Professor Myeong Seung-kwon, CBS Radio Interview
"Let's Not Eat Too Excessively"
Myung Seung-kwon, President of the Graduate School of International Cancer Studies at the National Cancer Center, said this in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 17th. President Myung stated, "Sugar contains calories, so consuming it in large amounts can cause obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases," and added, "Artificial sweeteners that can replace sugar have been developed. They are from 200 times to as much as 20,000 times sweeter than sugar in the same amount."
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, is widely used as an ingredient. Aspartame is used in Zero Cola, Zero Cider, Makgeolli, and snacks.
President Myung also explained the background of the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying aspartame as 2B. He said, "Within Group 2, there is also Group 2A, which is 'probably carcinogenic.' There are 94 substances in this category, including red meats such as beef, lamb, and pork that we consume," he explained.
Aspartame belongs to Group 2B. President Myung explained, "In the case of aspartame, it has not been definitively proven to be a carcinogen; it is at a preliminary stage. It is classified as Group 2B, possibly carcinogenic."
President Myung said, "The key point is the amount, the amount. How much you consume and how much you are exposed to. As you know, even processed meats like ham, sausage, and bacon, which we eat regularly, are almost not a problem at typical consumption levels. The issue is how much and how frequently you consume to the extent that cancer develops."
This is a warning that thinking aspartame is safer than sugar should not lead to overconsumption. President Myung said, "Artificial sweeteners have fewer calories than sugar, but that does not mean you can consume them in large amounts. I think this classification was made as a warning."
President Myung also mentioned that pickled vegetables are included in Group 2B, to which aspartame belongs. In particular, in response to the host's question, "Pickles and kimchi are all in 2B, right?" he answered, "Yes, that's correct. Pickled vegetables are the same."
President Myung said, "That does not mean you should not eat kimchi at all. As I mentioned earlier, the amount is important."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
