I recently found out that my cholesterol is very high....283. I eat a very healthy diet most of the time. I do allow in treats and not-so-healthy foods from time to time. I exercise most weekdays as well.

I have been trying to think of anything that I do eat daily that might be contributing to the high cholesterol. One thing that keeps coming to mind is the artificial sweeteners I use....in diet soda, coffee sweetener, etc.

I did a Google search and didn't really find any solid answers. Does anyone have any information that might help me confirm or rule out the sweeteners as contributing factors in my high cholesterol? I hate to say it, but I really don't want to give them up.

Thanks for any info!

I can't imagine how it could, as there is no fat in artificial sweeteners. Heredity and fatty foods are the only causal links I've heard of.

I have read recent discussions about possible connections between tooth plaque, bacteria, and cholesterol.

Also, it is now known that high doses of niacin build up good cholesterol and help diminish the bad.

Sidebar: aspartame now known to cause insulin spikes.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that does not have this adverse effect.

Where did you hear this? According to the American Diabetes Association this is a myth. Repeated studied have found this to be untrue, so if there's new research that contradicts this, I'd be interested if you (or any one else) can guide me to the new study or studies.

Not clear which one you are asking about~

Aspartame causing spikes or about stevia.

I am canadian so can't speak for American diabetes association. When considering products they do or don't recommend, always important to look behind the veil to see what corporate interest is at stake. Stevia took va long time to get approval in Canada because of vested interest of artificial sweeteners hold on market share.

Just read this on the web: 'Monsanto, the producer of aspartame, makes significant contributions to the American Diabetes Association. Aspartame clearly seems to be the most dangerous of all artificial sweeteners.'

Aspartame scares the crap out of me. I use to be addicted to diet coke, but stopped drinking this year after hearing just how bad it is for you. It's been 3plus months for me after 10 plus years of drinking it. I now drink unsweetened ice tea with nothing added. If I am really needing a soda, I will drink a real Coke. It seems to do the trick. I make sure no matter what that I save 140 calories for one of these a days.

Aspartame: the Shocking Story of How Aspartame Became Legal

http://www.whydontyoutrythis.com/201...ame-legal.html