The meals we eat every day contain sugar, which is an essential component. It is a soluble carbohydrate with a sweet flavor that imparts sweetness to food. Sugar consumption has been linked to health problems like cavities, weight gain, inflammation, diabetes, obesity, etc. As a result, using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar is now possible. Food additives known as artificial sweeteners work similarly to sugar but have less nutritional value. Saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-K are a few examples. Artificial sweeteners can help with weight loss, diabetic management, dental decay prevention, cost savings, and other therapeutic and non-therapeutic benefits. However, research has also revealed that some health issues are associated with even these artificial sweeteners. Obesity, allergic reactions including hives and swellings, metabolic acidosis, and cancer are a few of these disorders. Additionally, it could encourage flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to examine the advantages and health implications of using artificial sugar substitutes as well as substitutions for them. It also supports the need for additional investigation to determine the precise mechanisms of action of these sugar substitutes employing in vitro, animal, and human models.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid which is a major constituent of the brain, retina and skin in terms of structure. DHA can be produced from the metabolic synthesis of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) or gotten from breast milk, fatty fishes, or oil from algae. Studies have shown that DHA is an essential nutrient for normal functioning of the brain. It is the major omega-3 fatty acid present in brain tissues and is known to have effects on neurotransmitters, synaptic transmission, and signal transduction. Also, certain DHA metabolites are biologically active molecules that protect the tissues from oxidative injury and stress. DHA is also known to carry out important membrane neuronal functions such as Phospholipid synthesis, membrane fluidity, neuronal survival, regulation of gene expression and modulation of enzyme activity in the brain. Therefore, DHA needs to be taken at developmental stages of human life such as period of pregnancy, lactation and even childhood for proper development and functioning of the brain.
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