Artificial Sweeteners in Cakes: A Hidden Danger?
Are you really eating the right cake? In the era of online delivery and usage of different types of food ordering platform like Zomato and Swiggy, it is really becoming difficult to find healthy eating options. The majority of people want to satisfy their cravings and sweet tooth without knowing the ingredients of products. On the other hand, shopkeepers also want to maximize their profits and using synthetic ingredients that can cause your health. Due to the lack of awareness and having no knowledge about the products, the customers are taking risks with their lives.
In the recent time similar incidents occurred that shook the town of Patiala, Punjab, Where the life of 10 year old girl died because of eating a wrong type of cake leaving her family members critically ill. So the question arises who is the culprit? The investigation revealed an alarming amount of artificial sweetener in the cake. This tragic event not only highlighted the importance of food safety but also sparked a crucial conversation about the dangers of relying on synthetic additives in our food. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, it is imperative to explore deeper into the implication of using artificial sweetener and advocate for the adoption of natural ingredients in the baking. This make sure to increase natural sweetness also cater health as well.
What was the incident?
The incidents unfolded when a family in Patiala celebrates their daughter’s birthday with a cake purchase from local bakery through online food ordering platform. Little did they know that this seemingly joyous occasion would soon turn into a nightmare? Shorty after eating cake, the young girl Manvi fell critically ill and despite several efforts to save her, she tragically succumbed to the toxic effects of the artificial sweetener present in the confectionary. The rest of the family also experienced several other heath complications and underscoring the gravity of the situations.
What is the Artificial Sweetener?
Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose, are commonly used in the food industry as low-calorie substitutes for sugar. While intended to provide a sweet taste without the caloric content of sugar, these additives come with their own set of risks and side effects. Studies have linked the consumption of artificial sweeteners to various health issues, including metabolic disorders, weight gain, and even cancer. Additionally, excessive intake or more than 5% these compounds can lead to toxicity, as tragically demonstrated in the case of the young girl in Patiala.
Concern over food safety
A deadly cake incident sparked concerns about bakery safety and accountability. The food delivery platform responded by banning the bakery. This sends a clear message: negligence in food preparation is unacceptable, especially when lives are at risk.
Artificial sweeteners may help with weight loss or diabetes management, but their safety is debated. To prioritize health, we should choose natural ingredients in cakes.
What are the Risks associated with Artificial Sweeteners?
Artificial Sweeteners are substance used to sweeten foods and beverages without adding to the sugar. There is an in-depth research has been conducted how it can impact on the overall health being
The most common problem related artificial sweetener is increase risks of the heart problems and sudden spike in the blood sugar level. As per the research reports, no one should use more than 5grams saccharin in the cake or any other products. But to create sweetness in the cake, bakers are using the more than given guidelines. This can leads to serious health concern. On the other hand, another problem related to gut health. The artificial sweetener can influence on the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in the digestion. Metabolism and immune function. In addition, the other potential impact bloating, gas diarrhea can be occurred and create serious impact on individual’s health.
The case of Natural Ingredients
Given the dangers associated with artificial Sweeteners, it is crucial to consider opting for cakes made with natural ingredients instead. Natural sweeteners fruit or dry fruits, offer a safer & healthier alternative to their artificial counterparts. Here’s why –
Health Benefits
Natural Sweeteners contain essential nutrients and antioxidants that can provide many health benefits. For example, use of fruits or dry fruits contains minerals like manganese and zinc, and fruit purees offer vitamins and fiber. On the other hand, it also increases sweetness in the cake, so it does not increase the threats of sugar spike in the body. By choosing cakes with natural sweeteners, you can enjoy the taste while also benefiting from these valuable nutrients.
Reduced Health Risks
For centuries, people have used natural ingredients without significant health concerns because our bodies metabolize them differently, resulting in no potential negative impact on our health. By opting for natural ingredients in cakes, you can minimize the risks associated with consuming excessive amount of artificial sweeteners.
Taste and Flavor
Natural Sweetener often provides a richer and more complex flavor profile compared to artificial alternatives. Cakes made with natural sweeteners tend to have a more authentic and satisfying taste. By embracing natural ingredients, you can enhance the overall sensory experience of enjoying cakes without compromising on flavor.
Beyond Sweeteners: Natural Cake Ingredients
Natural ingredients like fresh fruits, whole wheat flour, real butter and include of dry fruits can be indeed serve as excellent alternatives to artificial sweeteners in cakes. Not only do these ingredients provide sweetness, but they also offer a host of nutritional benefits and contribute to the overall flavor and texture of the cake.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is less processed than refined white flour and retains more its natural sweeteners and nutrients. It has a nuttier flavor and denser texture, which can enhances the richness in cakes. Using whole wheat flour in place of refined flour not only adds natural sweetness but also boots the fiber content of the cake, promoting digestive health and providing sustained energy. Usage of the refined flour in the cake actually increase problem related to gut and fatty liver.
Real Butter
Real butter made from cream, adds a rich and creamy flavor to cakes while providing natural sweetness. Unlike, margarine or shortening, which often contain additives, real butter is wholesome ingredients that contribute to the indulgent texture of cakes. Its natural fat content helps to keep cake moist and tender, ensuring a decadent and satisfying dessert experience.
Brown Sugar
A brown Sugar made from a combination of white sugar and molasses, has a distinct caramel flavor and moist texture that can elevate the taste of cakes. It adds depth and complexity of bakes goods, imparting a subtle molasses undertone that enhances sweetness without overpowering other flavors. Brown sugar also retains more moisture than granulated sugar, resulting in a softer and tenderer addition to cakes.
Dry Fruits
Dry fruits such as dates, figs, raisins and apricots are naturally sweet and can be used in the cake while adding chewy texture, Chopped and pureed dry fruits can be incorporate into cake batter to enhance sweeteners and provide natural sweetness without the need for additional sugar. Additionally, dry fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants making them nutrition’s addition to the cake.
Fresh Fruits
Fresh Fruits such as bananas, apples, berries and dates are naturally sweets and can add delightful sweetness to cakes without the need for additional sugar, Mashed bananas for example, lend a moist texture and sweet flavor to cake, while applesauce can serve as a natural binder and sweetener. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries not only add sweetness but also infuse the cake vibrant color and antioxidant properties.
Conclusion
The tragic incident in Patiala, Punjab serves as solemn reminder of the potential dangers lurking in our food. The excessive use of artificial sweeteners in cakes can have severe consequences of our health, as evidenced by the loss of young life and the illness of her family members. As consumer, we must prioritize our well being and make informed choices when it comes to the food we eat. Opting for cakes made with natural ingredients only ensure our safety but also provide us with valuable nutrients and delightful taste experience
While artificial sweeteners offer a calorie deficit or alterative of sugar, but their potential health issues remain a topic for debate. While it may be suitable for some individuals in the moderation but overall in the long run, it can create serious problem.
Such incidents are occurring because there is lack of awareness among the people regarding to the ingredients and their food process. It is really important to understand the food business and what type of the substances is using for making products like cake. Many of us are completely unaware about the services offering by the bakers.
It is important to find bakers who are using the quality and natural ingredients. Wheat Bakes is one of them. The organization is using 100% whole wheat products, zero Maida, no preservative, no artificial color and pure vegetarian in the bakery products. Thus, the Wheat Bakes is satisfying your craving without sacrificing your health. Let us advocate for foot safety and embrace the goodness of natural sweeteners in our cakes.
