splenda- good or bad?

mamakitty

I have heard that artifical sweeteners can inhibit weight loss. I use a lot of splenda. Anyone know or have advice?
Thanks,
MK

mamakitty

I have heard that artifical sweeteners can inhibit weight loss. I use a lot of splenda. Anyone know or have advice?
Thanks,
MK

PedalHound

What I DO know is that my naturopath advised me to stay far away from all artificial sweeteners including Splenda. Eventhough it's "made from sugar" it's a created substance and it isn't a great option. I was told that using evaporated cane sugar, agave nectar and maple syrop are nutritionally much favoured and way way healthier for you. And I've heard this from more than one naturopath.
I know that won't be a popular statement on here as a lot of people rely on Splenda on its own and in the foods marketed to people watching fat and calories but there it is. Unfortunately many many products frequently used by our demographic would be better off replaced with whole foods alternatives. In the long run, the closer to the earth and the natural state of food (read: don't accept ingredient lists with chemicals, colourings, artificial sweeteners and flavours) the happier your body will be and the cleaner your system will be. Important factor in prevention of sickness and disease, and a healthy system means a metabolism at its best.

rosiesantos7

What about people that are diabetic

MFS27

I second what PedalHound said!! I'm also a whole-food fan and try not to buy anything made with anything I can't pronounce :laugh:

Rosie - a friend of mine told me that Agave Nectar has a lower GI than cane sugar (or processed sugar), and is a good subsitute in a pinch. My husband is diabetic (not insulin dependent), and we use Agave Nectar and cane sugar. Even though these are natural sources of sweeteners - they should be used sparingly. We drink water, unsweetened tea, etc. With diet and good exercise - type 2 diabetes can be managed (or eliminated) [this is from our doctor!]

lessertess

As often as possible I try to eat whole foods and I try to avoid processed foods. However, I do use splenda a lot in beverages. Although I can certainly accept that it's not the best choice in terms of health I can categorically state that it has not impacted my ability to loose weight. In the end, to loose weight you have to have a calorie deficit. Natural sweeteners are high in calories.

It's all about choices. I've cut back significantly on caffiene, sugar, and processed foods and I won't touch the newer artificial fat incrediantes like Olestra as it makes me incredibly ill, but I choose to use splenda for tea and flavored waters and in an occasional dessert or treat.

I don't think anyone has a perfect choice. Some people react badly to artificial sweeteners and others don't. I think you'll have to experiment to see what works for your body and also do some research to determine how you feel about artificial sweeteners. I will warn you that the internet is full of DIRE and UNSUBSTANTIATED warnings about various sweeteners. I did significant research and couldn't find anything that I considered to be alarming from any credible sources like the Mayo clinic or the FDA.

Marla64

What about people that are diabetic

I have a diabetic 10 year old on an insulin pump, and I won't let her near artificial sweeteners. I agree completely with Pedal and the others-- Splenda is NG-- no good. While, yes it's "made from sugar," bottom line, they take the good stuff out that God put in, and replace it with chemicals.

A lot of artificial sweeteners have been linked to central nervous disorders in laboratory animals, so we steer clear.

Getting back to the diabetic issue-- in my opinion, one of the big fallacies in the diabetic world is that "sugar free" food is somehow better for diabetics. It's not "sugar" that is a problem, it's carbs in general. My dad is Type 2, and the ding-dong will sit and eat a box of sugar free cookies and wonder why his blood sugar still soars. Hello? Did you read the label, old man??

However, I know I never had a grasp on diabetes, carbs and all that jazz until I had a diabetic kid-- I thought it was "sugar" too, and that if you reduce your sugar intake all was well. Would that it were so easy.

MFS27

What about people that are diabetic

I have a diabetic 10 year old on an insulin pump, and I won't let her near artificial sweeteners. I agree completely with Pedal and the others-- Splenda is NG-- no good. While, yes it's "made from sugar," bottom line, they take the good stuff out that God put in, and replace it with chemicals.

A lot of artificial sweeteners have been linked to central nervous disorders in laboratory animals, so we steer clear.

Getting back to the diabetic issue-- in my opinion, one of the big fallacies in the diabetic world is that "sugar free" food is somehow better for diabetics. It's not "sugar" that is a problem, it's carbs in general. My dad is Type 2, and the ding-dong will sit and eat a box of sugar free cookies and wonder why his blood sugar still soars. Hello? Did you read the label, old man??

However, I know I never had a grasp on diabetes, carbs and all that jazz until I had a diabetic kid-- I thought it was "sugar" too, and that if you reduce your sugar intake all was well. Would that it were so easy.

Good point Marla! Sugar (in and of itself) is a simple carb - no real nutrtional value. So, yes being diabetic is all about watching your total carb intake. My husband is a former college football player - still thinks he can eat like one, and is also a ding-dong (he loves ding-dongs and ho-ho's BTW, :laugh: .) He went to Costco and bought a 24-pack of original coca-cola in the glass bottles because he heard that regular is better than diet (mind you - we don't even do soda, much less diet, in our house!) Sigh.... :huh:

Sunibc22

All this talk about whole foods and natural foods is great. However I have such a hard time keeping my calories down and feel that it is necessary to use Splenda to make up for real sugar in things I eat. Now I'm not saying it is 100% safe (not proven to be not safe yet either) and I'm not saying I wouild give it to my kids....if I had any......all I'm saying is I think Splenda is fine for me as a substitute for sugar. I have to do what I have to do to stay on this path of learning how to eat....if Splenda helps me with that then I'm using it!

Marla64

Suni,

If you have no worries about it, go for it. Whatever helps you!! All "health" issues aside, I don't like the taste of the phony stuff, so I'd rather do without, or save up some cals and have the "real." But, I agree, if it helps you on your journey at this point in time, then do it. (but watch the amount-- yikes-- 'cause it may be harming your central nervous system-- sorry, I had to squeeze that in-- it's the nervous mother in me)

jo69

I agree with you. I don't use a lot of splenda I just use a little here and there to sweeten my green tea and oatmeal. I haven't baked with it or ingested alot everyday. Becuase I need to chop down my calories some it helps me out alot.

JennyGetsFit

I don't use artificial sweeteners, but my husband does.:grumble:
I tried to research the "official" science and they are saying it is OK.
Hrm...same way there is HFCS (thanks but no thanks!) in everything and obviously FDA approved...
So,if you thinking of using it - decided for yourselves,
Personally I am staying away from it....