A new study suggests that erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in many "sugar-free" or "keto-friendly" products, might be linked to brain cell damage and an increased risk of stroke. While it’s been marketed as a healthier alternative to sugar, this research raises concerns about its long-term effects on the brain and cardiovascular system.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve been reaching for erythritol-sweetened snacks thinking they’re the safer choice, this might give you pause. The findings aren’t definitive yet, but they add to growing skepticism about artificial sweeteners. It’s another reminder that "natural" or "low-calorie" doesn’t always mean harmless—especially when it comes to what we put in our bodies regularly.