World Of Technology

Twenty Four Hour View of the Sky

Interesting

Photographer Chris Kotsiopoulos

After wondering for some time whether it was possible to image the sky from one morning to the next where I live in Athens Greece, I decided to give it a try. After hours of planning and preparation, and a full day of shooting, the image above is the result of this labor of love. It took me about 12 hours to pull together and process a single image that included over 500 star trails, 35 shots of the Sun and 25 landscape pictures. My plan was to make the image on the day of the solstice (December 21) when the Sun’s stay in the sky was short (in the Northern Hemisphere) and the star trail durations were long. Of course, trying to find clear weather for a given 24-hour period is not an easy chore. However, I was patient, and the weather eventually cooperated (on December 30-31, 2010). I had to stay at the same place for approximately 30 hours. In addition, I was on location 2-3 hours before sunrise in order to make the preparations and test shooting. I also needed to stay an extra 2-3 hours the second day so as to shoot part of the Sun's sequence that I lost the first morning due to clouds. I chose Sounion (Temple of Poseidon) as the setting for this project.

I began the shooting the morning of December 30, 2010, taking photos with my camera on a tripod facing east. The day portion of this shoot is composed of a dozen shots covering the landscape from east to west as well as the Sun's course across the sky, from sunrise to sunset. I recorded the Sun's position exactly every 15 minutes using an intervalometer, with an astrosolar filter adjusted to the camera lens. In one of the shots, when the Sun was near its maximum altitude, I removed the filter in order to capture a more dramatic shot that showed the Sun's “glare.” After sunset, I took various shots with the camera facing west-northwest in order to achieve a more smooth transition from the day portion to the night portion of the image. The night portion is also composed of a dozen landscape shots but this time from west to east. After the transition” shots, I took a short star trail sequence of approximately half an hour duration, with the camera facing northwest. At 7:30, I turned the camera to the north and started taking the “all-night” star trail shots -- lasting almost 11 hours. After accomplishing this, I then turned the camera to northeast and shot another short half an hour star trail sequence, and then finally, with the camera now facing east-northeast, I took a series of night-to-day transition shots.

Africa’s First Elephant Underpass

Interesting

It's Africa's first dedicated elephant underpass. It was built in Kenya and should become a new solution to the increasing problem of animal-human conflict in Africa. The tunnel will link two groups of the beasts previously separated by a busy motorway.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Fat

News

Fat is a word that most of us do not want to hear on a regular basis, especially when it relates to our own bodies. We associate fat with growing beer guts, tighter pants, and less-than-ideal sex and social lives.

However, fat plays a critical role in many of the processes our bodies go through each and every day, and it has both positive and negative sides.

This three-letter-word has more secrets than you know...

1. Fat cells can swell to as much as six times their minimum size

When you consume more calories than you burn off, fat cells in the body swell to as much as six times their minimum size, and they begin to multiply -- from 40 billion in an average adult up to 100 billion. Everyone has fat cells; they begin to form and take shape before birth. Around the age of 16, the body's fat cells are mature, and then lifestyle and genes play a role in gaining or losing weight as you age.

Fat cells are critical for survival and help assist the body's "store and management" energy system. Simply put, fat that is not used for fuel immediately is stored for later use. To that end, if you're eating high-calorie meals every day and not burning very many calories, your fat cells swell and multiply, resulting in weight gain.

2. Fat cells secrete extra estrogen

Carrying a few extra pounds may also wreak havoc on your hormonal balance, leading to a variety of illnesses and health risks. Estrogen, the classified "female hormone," is a fat-storing hormone that is also naturally present in small amounts in men. But when you gain weight, estrogen levels rise and other health problems ensue.

Although estrogen is necessary in men, as it regulates a healthy libido, improves brain function (especially memory) and protects the heart, when the levels are too high, testosterone levels are reduced, and many men experience fatigue, muscle tone loss, decreased sexual function, and in some cases, enlarged prostates. In other words, there are no good side effects to increased estrogen levels in men.

3. If you lose a lot of weight, your fat cells shrink, but they do not disappear

Having 100 billion fat cells in your body from weight gain may sound scary. The good news is that you can still lose weight after your fat cells swell and multiply; in fact, when you lose weight, your fat cells shrink. Although their total number only decreases slightly (if at all), the cells become less metabolically active and remain in your body, waiting for you to pick up a bag of pork rinds so they can expand again.

This means that it's better to try to maintain a normal weight than to gain and lose weight on fast, "quick fix" types of diets. Someone who has maintained a normal weight (i.e. has been relatively thin) all their life will have an easier time staying at that weight than someone whose fat cells have swelled and multiplied.

4. Fat tissue attracts cells that promote inflammation

Aside from the lousy way you feel when you're packing a few extra pounds, there are also internal complications that result from excess fat.

Fat tissue attracts immune system cells called macrophages that promote inflammation in the body. So, if you are carrying any extra fat, your body begins to produce an immune response similar to the reaction your body exhibits when you develop the flu or have an injury.

Inflammation's intended purpose in the body is to fight infection. Therefore, your body sees the extra fat calories that you consume from fried calamari and greasy pizza as an invasion in the body.

But don't worry: You don't have to give up your favorite foods just yet. Studies show that decreasing your total body weight by as little as 10% (if you're overweight) can improve your health and limit the immune response that your body exhibits from the extra weight.

5. Fat cells behave differently in different parts of the body

Men typically carry excess weight in the midsection; thus, if you gain weight (whether you drink beer or not), most of it will go directly to your gut first.

Belly fat increases the likelihood of bad cholesterol (LDL), triggers extra fat in the bloodstream, and raises blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Furthermore, abdominal fat tends to be deeper inside the body, as opposed to hip or thigh fat, which is stored directly under the skin.

Fat cells within the abdomen are metabolically more active than fat cells located in other areas of the body. They release more fatty acids, which can lead to diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and certain cancers. Abdominal fat cells may also affect the healthy functioning of the liver.

Unfortunately, there is no way to target weight loss in one specific area of the body (i.e. your abs). So, in order to lose your spare tire, you must exercise your entire body. The good news is that excess weight in the midsection is usually the fastest to come off during regular exercise.

6. If you consume no fat at all, you will short-circuit your body

If you avoid consuming any fat, you will short-circuit your body's natural system for transporting vitamins through the body and regulating cholesterol levels.

As noted above, fats are critical for maintaining your body's natural processes, such as vitamin absorption and energy production. Without these particular fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), the body cannot suitably absorb calcium, hormone production may be negatively affected, and blood may have difficulty forming and/or clotting properly.

A lack of fat-soluble vitamins can lead to serious health problems, including night blindness, rickets, anemia, and internal bleeding. Furthermore, when the body cannot absorb calcium, bones can become weak and brittle.

Fat -- the unsaturated type -- can also play a role in regulating cholesterol by lowering your "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels.

7. Fat calories should only be 30% of your total daily calories

Despite all of its secrets, fat is not the enemy. A certain amount of fat is needed to maintain the normal functioning of your body's internal processes. Fats aid in the absorption of certain vitamins, and above all, they provide your body with the energy it needs to function every day.

A healthy diet should take approximately 30% of its total calories from fat. However, keep in mind that fat contains twice the number of calories of a carbohydrate or protein, and that different fats are considered "healthier" than others.

Saturated fat, which is derived from red meat and dairy products, tends to raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels more than other types of fat, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, olive oil and fatty fish.

Saturated fat has also been linked to abdominal obesity, as has trans fat, which is found in many processed foods.

Coexisting with Fat

Despite its ugly reputation, you can have a healthy relationship with fat and maintain a lean body. Here are some tips:

Choose "healthy" fats (olive oil, nuts and fatty fish) and bypass the obvious "bad" fats (fried/fast food, baked goods and sugary soft drinks)
Steer clear of processed foods and eat animal products (meat and dairy) in moderation
Watch your abs -- if you're belly has started to resemble the spare tire sitting in the trunk of your car, get to the gym!

10 Workout Mistakes You Probably Make

News

Mistake #1: Not Eating Enough

Keeping yourself properly fueled is vital to a successful workout. Yvonne Castañeda, group exercise manager and private trainer for The Sports Club/LA in Miami, says that many times, when first embarking on a weight-loss journey, her clients skimp on meals. “Working out with little to no food in your system is like embarking on a 300-mile road trip with only a quarter-tank of gas,” she says. “Too often we make the mistake of thinking fewer calories will lead to optimal weight loss. But being properly fueled is essential to making the most of your training.”

Solution: Eat a well-balanced snack that involves proteins and carbohydrates at least two hours before you hit the gym.

Mistake #2: Not Resting Enough

Chris Sims, a private trainer at The Sports Club/LA in Miami, emphasizes the importance of rest. He says not resting or working out too hard can be a very dangerous mistake. “Overdoing this healthy outlet can be detrimental to your overall health," he says. "Working out seven days a week or even twice a day isn’t good for you—your body has to reach recovery mode in order to repair the muscles and help them develop.” If you overuse your muscles, you risk injury, loss of appetite and fatigue.

Solution: Simple—get some rest! Working out three to four times a week is definitely sufficient when trying to meet your goals. On the days you don’t exercise, if you still want to be active, take the kids to the park, walk the dog or work in the garden. You can also maintain a healthy mindset by cooking nutritious meals for yourself.

Mistake #3: Not Incorporating Resistance Training

You might be intimidated by those huge weight machines and dumbbells, but next time you hit the gym just for the treadmill, reconsider. The benefits of resistance training are endless, Castañeda explains: “Resistance training helps build muscle, which in turn promotes fat burn, leading to a lower body fat percentage in the long run.” In addition to cardio, strength and resistance training are essential to getting in shape.

Solution: Don't be afraid to approach a trainer. That's what they're there for! He or she can demonstrate how to use the equipment and also discuss how to incorporate those types of workouts into your fitness plan two to three times per week.

Mistake #4: Slacking on Technique and Form

Many people have trouble figuring out the correct way to perform strength-training exercises. "It’s imperative to be smart when approaching a new fitness regimen that includes lifting weights over your head and pushing weight off your chest. You want to avoid injury at all costs,” Castañeda says. In addition, proper form is the key to making your workout effective.

Solution: If you don’t work out with a personal trainer, feel free to ask them questions while you’re at the gym. Find out how many sets, reps and rests between sets you need. Trainers can also give you feedback on your form. Another great source is the Internet—"you can discover information on technique, form and effectiveness of different exercises for your body type,” Castañeda notes.

Mistake #5: Focusing on Quantity Over Quality

It’s easy to think that more is better when it comes to working out, but that's not necessarily the case—especially with weights. While doing more repetitions with a lighter weight is definitely better, according to MadeMan.com, you should be focused on form—not numbers.

Solution: As a gauge, “your muscles should be close to or at the point of exhaustion after 15 reps with the appropriate weight. If you can get through 35 without breaking a sweat, then you need to slow down each repetition while upping the weight.”

Mistake #6: Not Varying the Types of Workouts

We’re all guilty of falling into a routine. While working out is a healthy habit to have, not mixing up the number of reps and types of exercises is no good. "Sticking to the same routine for more than six weeks will cause your body to hit a plateau and you’ll no longer see the changes you saw at the beginning of your program. Your body, believe it or not, likes to be shocked, and putting it through new and challenging exercises is the best way to surprise it and wake it up,” Castañeda says.

Solution: Make sure you vary frequency, intensity and repetitions. Another great way to get the most out of your workout is to try new things. Check out your gym’s schedule for cardio and strength-training classes that strike your fancy, and take advantage of exercise DVDs as well as websites, like Exercise TV.

Mistake #7: Setting Unrealistic Goals

Come the new year, it’s easy to think those holiday pounds will just melt away in two or three months, or that you’ll be able to run a half marathon in a couple of weeks. However, setting goals with big results in little time can quickly lead to disappointment. “Sometimes it takes years to put on a significant amount of weight and other times the weight can creep up on you in a matter of months. But when it comes to losing, it doesn’t come off quite as easily nor as quickly,” Sims says.

Solution: When crafting your workout plan, set goals that are attainable and realistic. "This way there’s a better chance you won’t give up and won’t be disappointed,” says Sims.

Mistake # 8: Not Stretching

You’ve probably heard how important warming up and cooling down is, but the most important part of both is stretching. Castañeda notes that it’s vital to reward your body after a workout by stretching for at least 10 minutes to prevent soreness and promote recovery and repair. “Not stretching after your workout may cause uncomfortable soreness and impingements—consequences that will hinder the effectiveness of your next workout,” she says.

Solution: Yoga is one of the easiest ways to incorporate stretching into your fitness program. “The poses will help you release a significant amount of tension in your muscles and will help you feel more relaxed," Castañeda says.

Mistake #9: Not Completely Focusing on Your Workout

It’s so easy to get distracted and bring work, family and other stresses with you to the gym. But Castañeda and Sims both emphasize the drawbacks of not concentrating on your workout. “Physiologically speaking, the force production in your muscles is not as great when you’re not thinking about the actual muscles and what they are meant to be doing,” Castañeda says. Not only is unplugging important for a successful workout, but it's also a great way to unwind from everything else going on.

Solution: Leave your worries in the locker room and “simply allow yourself five minutes to hit the ‘reset' button," suggests Castañeda. To clear your head before a workout, "sit down, close your eyes and breathe in and out for a few minutes. This will calm the central nervous system and promote overall relaxation, which in turn will allow you to dive into your workout and feel great,” she adds.

Mistake #10: Not Drinking Enough Water

“Water is the most critical nutrient for health, growth and development, and is the medium through which all energy reactions take place.” It also provides you with an overall healthier body, more stamina and lots of fuel to help build muscle. If you’re slacking on your H2O intake, you risk decreased strength and endurance that can lead to cramping.

Solution: Make sure you’re consuming 16 oz of water before and after your workout, in addition to keeping a water bottle with you while exercising. Also, try consuming water in the morning as soon as you wake up and keeping a glass of water at your desk during the day.

10 Gym Etiquette Rules

News

Rule #1: Take your calls outside.

Nowadays, with everyone listening to music on their smartphones, it can be tempting to pick up a call—or make a quick one—while you're working out. Everyone else has headphones on, so no big deal, right? Wrong, says Jennifer Fleischer, an exercise specialist and nutrition and lifestyle coach in San Francisco. "I'm always surprised to see women park themselves on a machine, whip out their cell phones and start catching up with friends while 'working out,'" she says. Not only will it disturb other gym-goers, but it can also seriously distract you from your own workout. "Keep the cell phones in your locker," she says. "Your fellow gym-goers––and your waistline––will thank you."

Rule #2: Don't hog the machines.

If the gym is busy and you notice people lining up for your treadmill, don't let your jog last more than 30 minutes, says Ivan Ferran, Director of Clinical Exercise at the Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami. "A 30-minute workout on cardiovascular equipment like a treadmill or an elliptical is generally sufficient for a great workout." Similarly, refrain from reserving equipment or a spot in class for your friends. "A gym is not a restaurant. Don't try to save a space by laying out towels next to you in classes or hanging stuff from a treadmill," he says. "If another member comes up and wants that equipment or space, they're entitled to it."

Rule #3: Use the right weights.

Don't use weights you can't handle safely… and quietly. "Even during the hardest workouts you should be able to place your dumbbells or barbells down after using them," says Fleischer. "The loud noise from weights dropping is often disruptive to other gym-goers and draws unwelcome attention." Can't hold tight? Try a set of lighter weights.

Rule #4: Ask for help.

If you aren't sure how to use a particular machine or how to do a certain exercise, don't fake it. "It's very easy to hurt yourself or the machine if you don't know what you're doing," says Ferran. Not to mention you'll be holding up the line as you struggle to learn. Always ask for assistance from an exercise supervisor on staff. If you're brand new to working out, most gyms offer a free session with a personal trainer to get you acquainted with the equipment.

Rule #5: Be on time for group classes.

"Arriving late for class is a big no-no, especially at this time of year when classes tend to be packed," says Danielle Hopkins, a Group Fitness Manager at Equinox in New York City. "Anything more than 5 minutes late is considered impolite, and anything more than 10 minutes late is completely off-limits." Why the strict rules? Many teachers use those first few minutes to explain what the class will entail and make important announcements. According to Trish Berry, general manager at The Sports Club/LA in Washington D.C., "We ask that members don't enter a class in progress because, if they miss the warm-up, they could risk injuring themselves"

Rule #6: If you're going to leave a fitness class early, tell your teacher.

Most fitness instructors understand that everyone has commitments, and won't mind if you leave class a few minutes early. Just be sure to alert them before class starts and pick a spot near the door so you can make a discreet exit. "It totally kills the vibe for the rest of the class if people start loudly departing early," says Hopkins. But, she warns, "If there's an hour-long class that you can only do 30 minutes of each week, it's probably not the class for you."

Rule #7: Respect other people’s space.

If you're taking a group fitness class, don't plop yourself directly in front of someone else. Instead, suggests Hopkins, look around and "make sure you have a spot where you can clearly see yourself in the mirror, and do the same for those around you." That way, everyone can check out their form while they work out.

Rule #8: Keep your voice down.

Generally the steam room and saunas are for relaxation, which means they are a quiet zone. "Since they are usually the size of a large elevator, having a conversation with your BFF is not only disruptive but also awkward for others who are trying to unwind," says Fleischer. Keep noise level in mind while you're in the locker room or on the gym floor, as well. "Working out with friends is great, but understand that people are very alert and their senses are heightened while they're working out, so keep your voices low," says Hopkins. "Not everyone wants to know what you did last weekend."

Rule #9: Use the locker room.

Even if you don't plan on showering or changing, it's a good idea to stash your belongings in a locker while you work out. Toting your gym bag around the floor can be a safety risk to yourself and to those around you. Extra clothing, however, is fine to bring along with you, says Berry.

Rule #10: Be neat and tidy in the locker room.

"If you’ve spread out all your belongings to the point where you look like you’re moving in, you’re taking up too much space," says Ferran. Not only is it disrespectful to those around you, but it can also be a safety hazard. "You don’t want to be the cause of someone falling on hard tile and breaking bones just because your gym shoes were in the way."

Hardgainer Grocery List

News

Are you one of the many guys who struggle to gain weight? If so, take comfort in knowing that you aren’t alone. Building muscle for anyone is not an easy process and for some, it can be remarkably hard. These individuals, who are often referred to as ”hardgainers,” are really going to have to push their dietary efforts to the limits to start seeing measurable progress.

Here is the lowdown on a hardgainers diet and what a hardgainer grocery list needs to look like:
Hardgainer defined
Before discussing the hardgainer grocery list, you need to understand exactly what a hardgainer is and check that your workouts and current diet are conducive for muscle gain.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Are you taking at least two days a week off from lifting and one day for complete rest?
Are you incorporating the ”big 5” (the squat, deadlift, shoulder press, row, and bench press) exercises in your program?
Are your gym sessions no longer than one hour long?
Have you ever totaled how many calories you are eating during the day? If yes, is the total at least 15 times your body weight?
Are you eating at least one gram of protein per pound of body weight?
If you answered no to any of these questions, you may not be a hardgainer; work on fixing the issue and see if results start coming. If, on the other hand, you are doing all of the things listed above, then you need to really look at your diet and create a hardgainer grocery list.

Unless you’re supplying your body with more building blocks and energy to build new muscle tissue over and above what it’s currently using to maintain your body as is, weight gain will not happen. This part of the equation is the No. 1 reason why guys struggle to gain muscle.

However, you can get around this by choosing your foods carefully.
What dietary adjustments need to be made
Once you establish that you are a hardgainer, you need to eat according to certain dietary principles.

First, you need to eat foods that are as dense with calories as possible, but low in terms of volume. If you eat foods that pack a lot of fiber or have high water content, you’ll get full and bloated before you meet your caloric needs.

For this reason, foods such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, popcorn, diet sodas, egg whites, and so on must be avoided in large quantities. Fruits and vegetables are obviously important for good health, but you really don’t need much to meet your nutritional requirements.

The hardgainer grocery list

The hardgainer grocery list should focus on:

Dry oatmeal

Dry oatmeal should be on every hardgainer grocery list, because it’s a great way to double up on your calories without feeling overly stuffed. Top it with some sliced banana, drench it in milk and you have a good, high-calorie breakfast. You can also sprinkle protein powder on it to really boost the protein content.

Nuts

It cannot be said enough: If you are trying to build muscle and aren’t eating nuts (apart from having allergies to them), you are making a huge mistake. Nuts are loaded with calories (over 800 per cup) and healthy fats, which supplies the body with lots of muscle-building energy. Also, the fats will help boost testosterone levels, furthering the muscle gains you experience.

Whole eggs

When you’re trying to build muscle, don’t dump the yolk. Yes, there is some cholesterol in it, but as long as you aren’t eating a dozen whole eggs a day, you should be OK. Some saturated fat in your diet is OK, provided you are making a conscious effort to get mono and polyunsaturated fat as well. Nuts, as stated above, will help you out with this.

Lean red meat

When it comes to getting your protein, red meat is often a concentrated source of calories. Red meat also provides the body with iron, which is important for getting oxygen to your growing muscle cells.

Olive oil

You should already know by now that olive oil is another terrific source of fats. Additionally, when you drizzle it on your salad, the fat in the oil will help release the antioxidants found in the vegetables.

Dried fruit

As said above, fresh fruit, while nutritious, isn’t going to be your best option when you’re a hardgainer. Dried fruit, on the other hand, has way more calories per 100 grams and is still a good source of fiber and vitamins.

Many dried fruits are very tasty when tossed into a salad, added to a trail mix or simply eaten plain after a hard workout or as an afternoon snack.

Homemade protein shakes

Instead of opting for a weight gainer, which can often be filled with simple sugars and unhealthy fats, create your own protein shake.

Take a couple scoops of protein powder and blend it with any of the following: Low-sugar yogurt, peanut butter, fresh or frozen fruits, flax seeds, dry oats, dextrose, milk or frozen yogurt.

Bagels

Many guys struggle with time issues when it comes to work, workouts and cooking up healthful meals. Therefore, selecting foods that are easily transportable but conducive to weight gain is the answer.

Bagels fit this bill perfectly; all you need to do is throw a few into your lunch and snack on them at various points during the day. Simply eating three large bagels each day will put you 1,000 calories over what you normally eat, which should most definitely get that weight gain moving.

Salmon

Finally, the last protein source you want to make sure is included in your diet is salmon. Salmon, again, is more calorie dense than many other fish, and provides plenty of protein and healthy fat.

Aiming to eat salmon at least three times a week should be your mission to not only increase your weight gain, but also optimize your health.

Satiating the hardgainer

So, if you haven’t gained weight in the last few months, have a really hard look at what you’re putting on your plate. Hardgainers need to make sure that their plates are being filled up at least five times a day with items found on this hardgainer grocery list.

Health Effects Of Sweeteners

News

Sugar is sweet, but the extra calories it contains are often unwelcome. The calorie-conscious thus turn to artificial sweeteners: Non-nutritive products that contain low or no calories. However, nowadays with rumors swirling about the potential dangers of popular sugar substitutes, choosing a product can be troubling -- but not for long .

It’s time to dispel myths and focus on the facts of sugar substitutes as we take a long, hard look at the health effects of sweeteners.

Saccharin

Products: Hermesetas, Sweet'N Low, Sugar Twin
Sweetness: 300 times sweeter than sugar
Pregnancy: Avoid when pregnant
Fun fact: Saccharin has been banned as a food additive (but not as a tabletop sweetener) from Canada since the '70s.

Discovered in 1879, saccharin is the oldest of sugar substitutes; however, its use only became widespread following the sugar shortage during World War II. While early lab studies showed that saccharin caused cancer in rats, numerous organizations, including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. National Toxicology Program, have since removed saccharin from their list of suspected cancer-causing chemicals. Their reasoning: The process by which saccharin causes cancer in rats is not applicable to humans.

Aspartame

Products: Equal, NutraSweet, Canderel
Sweetness: 200 times sweeter than sugar
Pregnancy: Safe
Fun fact: Aspartame cannot be used for baking or cooking as it becomes unstable when subjected to heat. (Lesson: Don't microwave Diet Coke).

Aspartame has caused the most controversy of all the sugar substitutes. It has been rumored to have been originally developed as a rat poison (however, like most sweeteners, it was discovered by accident), and was further subjected to a storm of internet-generated controversy dating back to the late '90s. While aspartame should be avoided by people diagnosed with phenylketonuria, a rare hereditary disease, allegations that aspartame causes lupus, seizures, cancer or brain tumors, or is dangerous to diabetics, are simply not supported by current research. Numerous organizations, including the European Scientific Committee for Food (SCF), the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the FDA all concur that aspartame is safe for consumers.

Cyclamate

Products: Sucaryl, Sweet'N Low (Canada), Sugar Twin (Canada)
Sweetness: 30 times sweeter than sugar
Pregnancy: Avoid when pregnant
Fun fact: Cyclamate was discovered by accident when graduate student Michael Sveda noticed a sweet taste on his cigarette after placing it down on a lab work bench.

Cyclamate remains banned in the U.S. since its incarceration in the 1970s, despite being available in over 55 countries, including Canada (although only as a tabletop sweetener). Back in 2000, the manufacturer of cyclamate submitted a petition for its re-approval into the U.S. on the grounds that the prior ban was due to an old study on rats from which results have not since been reproduced. The petition is currently being held under consideration by the FDA, while more research is gathered (although almost no new research is being done). Other organizations, including the European SCF, have revised previous opinions on cyclamate, concluding that the sugar substitute is safe for human consumption.

Sucralose

Products: Splenda
Sweetness: 600 times sweeter than sugar
Pregnancy: Safe
Fun fact: Although sucralose is made from table sugar, the human body does not recognize it as a sugar and does not obtain any energy by breaking it down (meaning no calories).

Sucralose may be the least contested of all the sugar substitutes in terms of its health effects on humans. More than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period have supported the safety of sucralose. The FDA considers sucralose safe for all types of people, including those with chronic health problems such as diabetes, and has approved its use in all foods. Other agencies such as Health Canada and JECFA have similarly supported the use of sucralose.

Acesulfamine Potassium (ace-K)

Products: Sunett
Sweetness: 200 times sweeter than sugar
Pregnancy: Safe
Fun fact: Tastes horrible on its own, but works synergistically with other sweeteners to enhance overall sweetness.

Despite nearly 90-plus studies showing the safety of ace-K, controversy has once again reared its ugly head as far as the public's perception of ace-K is concerned. Claims that ace-K causes cancer in rats or is mutagenic have been squashed by numerous agencies, including the FDA and the European SCF. In fact, no human health problems related to the consumption of ace-K have been reported in scientific literature, despite more than 15 years of use across numerous countries.

Bittersweet Sweetners

Any time corporate interests are tied to popular consumer products, there will always be whistle-blowers out to scrutinize and this is, after all, a good thing. However, when the ones blowing the whistles are full of nothing but hot air, one has to question the cause for concern. But, hey, life without controversy is just too sweet, right?