When the researchers conducted spatial learning and memory tests using the Barnes maze, the aspartame mice at four months consistently moved more slowly and covered less distance during training than animals in the control group. They also took nearly twice as long on average to locate the target escape hole, showing impaired memory recall (however, this was inconsistent and not seen as statistically meaningful). By eight months, performance gaps widened even further, with two out of six aspartame-treated mice failing to complete the task at all.
It makes you dumb, unfit and fat (around the organs).
Fun little technicality. It won’t provide energy, fat or protein, but it does serve an important function nonetheless. Does that count as “value”? Depends on who you ask.
The important function of artificial sweeteners is to make food taste good.
The important part of taste is to tell if food is good.
Similarly for smell.
Thanks to capitalistic food engineering, that doesn’t work very well.
And the important function of fiber is to provide satiation, as well as playing an important role in digestion.
Artificial sweeteners are valuable for those who are unable to resist sweetness but need to reduce sugar intake, but fiber is actually an important nutritional component. People take fiber supplements for good reason.
I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not a good idea to test your willpower all the time. If your healthy lifestyle mostly depends on sheer willpower, you’re playing this game on hard mode.
If you want to reduce your sugar intake, simply don’t fill the pantry with cookies, candy and cake. Buy healthy stuff instead. When sugar cravings strike, you don’t really have any unhealthy options available, so you’ll end up eating something better. Think of it like a framework that supports your desire to live a healthier life. Sooner or later, your willpower will fail you, but you won’t end up violating your long term goals too severely.