04/05/2025
A disturbing new study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that even LOW DOSES of artificial sweeteners like aspartame may significantly increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Here's what researchers discovered:
- Aspartame consumption increases insulin levels through vagus nerve activation—even without raising blood sugar
- This elevated insulin triggers inflammation in blood vessel walls via a specific pathway (CX3CL1-CX3CR1)
- The inflammation accelerates the formation and growth of arterial plaques—the hallmark of atherosclerosis that leads to heart attacks and strokes
Most concerning? These findings were validated in both mice AND monkeys, strengthening their relevance to human health.
This groundbreaking study helps explain recent population studies connecting artificial sweetener consumption with increased cardiovascular disease.
The findings suggest that people with existing heart disease risk factors might want to reconsider regular aspartame consumption, as it could potentially accelerate atherosclerosis through this insulin-inflammation pathway—completely separate from any effects on body weight or blood sugar.
Want to learn more? Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/43EM1qJ
