Sugar is no longer considered just empty calories, but an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. So what happens if you switch to artificial sweeteners? Recommendations to limit sugar consumption vary around the globe, with guidelines ranging from “Limit sweet desserts to one every other day” to “Keep sugar consumption to 4 or less occasions per day.” In the U.S., the American Heart Association is leading the charge, “proposing dramatic reductions in the consumption of soft drinks and other sweetened products.” They recommend sticking to under about 5% of calories a day from added sugars, which may not even allow a single can of soda….