"Even if they're not as bad as they sound there's really no reason to consume them."
I'm sure there are are all kinds of exaggerated reports of how bad they are. But, indeed, what reason is there to consume them instead of sugar? I love it when people complain that sugar has "empty" calories, and then consume artificial sweeteners instead. What are they thinking? Artificial sweeteners are emtpy sensory stimulators, at best. No micronutrients, no energy (calories) either. They serve no purpose other than to tickel your taste receptors. Personally, I crave something sweet when I need fast energy, not just because I want to "have something sweet." My need for energy causes the desire for something sweet. Artificial sweetners are devices that really easy to fool people use to fool themselves into thinking they are getting energy -- and instead deprive themselves of the energy they need. I seriously doubt that artificial sweetners have never helped anyone lose weight, tho this is usually the purpose they are advertised as serving. As dotnetdiva said: your mouth thinks you got something sweet. The rest of your body knows you haven't. So instead of your desire for food being gratified -- your nerve-based computer calculates that if the amount of sweetness you had didn't do the trick and give you enough energy -- then your body must need more and more and more sweet stuff, and increases your craving for sweet food, and perhaps all food. Some weight-loss aid. People who think artificial sweetners help them lose weight must think that their whole being consists of a mouth, and the rest of their body doesn't exist.
Thanks 
