A new study indicates that aspartame might impact vascular health. Scientists reveal that the artificial sweetener increased insulin levels in mice, which contributes to atherosclerosis — a buildup of fatty plaque in arteries. This condition can lead to higher inflammation levels and may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, critics of the study counter that the findings have yet to be repeated in humans. Moreover, they argue that the study did not prove that aspartame increases heart health risk.
