Splenda & Artificial sweetners

**bridge** · 07-14-2005, 11:42 AM

Do you use these or stay away?

I use some artificial sweetners. Mostly in Crystal light drinks.

What is your opinion on these sweetners?

**HandyMom** · 07-19-2005, 12:39 AM

Aspartame (Equal)is not good for you, so I've been told. Doctors warn against giving it to kids and say that sugar is better.

Sometimes, I use sweet 'n low (saccharin) if I have to choose between Equal and Sweet n Low.

I use real sugar or Splenda at home because it's made with real sugar but I would prefer to use the natural sweetner - Stevia. Trouble with Stevia is that it's only available at health food stores and it's very expensive.

**SHOPGIRL** · 08-05-2005, 12:45 AM

I have a friend that does a lot of research on natural health. He said that Splenda isn't all that great. I have a bottle of stevia, but I've never used it yet. I've had good luck with Suzanne Somers natural sugar substitute called Somersweet.

**cthy1954** · 08-05-2005, 09:54 AM

Stevia is best for drinks, such as tea. I do not use it in cooking, like homemade jello, because of the after taste. I am trying to stay away from all the especially aspertame due to all the reports I have read over the years. Splenda has me a bit worried also.

**immy4950** · 08-05-2005, 01:51 PM

I don't think that artificial sweetners are good for anyone, and i personal won't touch them. Here's a bit from an article i read about it, and that i tracked down again:

Artificial Sweeteners May Trick the Brain

In the study, published in the July issue of the International Journal of Obesity, two groups of rats were fed either a mix of high-calorie, sugar-sweetened, and low-calorie, artificially sweetened liquids; or sugar-sweetened liquids alone. This was fed to the rats in addition their regular diet. After 10 days, they were offered a high-calorie, chocolate-flavored snack.

The study showed that rats fed the mixed liquids ate more of their regular chow after the sweet snack than those who had been fed sugar-sweetened liquids alone.

Researchers say the results show that the experience of drinking artificially sweetened, low-calorie liquids had damaged the rats' natural ability to compensate for the calories in the snack.

**cthy1954** · 08-05-2005, 02:29 PM

I have read reports stating the same thing. However, I believe that the trials have been mostly done on artificial sweetners. Since stevia is 100% natural, I do not personally believe that it falls into that catagory.

**mom2matty** · 08-08-2005, 11:37 PM

We stay away from Equal and Sweet n low but have used Splenda. I mainly use Stevia.......I have the packets and the liquid and prefer the liquid. The first time I tried it I didn't listen to what the girl at Henry's told me about it...........boy was it sweet!!!!!!

**cthy1954** · 08-09-2005, 07:25 AM

You do have to be more careful with the liquid than the powder. I use the powder mostly, especially when I want "sweet" tea. I use Splenda in puddings and jello type deserts. Works really well. However, I have been really limiting my use of splenda due to the reports coming out.

**mom22grls** · 08-09-2005, 07:31 AM

I don't buy any of it. I use real sugar. My DD1 likes diet coke, and I let her drink it when we're out, but I don't keep it on hand at home.

From what I've read, high fructose corn syrup is the "real bad-guy" and I try to avoid it. Sugar, though, is ok in moderation. I buy koolaid & use 3/4 cup instead...not because I'm concerned about sugar.....but because I'm, CHEAP!! LOL

**YankeeMom** · 08-09-2005, 07:40 AM

I use splenda in my tea & coffee.
Everything else, I just use regular sugar (baking, treats, etc) and just eat them in moderation

**cthy1954** · 08-09-2005, 07:43 AM

I use sugar only in baking. I have tried the Splenda in baking, because the recipe stated that "you can't tell the difference. Well, you can.
I have been staying away from the corn syrup. It is amazing where you find the stuff. I think I read more in the grocery store than I do at home.

**Emerald_Mommy** · 08-09-2005, 11:09 AM

We use only sugar because Dh can't stand any artificial taste. I can't honestly say I've done any research on the harmful effects of the others.

**QuilterMom** · 08-09-2005, 11:15 AM

We don't use any artificial sweeteners. The only thing I use is evaporated cane juice crystals which is just like regular sugar, but it is not as refined so it's a better choice health wise.

**cthy1954** · 08-09-2005, 11:29 AM

I have never considered evaporated cane juice crystals. Can it be used in baking? Does the finish product come out like it is suppose to? It sounds intriging. I have used honey, sourghum and molasses, all having good points.