Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/p/DGyCI-ZOjLW/New research suggests that aspartame, a common artificial sweetener, may increase the risk of heart disease by triggering insulin spikes that lead to artery-clogging plaques—a key factor in heart attacks and strokes.The study, published in Cell Metabolism, found that mice consuming aspartame daily—equivalent to drinking three cans of diet soda—experienced persistent insulin surges. This led to chronic inflammation and the buildup of fatty plaques in their arteries, a process linked to cardiovascular disease.Researchers believe the artificial sweetness tricks the body’s insulin receptors, causing a greater-than-expected insulin response. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.While aspartame is FDA-approved and widely used in diet sodas, baked goods, and processed foods, experts caution that frequent consumption could have long-term health risks. Researchers plan to investigate whether these find