Saccharin is a non-nutritive, artificial sweetener that has been used for over a century to sweeten food and beverages without calories. While it is widely considered safe by health authorities, questions remain about its potential benefits and risks.

What is Saccharin?

Saccharin is a non-nutritive sweetener, produced by chemically altering o-toluene sulfonamide or phthalic anhydride. It is about 300-400 times sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve a sweet taste. Since it’s not metabolized by the body, it doesn’t contribute calories or carbs. While it’s commonly used in diet sodas, baked goods, and certain medicines, its bitter aftertaste often prompts manufacturers to combine it with other sweeteners, such as aspartame.

It is widely considered safe by health authorities across the world. While early studies in the 1970s linked it to bladder cancer in rats, subsequent tests found no such risk in humans. As a result, saccharin's status was changed to "not classifiable as carcinogenic to humans." Nevertheless, the lack of long-term studies in humans makes many health experts sceptical about it.

Sources Of Saccharin

Saccharin is commonly found in low-calorie foods and beverages, including diet sodas, candy, and chewing gum. It's also used in some cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In the EU, saccharin appears on labels as E954. Common brands include Sweet ‘N Low and Sweet Twin.

How Much Can You Safely Consume?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set an acceptable daily intake of saccharin at 2.3 mg per pound of body weight. For a 154-pound person, this translates to about 350 mg per day—equivalent to consuming several cans of diet soda daily without health risks.

Can It Help You Lose Weight?

Using saccharin as a sugar substitute may help with weight management by reducing calorie intake. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may even slightly reduce calorie intake and promote modest weight loss. However, other research suggests that the long-term use of artificial sweeteners could increase cravings, leading to potential overeating and weight gain.

Notably, saccharin is often recommended as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes, as it does not affect blood glucose levels. Most evidence suggests that saccharin and other artificial sweeteners have minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making them a suitable choice for those looking to manage their diabetes.

It Is Also Good For Dental Health?

Unlike sugar, saccharin is not fermented by bacteria in the mouth, meaning it doesn’t contribute to cavities. Using saccharin in place of sugar could potentially reduce the risk of dental decay, though other ingredients in sweetened foods, such as acids in soft drinks, may still pose a risk.

Although saccharin is deemed safe, some research has raised concerns about its effect on gut bacteria. Early studies suggest that it may disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, which is linked to various health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic diseases. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential risks.

ALSO READ: What Is Allulose? Assessing the Risks of Artificial Sweeteners

What we may think is an unnecessary task, could end up saving us a lot of time and effort, even our life.

Taking a moment to perform a quick check after showering could be a life-saving habit, especially for young men. Testicular cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissue of both testicles. These are a part of the male reproductive system that make hormones and sperm. This type of cancer is very common for men between the age of 20 and 39. An important thing about this is that it can be detected and dealt with in an easy and effective manner. This simple routine can lead to the early detection of testicular cancer, a disease that affects thousands each year and is particularly common in men in their 20s and 30s.

Low Awareness Among Young Men

Despite its prevalence in younger demographics, awareness of testicular cancer remains surprisingly low. Recent research indicates that only a small percentage of adults correctly identify this cancer as most commonly affecting men under 40.

Experts note that many young men are often unaware that testicular cancer is most prevalent in their age group, typically between 20 and 40 years old. For many, their focus is on career and daily life, not necessarily health concerns, making the idea of a cancer diagnosis unexpected at such a young age.

How to Perform a Testicular Self-Check

The NHS recommends checking your testicles regularly, and many find it easiest to do so during or after a warm bath or shower. This is because the warmth relaxes the scrotum, making it easier to feel for changes. When you check, pay close attention to the size and weight of each testicle, noting anything different from your norm. Also, carefully feel for any new lumps or swellings. It's about getting to know what feels normal for you, so you can easily spot anything unusual that might need medical attention.

Early Detection and Curability

Fortunately, testicular cancer is often highly curable, especially when detected early. The majority of patients are diagnosed before the cancer has a chance to spread to other parts of the body.

It's crucial to understand that testicular cancer doesn't usually present with painful symptoms. This lack of pain underscores why routine self-exams are so vital for identifying any lumps, bumps, or changes in the testicle's size. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's important to contact your doctor promptly.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man's risk of developing testicular cancer. These include issues with how the testicles formed during development or a condition called cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles don't descend into the scrotum before birth. It's important to be aware of the potential signs of testicular cancer. These may include:

• A painless lump or swelling in either testicle.
• Any noticeable change in the size or feel of a testicle.
• A persistent, dull ache in the lower stomach area or the groin.
• A sudden accumulation of fluid within the scrotum.
• Any pain or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum itself.

When to See Your Doctor

While most symptoms you might notice are unlikely to be cancer, it's always essential to consult a doctor if you experience any concerning changes. You should seek medical advice if you find a lump or swelling in any part of one testicle, or if a testicle suddenly gets bigger. Also, don't ignore any new pain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum, or if your scrotum feels unusually heavy. Getting these symptoms checked by a healthcare professional ensures you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, if needed, providing peace of mind.

Taking care of toddlers is a mighty task, even parents need a lot of help to make sure their toddlers get the proper help they need. There are many aspects of a toddler’s care that may seem concerning and especially for new parents. One such cause of concern can be a toddler’s diet.

With persistent heatwave you might notice shifts in your family's daily rhythm, especially when it comes to eating. While we all know the importance of staying hydrated to counteract fluid loss from sweating, the NHS also suggests opting for cold foods, particularly salads and high water-content fruits, during hot weather.

Understanding Reduced Appetite in Children

It's common for parents to worry when their little ones seem to eat less as temperatures climb. Lucy Upton, a children's dietician who has had experience with the NHS as well as is a published author, offers reassurance on this matter. In a recent TikTok video, she explains that it's "exceptionally normal" for children's dinner intake to decrease during a heatwave.

With over 15 years of experience, Lucy highlights that a reduced appetite in hot weather is both "biologically and physiologically" normal. She clarifies, "Eating generates heat, digestion generates heat. The body is going to be in 'keep us cool' mode, so children's appetites will often drop."

She also notes that after an active day in the heat, children can be "quite dysregulated" and "a bit aggy," which further diminishes their desire to eat. Lucy shared her own experience, confessing, "My daughter hasn't eaten any dinner for the last three days when hot, bothered and a bit 'done'."

Tips for Parents During Hot Weather

So, how can you ensure your children's well-being in these circumstances?

Offer Small, Frequent Portions

Lucy advises, "Continue to offer them something and start with small portions. Make your life easier."

Prioritize "Picky Dinners"

This is the perfect time for easy, no-fuss meals. Lucy suggests: "Fruit, salad veg, cold meats or fish, frittata, bread and spreads like hummus or cream cheese. Keep it cool and keep it easy." She recommends skipping cooking and instead "just pop a balanced meal on a plate in the garden, on a picnic blanket or wherever, and see what they fancy." Children are often drawn to fluid-rich options like cold yogurt, fruit, and vegetables straight from the fridge, and these are "perfectly normal" choices.

Focus on Fluids

"Fluids absolutely a priority this week," Lucy emphasizes. Think about incorporating "fluid-rich foods" such as popsicles, smoothie bowls, various fruits and vegetables, cereal with ice-cold milk, and overnight oats.

Appetite Will Return

For parents of children with typically good appetites, Lucy stresses that there's no need to worry if you notice a temporary change. "Their appetite will return – just trust them, and in the meantime, try and keep cool," she concludes.

When the weather heats up, it's not only children who experience a reduced appetite. Adults also tend to eat less and consume fewer calories as a natural way for the body to cool itself down.

To ensure children stay safe in the sun, it's important to make sure they drink plenty of water to remain hydrated, ideally in small, frequent sips. If a child shows signs of overheating, such as becoming irritable or complaining of a headache, move them to a shaded, cool area immediately. Remove any unnecessary clothing, offer them water, and encourage them to rest.

A disease that affects our memory and cognitive abilities, Alzheimer’s disease, is the most common among all dementia diseases. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define progressive cognitive disabilities. A common sign of Alzheimer’s you may have heard of is forgetting things frequently, however, there is much more to it than that. This disease changes the way a person functions, whether it is memory, thinking skills, or behavior.

For a long time, feeling lonely was seen as a big sign of Alzheimer's disease. But new research from the University of California, looking at half a million people in the UK, is now questioning this idea. The study checked people's genes and social habits. Surprisingly, it found no real difference in how lonely people felt or the quality of their friendships between those with a high risk for Alzheimer's and those with a low risk.

In fact, people with a higher genetic risk actually spent more time doing social things and had happier family lives, reporting much less loneliness. This has led scientists to think that Alzheimer's might actually make people more social in its early stages, instead of less.

Complex Link Between Sociability and Dementia

Researchers are now trying to figure out why people with a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's might be more social. Maybe they are actively trying to meet more people, or perhaps those around them notice small changes and offer more help. It's important to know that dementia is a general term for different brain problems, including Alzheimer's, where brain function slowly gets worse.

Right now, over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia, affecting about one in every eleven people over 65. While there's no cure for Alzheimer's yet, there are treatments that can help with problems like confusion and memory loss.

Lifestyle Factors and Dementia Prevention

Even though we need more research on the link between dementia and social behavior, experts still believe that being more social could help lower the risk of dementia. This is because being connected to others is thought to make your brain stronger, helping it work well even as you get older.

Also, past studies suggest that almost half of all dementia cases could be prevented by making lifestyle changes. For example, recent research from Oxford University in 2024 found that things like pollution, drinking alcohol, and being very tired increase the risk of dementia. Type 2 diabetes was also highlighted as a big risk factor, possibly damaging sensitive parts of the brain.

Understanding Dementia Symptoms

The signs of dementia can be different depending on the type. In the early stages, common signs might include difficulty doing everyday tasks you're used to, like getting confused about change when shopping. Other signs often include forgetting things, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right words, feeling confused about time and place, experiencing mood changes, and having trouble focusing.

If you think you or someone you know might have these symptoms, it's very important to talk to a doctor. Getting an early diagnosis, even without a cure, can sometimes help slow down the disease, allowing people to stay mentally sharp for longer and prepare for the future.