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Erythritol, a commonly used sugar substitute often marketed as "healthy," may impair blood vessel health by disrupting the brain's ability to produce a critical compound, according to new research. Erythritol is a low-calorie sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, including energy drinks, snack foods and protein bars. Like other sugar alcohols, erythritol is popular because it does not affect blood glucose and insulin levels as much as sugar. However, previous research links consumption of erythritol to a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, including stroke. In a new study, researchers treated human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells—cells from the tiny...

SNIPRegarding blood biochemistry, the results were pronounced:Stevia administration caused a significant reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and RBCs (red blood cells) count, compared to control groups.In female mice, stevia showed a significant decrease in WBCs (white blood cells) count.In reference to liver health, the results were again extreme:Stevia administration increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. (AST and ALT are two of the liver enzymes doctors look at when trying to figure out if you have a problem with your liver.)Levels of liver triglycerides and cholesterol in male mice groups increased.Stevia significantly elevated liver cholesterol levels in...

Federal agents are now investigating reports of possibly eight threatening letters with a white substance in at least four Alabama cities this morning, an FBI official confirmed. Angela Tobon, media spokesperson for the Mobile FBI, said the letters were all mailed to federal offices and "are all the same ...white powder with threatening letters," she said.