physical activity, weight management, and blood glucose control are all important components of cardiovascular health,” Chen concluded.
