Fake Sugars, are they worth it?

Samantha1987

Hey Everyone,

I had a question.

I'm doing the "heart healthy" oatmeal thing daily. And I was using 6 tsp sugar (I know, it's bad, 90 cals).

I switched over to Sun Crystals (it's a Stevia mixed sugar), 4 packets, 20 cals.

So, I'm saving 70 cals.

My question is, besides saving more calories, is there any health benefit what so ever?

Is the only pro of using Stevia is saving the calories?

Thanks in advance!

Mina133842

I usually use Splenda, I really like it, and it saves calories, but I don't know if there are any "other" health benefits from it.

sweetgl

There are no other health benefits from it but its sure is alot better to use than regular sugar. I'm def a suga substitue girl myself.

PureAndHealthy

Stevia isn't a fake sugar. Stevia is an herb. Splenda is basically sugar bleach... sugar that's been molecularly-altered in a test tube. Sucralose (splenda), aspartame (equal), sacchrine (sweet & low) etc are all fake, artificial, manmade substances. Stevia, as an herb, has antioxidants which reduce free radicals in your body helping to prevent cancer and slow aging in general. There are studies which point to stevia being helpful in treating hypertension and diabetes, but not enough to be conclusive. Do a google search for benefits of stevia for more info. But yes, if you're going to sweeten something, most definitely use raw sugar, stevia, agave necter, or honey. Go natural. :bigsmile:

bikinibrooke123

splenda,sweet'n'low,or equal.

thats what i use

estherguas

I'm a Splenda girl myself.

TheMaidOfAstolat

But yes, if you're going to sweeten something, most definitely use raw sugar, stevia, agave necter, or honey. Go natural. :bigsmile:

I use the same things. I love using raw sugar or honey. I'm not a huge fan of stevia (I personally don't like the taste) but my hubby loves it. It's worth a try and it's much better for you than processed sugar or fake sugar substitutes.

verifire

i also advocate natural sweeteners. chemicals are not worthwhile.

MacMadame

i also advocate natural sweeteners. chemicals are not worthwhile.

Everything is a chemical, or made up of chemicals, even Stevia. You are confusing "chemicals" with "man-made substances". They are not the same thing at all.

candessb

I'd just like to add that I use Stevia as well and it DOES have healthy benefits. :happy: Splenda was not approved by the FDA until the then surgeon general passed it...who now works for Splenda. EHEM!:noway:

alepublicity

I love splenda!

RedHotRunner

I try to avoid "fake" sugars. Can you get by with less than 6 teaspoons of sugar? That seems like a lot for one bowl of oatmeal.

Or substitute honey??

Mindful_Trent

I love Splenda - tastes good and no calories. I posted the following info in another post about splenda being "dangerous":

---

Over 100 studies showed no signs of carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicology, neurotoxicology, or genetic toxicology as a result of sucralose administration over all clinical study parameters. The only signs that sucralose can cause problems occured when amounts much much higher than normal daily amounts a human would consume were administered to test animals.

See the link below - it's a great academic review of Sucralose (Splenda) with lots of references. This is where I got the information I just stated from.

http://www.kon.org/urc/frank.html

Samantha1987

I just miss the taste of reg ol' oatmeal, lol (I know I'm not eating for taste anymore, I try to look at it as energy now).

But yeah, I guess I'll stick with Stevia. I looked up what the daily recommended intake for sugar was, and it's says 12 teaspoons, just for one meal I was meeting HALF of that.

I think I'll use reg sugar 1x a week, so I don't get burnt out on the taste.

For anyone wondering how Sun Crystals works with oatmeal, it DOES sweeten it, but the taste is a bit different, BUT NOT bad. I don't notice an after taste (like you'd expect from Sweet N' Low-Pink).

I just tried some with iced tea, I'd probably still reach for the "pink" sugar for iced tea, 1 packet for 8 oz. Sun Crystals, probably 2.

Thanks for posting guys.

Samantha1987

I'm going to test Splenda for oatmeal, next time I go to the store, I'll pick up some. I'll see if I can actually get that "reg sugar" taste.

I'll report back here, lol.

Thanks again!

heatherscalf

I love splenda there are many different things you can use it for and now that it can have fiber in it. You can help get your daily grams of fiber as well. Splenda also won't mess with your blood glucose levels (that's why it's ok for diabetics). I tryed stevia but it just tastes funny to me. I prefer splenda plus if you like your tea sweet at restuarants, you can usually get splenda.:happy:

jenners22

Hey Everyone,

I had a question.

I'm doing the "heart healthy" oatmeal thing daily. And I was using 6 tsp sugar (I know, it's bad, 90 cals).

I switched over to Sun Crystals (it's a Stevia mixed sugar), 4 packets, 20 cals.

So, I'm saving 70 cals.

My question is, besides saving more calories, is there any health benefit what so ever?

Is the only pro of using Stevia is saving the calories?

Thanks in advance!

NOOOOOO! :noway: OMG....please don't use fake sugars. If you need sugar, use regular sugar. Those fake sugars are so processed with many carcinogenic ingrediants. I mean, they are all the rage, but too many are linked to cancer. Oh, please anyone reading this...don't sacrifice your body's shape to save a few calories...it's not worth risking cancer.

I may be crazy, but all the diet drugs (alli included)...are linked to cancer causing agents. Love your body..keep it natural.

Advengirl

(I know I'm not eating for taste anymore, I try to look at it as energy now).

Good stuff can taste good! You just need some good recipes
Yes...food is energy, but if you don't enjoy it- well- what's going to keep you from splurging on the stuff that you DO enjoy once you've lost all your weight and get comfortable again?

Okay okay--- I'm a 'foodie.'

But I totally understand what you mean about missing the taste of the yummy oatmeal my Mom used to make.

doogie1117

I use Splenda and feel that it is just another chemical that is not good for you ?

doogie1117

Oatmeal is a carb that makes me hungrier ? I need some protein for satiety.

musclebuilder

I just miss the taste of reg ol' oatmeal, lol (I know I'm not eating for taste anymore, I try to look at it as energy now).

Ever consider mixing a scoop of protein powder in with your oatmeal?? it will sweeten it up plenty and add some quality protein to your meal. It will add some cals thou, roughly 100 and change. But thats not much more then the sugar you were using. The health benefits to subbing out sugar is your not consuming sugar.

Mindful_Trent

NOOOOOO! :noway: OMG....please don't use fake sugars. If you need sugar, use regular sugar. Those fake sugars are so processed with many carcinogenic ingrediants. I mean, they are all the rage, but too many are linked to cancer. Oh, please anyone reading this...don't sacrifice your body's shape to save a few calories...it's not worth risking cancer.

I may be crazy, but all the diet drugs (alli included)...are linked to cancer causing agents. Love your body..keep it natural.

I'm not sure about all the other "fake" sugars, but there have been hundreds of experiments run with Splenda, and there has been no solid evidence linking Splenda to cancer. See my post up above a little bit - it is a link to a solid academic study that summarizes the information that is out there.

paddlemom

Use real sugar...if for no other reason than to work on cutting it back and retraining your tastebuds to like less sweetness. I use 1 tbsp sugar and a generous dose of cinnamon - adding that flavour tends to "extend" the sweetening. I also put 1 tbsp of walnuts in it for protein. Then I'm satisfied with only a half cup of oatmeal. The nuts also make me slow down when I'm eating it, so it catches up with me and makes me feel full sooner.

jenners22

NOOOOOO! :noway: OMG....please don't use fake sugars. If you need sugar, use regular sugar. Those fake sugars are so processed with many carcinogenic ingrediants. I mean, they are all the rage, but too many are linked to cancer. Oh, please anyone reading this...don't sacrifice your body's shape to save a few calories...it's not worth risking cancer.

I may be crazy, but all the diet drugs (alli included)...are linked to cancer causing agents. Love your body..keep it natural.

I'm not sure about all the other "fake" sugars, but there have been hundreds of experiments run with Splenda, and there has been no solid evidence linking Splenda to cancer. See my post up above a little bit - it is a link to a solid academic study that summarizes the information that is out there.

I read it and while it does say all the things you mentioned, it wasn't published in any medical journal. I get all my research information from medical journals. It's the only thing I can "trust" on the internet. LOL

Mindful_Trent

I read it and while it does say all the things you mentioned, it wasn't published in any medical journal. I get all my research information from medical journals. It's the only thing I can "trust" on the internet. LOL

Fair enough - I did look into the site before posting the link, and it is an organization that publishes/honors top undergraduate research papers. The paper itself cites a variety of professional research publications, such as "Food Chemical Toxology," "Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology," and "Psychology & Behavior." While this may not be published in a medical journal, I personally consider it legitimate enough to use as a source of information.

I went to the Mayo Clinic's website and they give the following information on Aritificial sweeteners:
"Artificial sweeteners are often the subject of stories, presented in the popular press and on the Internet, claiming that they cause a variety of health problems, including cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, however, there's no scientific evidence that any of the artificial sweeteners approved for use in the United States cause cancer. And numerous studies confirm that artificial sweeteners are safe for the general population. "
(http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/artificial-sweeteners/MY00073/NSECTIONGROUP=2)

Given all the info I've read, I think it's misleading to say that artificial sweeteners cause cancer. There doesn't appear to be any scientific evidence of this link. Normal refined sugar isn't all that great for you - I think the same rule applies to "real" or "fake" sugar - use them in moderation and you should be fine.

XFitMojoMom

I cannot tolerate splenda - I get intestinal issues from it, and I HATE the way it makes my coffee taste. Equal or Twin is my choice. My Dad uses Stevia, I tried it and couldn't find the balance I liked for taste.

PureAndHealthy

Oatmeal is a carb that makes me hungrier ? I need some protein for satiety.

While oatmeal IS a carb, it's a high-fiber, whole, natural carb that, if I'm not mistaken, has the highest protein level per gram of any grain. Oatmeal good....

XFitMojoMom

Add a yogurt to it - there is some protein.

MacMadame

I read it and while it does say all the things you mentioned, it wasn't published in any medical journal. I get all my research information from medical journals. It's the only thing I can "trust" on the internet. LOL

Then you should know that splenda doesn't cause cancer as there are plenty of studies in medical journals that show no link between Splenda consumption and cancer.

Samantha1987

Hey Everyone,

I started the post and promised I'd reply back.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Since my last post till now, I've basically got accustomed to a not as sweet taste for the oatmeal, it doesn't even bother me anymore.

I've even reached the point, where I've cut out the butter completely.

I did try Splenda, it wasn't bad at all. No after taste.

I've got both in my cabinet, Sun Crystals/Splenda - so I'll probably just alternate between the two.

Either way, both "sugars," dropped my breakfast to around 315 cals versus almost 500 a bowl.

Thanks, Samantha