Your take on 'Splenda'

[SpinDiva]

(Photo by pinoforte)

There are so many mixed "reviews" or feelings about the use of Splenda that I am more than confused these days. When my dad was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, about 30 years ago, it was a tough switch to completely leave out the sugar among all his other favorite foods. Then he was introduced to the pink and blue packets, none of which he cares for because of the after taste. Then Splenda came along, taste more like sugar than anything else and allows for some sweetness in his life without compromising his body. I was happy for him.
Anyway, I have used Splenda on and off. I have experimented making certain baked foods with it, added to lemonade and iced tea, in my coffee or hot tea, etc. All of which tasted fine to me, not like sugar, but acceptable to me.

I have never had the runs, a migraine or felt dizzy after using Splenda. Again, I use very little, just as I would sugar. But then there are some articles that talk about this product like it's the next killer.

I just want to know, what is your take on using this particular artificial sweetener (Succralose)?

[David]

I personally avoid sugar and use artificial sweetener's, including Splenda. I think everybody must always pay close attention to see if any of these types of artificial sweets, have adverse symptoms. There is probably never a pure "free lunch" so all ingredients should probably be used with moderation.

[Metroknow]

I avoid Splenda religiously, in favor of very moderate sugar consumption (preferably raw sugar). The chemical concoction that is splenda is not worth the risk, for me, to displace the 14 calories in raw sugar.

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

I have to agree with you metroknow. Personally, I had a bad reaction with aspartame (nutrasweet). Very bad reaction!! So now I avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible. ADA has a different viewpoint on these "chemical concoctions" and protocol for most health facilities is to use them because they are helpful to people with diabetes and weight loss. I have to disagree with them. There are many sites with forums about the ill effects. In my personal practice, I encourage sugar in moderation and I try to steer my clients away from anything artificial.

[Lisa Newton]

I've never really used Splenda, and don't have any plans to in the future.

[Andrew Scott]

I don't know what to believe now, so I don't add sugar or salt to anything; I think that there is already enough sugar and salt in things anyway.

[Slim]

I believe Splenda is like everything else that can be abused. I recently had lunch with a friend who told me that he doesn't use any item with the "ose" in the ingredient list, since it is derived and made from sugar, which can be addictive for him. I'd figure I have given up enough addictive behaviors already (alcohol, all real sugar filled items, all flour-based foods and maintain a very low fat content). I recently stopped using salt altogether. I am not about to give up a no calorie sweetener that is suitable for people with diabetes. What's next, give up sex?

[Susana]

I have never used Splenda or any other sweetener. I use only raw sugar when cooking or for my espresso, which is very strong. For other things such tea or cappuccino, I got used to drink it without it since the beginning.

As Andrew mentioned before, there is already sugar in all products already.

[Fake Food Free]

I avoid Splenda at all costs. It makes me feel horrible. I am trying very hard to eliminate all artificial sweeteners. I believe in the real thing. Sugar is fine in moderation. It is much better than filling the body with chemicals which is really what artificial sweeteners are. Even if they are derived from sugar there is still manufacturing going on there.

Ask the Dietitian - I am so glad to see your opinion on this. I have always had a problem with the ADA supporting artificial sweeteners for health and weight loss. Working with other nutritionists and RDs that were constantly promoting aspartame and sucralose for health is a major reason I was motivated to start my blog.

[Diana Young, RD, LD/N, CDE]

Thanks. I realized along time ago that you have to question everything and think for yourself, even when it comes to authority figures telling you what to do. Did you see the discussion on hemp? What are your thoughts about that.
Just thinking out loud:
I have 2 sisters and for some reason we were given tags: Melanie was the pretty one, Carolyn was the smart one, and I was the rebel. Now I'm the pretty smart rebel. LOL

[Caitlin]

I avoid Splenda, especially after a professor in biochemistry, as well as a professor in organic chemistry both told me they wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. I don't care who says it's ok, I don't want chlorinated sugar molecules running through my body.

[SpinDiva]

I would like to thank everyone here for your honest opinions and thoughts on the Splenda issue. I also agree that it is best to eat the real thing in moderation than the fake thing all together. I have been introduced to Stevia for my diabetic dad and I have tried it myself in tea and it's OK, takes getting used to. I will probably stick with raw sugar for now and just cut back on the amount of other foods that are metabolized like sugar as well as sugar itself.

Thanks again everyone!

[njwoods]

hello all,
I would really avoid the Splenda as it is a chemical product. You could try Stevia which is a plant base sweetener.

If you can find it, get the leaves as they taste much better and no after taste like some of it. You only need such a tiny amount as it is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.


good health....colon cleansing