Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I have discovered that artificial sweeteners are not the answer for weight loss and that they are not at all healthy alternatives to sugar. What alternative sweeteners do you suggest?
A: Artificial sweeteners are not only ineffective in weight loss, as they stimulate the brain to crave more sweets, but they are also very dangerous for the human body. For example, aspartame, with the common name of NutraSweet, has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals.
I will share with you how I drink my teas—I do not drink coffee as I find it too stimulating. I drink my teas unsweetened. This will take some time, but after a while, you will find that these drinks taste better unsweetened.
If this is too difficult for you, try honey, stevia products, or a stick of cinnamon.
