“Not a Reason to Live in Fear”: Busting Claims of DNA Damage by Popular Drink, Arnold Schwarzenegger Claims Headlines “Grab Attention and Not Accurately Portray Reality”

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Jamie Lee Curtis hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre Featuring:Arnold Schwarzenegger Where: Hollywood, California, United States When: 12 Oct2022 Credit: Faye s Vision/Cover Images PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxFRA Copyright: xx52067299

Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has busted myths about exercise and diet in his newsletter, Arnold's Pump Club, since January 2023. This time he addressed viral news spreading misinformation about a commonly used sweetener in soda and other foods. In the latest edition of Arnold's Pump Club, the bodybuilding legend gave his readers the entire picture.

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A recent scientific study found a particular chemical in the artificial sweetener Splenda. Splenda is the popular sugar substitute in zero-sugar or diet drinks and several packaged foods. While artificial sweeteners have been a controversial topic, the headlines of the viral news might be skewing the study's narrative.

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In the segment where he wrote about Splenda, Schwarzenegger said sensational headlines are spreading through social media. These headlines have spread fear. The headlines might look like, "Chemical found in Splenda damages DNA," wrote the 75-year-old.

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12 October 2022 – Hollywood, California – Arnold Schwarzenegger. Jamie Lee Curtis Hand And Footprint In Cement Ceremony held at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood. Photo Credit: AdMedia 285067 2022-10-12 CA Hollywood Etats-Unis PUBLICATIONxINxGERxAUTxONLY Copyright: xAdMediax STAR_285067_014

However, these clickbait tactics do not reveal the reality of the situation. "Unfortunately, headlines are made to grab attention and not accurately portray reality," wrote Arnie. Hence, Schwarzenegger took it upon himself to divulge the truth to people who prefer having Splenda with their coffee, tea, etc.

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The Austrian Oak wrote that the study didn't find "strong evidence," of Splenda damaging DNA. "Was performed in a petri dish, where one single marker of damage was slightly elevated," revealed Arnie. The "chemical" mentioned in the headlines also makes up less than 1% of Splenda. He also cited the results of a prior study to put things in perspective.

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Arnie said the Petri dish and the human body are different. According to prior studies, a person must drink "50,000 packets of Splenda or drink about 10,000 cans of diet soda," to see the damage the new study claims. This latest study and the skewed headlines "are not a reason to live in fear," wrote the bodybuilding icon in Arnold's Pump Club. While the 75-year-old slammed the headlines, he doesn't recommend people have copious amounts of processed food.

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Last month, the former Mr. Universe wrote about how studies have linked processed food with depression. Since processed food is addictive, people consume it more than their need.

Alarmingly, over "60 percent" of the food available at grocery stores across America are processed food items. However, Arnie still advised his readers to keep an open mind and said something the study did not cover. He explained the study didn't determine if already depressed individuals find ultra-processed foods appealing.

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Watch This Story | Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Andre The Giant: Who Is Stronger?

It's easy to fall for sensational headlines, and at times people only read the headline and form an opinion. However, Arnie not only revealed the entire picture to his readers but also told them to keep an open mind while looking at specific scientific studies.

Sagnik Bagchi

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Edited By: Simar Singh Wadhwa

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