Popular artificial sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke

A new study found that a popular zero-calorie sweetener is linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. A sugar replacement called erythritol is mixed into popular sweeteners like stevia and truvia, and can be found in a range of foods and drinks. “It’s about 70% as sweet as sugar. So, you’re getting almost the same amount of sweetness with less calories,” said Trey Smith, owner of Smith Advanced Nutrition Enterprise.