Are artifical sweeteners safe?

SarahBeth0625

I won't use them. NOPE.

SUPERCREWE

This thread is really funn as there is no conclusive proof about any of this I especially like the comment from naner61 :

"Everyone has a different opinion but bottom line....Don't eat fake food! Experts always say there is no threat, but really everyone has different body composition and no one can say for sure that it is not harmful to your health. "

That implies that anything natural is good for you ... LOL

In other words we all have opinions but it is up to you to form your own

Good luck

Ashwee87

I don't consume them if I can help it. Mainly because they just don't taste right to me. If I want sugar, I want actual sugar, brown sugar or sugar in the raw. All the fake stuff taste yucky to me. I hate it. (Especially stuff like Splenda. YUCK.)

wankesuz

http://everlast.mercola.com/nl/jsp/m.jsp?c=Qy4fkr0cVNEcfeolU2mneA==

Amy,
try the link above to Mercola's website. Great article on sugars and what they can do to your body, and what to avoid. artificail sweetners covered, too.

Susan

timbrom

Has anyone else heard that the Dairy Industry is trying to push a bill to be allowed to add aspartame to milk (they said to make it less expensive then when they add natural sweeteners and more likely for kids to enjoy drinking it-what?) and not have to label the milk as being artifically sweetend (since so many would be sweetend this way)?

Yeah, I have heard about this, and like many things, the basic story is true, but the details are being munged. A couple of dairy lobbying groups are trying to get the FDA to allow them to put artificial sweeteners in dairy products, and still call them dairy products. Right now if they were to put aspartame in chocolate milk, they couldn't call it "milk" anymore because the FDA doesn't allow artificial sweeteners in stuff that's labeled "milk". Currently, if they used artificial sweeteners they'd have to call it something like "chocolate flavored dairy product" and who the hell wants to drink that?

The second thing they are lobbying for - and this is where a lot of the confusion is taking place - is that they don't want to put a "reduced sugar" or "lower calorie" label on the FRONT product label - the one you see in the store, facing out. Part of the reasoning here is that the dairy industry doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that dairy is high in sugar, since the current fad is "sugar == bad" and the dairy industry is afraid that if they draw attention to the fact that dairy is high in sugar, some people may start eating less dairy. There is absolutely no question as to whether aspartame would be listed in the INGREDIENT LIST, of course it's going to be there, it absolutely, positively, HAS TO be in the ingredients list if it is used, and absolutely nobody is trying to do anything to change that.

Also, the purpose of this is to use aspartame instead of other higher-calorie sweeteners in sweetened dairy products, primarily chocolate or strawberry milk, yogurts, sour cream, etc. There's currently no added sugar in plain white milk, so they'll probably leave that alone.

You can read the actual, official petition (and even comment on it, if you so desire) at

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/02/20/2013-03835/flavored-milk-petition-to-amend-the-standard-of-identity-for-milk-and-17-additional-dairy-products

ryry_

Has anyone else heard that the Dairy Industry is trying to push a bill to be allowed to add aspartame to milk (they said to make it less expensive then when they add natural sweeteners and more likely for kids to enjoy drinking it-what?) and not have to label the milk as being artifically sweetend (since so many would be sweetend this way)?

Yeah, I have heard about this, and like many things, the basic story is true, but the details are being munged. A couple of dairy lobbying groups are trying to get the FDA to allow them to put artificial sweeteners in dairy products, and still call them dairy products. Right now if they were to put aspartame in chocolate milk, they couldn't call it "milk" anymore because the FDA doesn't allow artificial sweeteners in stuff that's labeled "milk". Currently, if they used artificial sweeteners they'd have to call it something like "chocolate flavored dairy product" and who the hell wants to drink that?

The second thing they are lobbying for - and this is where a lot of the confusion is taking place - is that they don't want to put a "reduced sugar" or "lower calorie" label on the FRONT product label - the one you see in the store, facing out. Part of the reasoning here is that the dairy industry doesn't want to draw attention to the fact that dairy is high in sugar, since the current fad is "sugar == bad" and the dairy industry is afraid that if they draw attention to the fact that dairy is high in sugar, some people may start eating less dairy. There is absolutely no question as to whether aspartame would be listed in the INGREDIENT LIST, of course it's going to be there, it absolutely, positively, HAS TO be in the ingredients list if it is used, and absolutely nobody is trying to do anything to change that.

Also, the purpose of this is to use aspartame instead of other higher-calorie sweeteners in sweetened dairy products, primarily chocolate or strawberry milk, yogurts, sour cream, etc. There's currently no added sugar in plain white milk, so they'll probably leave that alone.

You can read the actual, official petition (and even comment on it, if you so desire) at

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/02/20/2013-03835/flavored-milk-petition-to-amend-the-standard-of-identity-for-milk-and-17-additional-dairy-products

Thank you

Matt_Wild

Due to chemicals in food, I've died three times, and grown 2 extra arms and one leg.

Also, I drive a tonne of metal around, fly at 600mph and talk to people via a plastic thing on my desk that all emit radiation and one I hold to my ear, but they are all safe.

kinsette

They are relatively safe, however, they make you crave more sweets. I don't remember why this is, but it is true. Your best bet for a sugar substitute is honey or stevia (commonly called truvia.) Both honey and stevia are natural, safe, and lower calorie than sugar, truvia is almost calorie free (if you are using enough to get a calorie from it, then it is about the equivalent of a pound of sugar) and it is actually sweeter by volume than sugar is. I have the stevia plant and I put a leaf in my tea to sweeten it rather than using sugar, it is great stuff. good luck

dewsmom78

I thnk Stevia is the only one that's all natural.

Honey and Agave Nectar are also natural sweeteners, but they do have calories.

I was using ALOT of Splenda everyday in my coffee. But, I kept hearing that it could hinder weight loss, so I gave it up. I'm just learning to like black coffee.

naner61

This thread is really funn as there is no conclusive proof about any of this I especially like the comment from naner61 :

"Everyone has a different opinion but bottom line....Don't eat fake food! Experts always say there is no threat, but really everyone has different body composition and no one can say for sure that it is not harmful to your health. "

That implies that anything natural is good for you ... LOL

In other words we all have opinions but it is up to you to form your own

Good luck

It's awesome how people pick out what they want out of a comment ....apparently you missed the part "everyone's body composition is different and no one can say what is harmful to your health" you are your own best guide and take what everyone else says with a grain of salt. We are all different and what works for one does not work for all!!

KPopovski23

Artificial sweeteners are TERRIBLE for you. Watch "Hungry for Change" on Netflix. It will change your opinion of food altogether. I try to live a very clean lifestyle.

Here's what the experts from this documentary says:
Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet, Splenda, Sweet n Low, and Equal, is often found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures.

Always choose raw, unprocessed sugars, or if you don't want the extra calories, try Stevia. It's derived from a leaf and completely natural and safe.

Acg67

Artificial sweeteners are TERRIBLE for you. Watch "Hungry for Change" on Netflix. It will change your opinion of food altogether. I try to live a very clean lifestyle.

Here's what the experts from this documentary says:
Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet, Splenda, Sweet n Low, and Equal, is often found in foods labeled "diet" or "sugar free". Aspartame is believed to be carcinogenic and accounts for more reports of adverse reactions than all other foods and food additives combined. Aspartame is not your friend. Aspartame is a neurotoxin and carcinogen. Known to erode intelligence and affect short-term memory, the components of this toxic sweetener may lead to a wide variety of ailments including brain tumor, diseases like lymphoma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue, emotional disorders like depression and anxiety attacks, dizziness, headaches, nausea, mental confusion, migraines and seizures.

Always choose raw, unprocessed sugars, or if you don't want the extra calories, try Stevia. It's derived from a leaf and completely natural and safe.

Stop, unless you're going to actually substantiate such claims instead of fear mongering from a documentary

evileen99

Go to Dr. Mercola.com. He has great info, and, yes, avoid artificial sweetners at all costs. you are better off having sugar. Avoid high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified foods, and overdosing on wheat products. your life will be better, and your body will thank you

susan

Mercola is a quack. I'd avoid doing anything he says.

MizTerry

For me...for MY body personally, I try to avoid artificial sweeteners as much as possible.

I weaned myself off of a three diet Dr. Pepper a day habit a few months back, and I drank them for YEARS. When I drank them, I stayed hungry all the time. Since I've cut them out, I'm not quite so hungry all the time.

TR0berts

Here's what the experts from this documentary says:
Aspartame, (E951) more popularly known as Nutrasweet, Splenda, Sweet n Low, and Equal,

Those "experts" obviously have no clue what they're talking about, since they clearly don't know the ingredients of the above sweeteners.

mixtaplix

Meh. We're all gonna die sometime...I happen to not mind splenda in my coffee. And stevia in my tea. I also just inhaled 6 chocolate easter eggs. It's all about the moderation. ( I held off eating the other 23 eggs....)

SarahBeth0625

Ants will not go to artificial chemicals because they don't know what it is. LOL. I try and stick by a mostly natural/organic diet (splurging occasionally), and I won't do chemicals. One of the things asparatame breaks down into is formaldehyde. Ew!

paperpudding

Perfectly safe in sensible moderation.

But if it gives you migraines, sure, best to avoid it - just like individuals should avoid any food which gives them problems - be it diet coke, oranges, tomatoes, peanuts, or anything else.

bens_goal

This does worry me, I cut so much junk food out (after I had quit smoking too). No more full-fat coke etc...

But the one last vice I have is Pepsi Max... Now I dont drink litres of it a day, at the beginning of my diet it was like 2 cans... now its like a can every other day...

But I do hear aspartame does cause severe damage?

lockmand

Stevia and honey are ok...another is Truvia. I certainly would stay away from aspartame.
lockmand

otterish

My experience with aspartame is horrifying. I like sucralose (Splenda) but stopped using it daily because it's sooo expensive. I know exactly what's in sugar and can handle the whopping 15 calories per teaspoon, so that's my sweetener of choice. YMMV.

mikeberthold

My experience with aspartame is horrifying. I like sucralose (Splenda) but stopped using it daily because it's sooo expensive. I know exactly what's in sugar and can handle the whopping 15 calories per teaspoon, so that's my sweetener of choice. YMMV.

I just bought 1500 packets of Kirkland Signature sucralose (Costco's splenda basically) for only around $12 Canadian, so there's always that if you liked Splenda.

eatcleanNtraindirty

If you've ever seen "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" or "Food Matters" on Netflix, they have really great points from various nutritionists, including those that focus on cancer fighting/ causing foods. A lot of things are stuffed with chemicals so manufacturers get you hooked on certain products such as combining caffeine and aspartame sweeteners which is why a lot of people have addictions to diet soda.

You're never going to get a definitive answer on what to eat and what not to eat because people have such varying opinions, so it's really up to you. My personal opinion (like a lot of people that have already answered haha) is if it has a ton of ingredients that you can't even pronounce or know where they come from, they're probably not good for you. I don't think our bodies were built to consume foods that are loaded with chemicals. Our bodies were meant to be sustained on natural vegetables and lean meats. But-- I enjoy Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper as much as anyone else, so I don't think it will horrible if you treat yourself once in a while. You know your body best, so whatever you feel is right for you.

Hate to tell you but natural vegetables and lean meats are also chock full of chemicals

Haha yep! There's this really common chemical... you actually drink it everyday and it makes up the majority of your cells, it's called H20. That breathe of air you just inhaled? Yep full of chemicals. That movement that just happened in your hand? That was a chemical reaction.

Oh and for the OP, if it's said on TV it must be true right? Just like how Splenda is aspartame?? Actually, it's not. It's sucralose.

ajsquale

Thanks to all who posted! It's still crazy how many different things people say, though. I've watched Hungry for Change and that's what got me thinking that aspartame was terrible for you, but after looking it up on more reliable sources, they say there's really no proof. I think most of you are right that say moderation is key!

BuffOwl

I use Stevia. Sweetleaf brand is the most highly recommended or Stevia in the Raw is fine. Just what for any fillers. It is by far the most natural sweetner available. You can buy Sweetleaf in healthfood stores or on line. Walmart and other grocery stores typically carry Stevia in the Raw.

rjc0914

I just spit my water out while reading this hahaha

rjc0914

Due to chemicals in food, I've died three times, and grown 2 extra arms and one leg.

Also, I drive a tonne of metal around, fly at 600mph and talk to people via a plastic thing on my desk that all emit radiation and one I hold to my ear, but they are all safe.

I just spit my water out while reading this hahahaha

Matt_Wild

Due to chemicals in food, I've died three times, and grown 2 extra arms and one leg.

Also, I drive a tonne of metal around, fly at 600mph and talk to people via a plastic thing on my desk that all emit radiation and one I hold to my ear, but they are all safe.

I just spit my water out while reading this hahahaha

Its true! Aspartame is PROTEIN.

The other things - cars, planes, computers and mobiles are certainly not natural, the two former items can kill instantly and other two certainly hold a greater risk in my eyes (still happily use them both) than some halfwitted answers on chemicals people don't understand.

Especially as they munch on their fruit, veg etc thinking they are healthy, not even passing a care that they were grown in chemicals, and even if organic, those fertilizers work because they contain the chemicals the plant/veg needed to grow... from animals that ate polluter grass and were fed hormones and other chemical feeds.

Ho hum.