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Level A1 – BeginnerCEFR A1
2 min
84 words
- Many foods and drinks now have low-calorie sweeteners.
- People often use them to reduce added sugar intake.
- Scientists are studying whether they affect blood sugar.
- Randomized trials compare sweeteners with water or placebo.
- Trials found higher fasting insulin after using sweeteners.
- Some studies also saw worse long-term blood sugar measures.
- Gut microbes may change when sweeteners pass through.
- Experts say to be cautious and study more.
- Replacing lots of sugary drinks might be better.
- Labeling often lists sweeteners but not their amounts.
Difficult words
- sweetener — substance that gives food a sweet tastesweeteners
- randomize — to put things in no set orderRandomized
- trial — a scientific test of a treatment or ideaTrials
- insulin — a hormone that controls blood sugar
- microbe — a very small living thing often in the bodymicrobes
- label — information on food packages about contentsLabeling
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Discussion questions
- Do you drink sugary drinks?
- Do you check labels when you buy food?
- Would you choose water instead of a sugary drink?
