thoughts on artificial sweetners?
Replies
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I personally like to keep it natural with honey, agave, or sugar. I just don't trust artificial anything.0
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Despite the contention in this thread over artificial sweeteners, there is plenty of reliable information about the effects some of them have.
If you don't use a lot of sweetener, then I'd say just go with a teaspoon of sugar in your coffee.0 -
It depends on how you view things... Splenda is created in a lab... our boides cannot naturally process this.... so WHY put synthetic crap in our bodies??
Go for raw honey....0 -
For some of us, at least, artificial sweeteners are an appetite stimulant. I now avoid them and do notice that when I have my now occasional can of Diet Coke that I want to chew off my arm.0
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My only thought is: NO! I won't use them. Raw sugar, raw honey0
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Despite the contention in this thread over artificial sweeteners, there is plenty of reliable information about the effects some of them have.
If you don't use a lot of sweetener, then I'd say just go with a teaspoon of sugar in your coffee.
Could you cite one of these reliable sources of information please? Thank you.0 -
I think it's a really unhealthy choice for yourself and the environment. Vegans aren't allowed to have any artificial sweeteners because they are tested on animals in labs. I think using unrefined, raw sugar will always be the best option.
Had to chuckle at how this is put..."Vegans aren't allowed." Are there vegan police? Will they arrest you? Spank you? Shame you?
How about 'most vegans don't CHOOSE to have any artificial sweetners because..."?
This made me lmfao!!
Thanks everyone for your input! Although I had a few o_O moments, I do appreciate everyone's opinions. I'm still kind of up in the airabout the whole thing, because like I said, it'd take much more than an equal amount of sugar to sweeten my coffee and probably much to everyone's dismay, I'm not big on honey lol. Coffee + honey sounds disgusting to me lol.0 -
Except that Stevia isn't actually all natural, especially if you buy a major food company's brand. Not until a major food company got involved did stevia become legal, and only after it had been highly processed using a patentable chemical-laden process…so processed that Truvia (Coca-Cola’s branded product) goes through about 40 steps to process the extract from the leaf, relying on chemicals like acetone, methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, and isopropanol. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Why would you want to put that in your body?
If you want to use Stevia, make sure that its labeled "whole leaf stevia", or simply buy your own stevia plant to use as sweetner.
You are right, Stevia is NOT all natural. It is plant based and processed and refined in a plant along with all other artificial sweeteners. Here is my problem with this post though, Stevia, Truvia, Spenda, Sweet-N-Low and all other artificial sweeteners have been FDA approved as "safe to consume in moderation". They even define moderation for you if you care to do the research. There have already been several posts showing that none of these sweeteners have been linked to cancer or other serious health issues. If you like them and don't have an adverse reaction, use them in moderation. Whole leaf and crude stevia on the other hand, have NOT been FDA approved. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has cited several HUMAN studies that link crude and whole-leaf Stevia with renal and heart failure as well as reproductive disorders. Please don't get caught up in the "it's natural, so it must be good for you" hoopla.0 -
Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.0 -
I use organic stevia packets. Calorie free and natural. I sometimes use small amounts of raw agave or raw honey, but I am trying to keep my sugar intake low, as well as watching overall calories.0
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Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.
Very well said
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Unless you have a sensitivity to it, it's fine.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/artificial-sweeteners/MY00073
This, a thousand times, this.0 -
Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.
Where's the evidence that fruit and vegetables are NOT bad for you? (sarcasm to fight ridiculous statement)
Every food or drink we put in our body is composed of chemicals. (seriously, why does everyone hate and misuse the word chemicals?)
Created in a lab =/= automatically bad for your body. (:grumble: )0 -
If you're using such a small amount just use sugar or maybe try switching to green tea! (No sugar and has a great taste)0
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The FDA has labeled many things as safe, and then rejected it when it came to light that it wasn't safe afterall. I mean, they originally allowed Stevia, then banned it, then allowed it as a different kind of product (sweetener instead of diet supplement). If you want to eat something that was made with acetone, go ahead.
As far the studies against whole-leaf stevia, I honestly haven't found any. Even when I research the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with Stevia, I get nothing. Do you have the link for it? The whole leaf has been used in Brazil and other countries for hundreds of years as a natural sweetner, which is why companies decided to process it and make money off of it.Except that Stevia isn't actually all natural, especially if you buy a major food company's brand. Not until a major food company got involved did stevia become legal, and only after it had been highly processed using a patentable chemical-laden process…so processed that Truvia (Coca-Cola’s branded product) goes through about 40 steps to process the extract from the leaf, relying on chemicals like acetone, methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, and isopropanol. Some of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Why would you want to put that in your body?
If you want to use Stevia, make sure that its labeled "whole leaf stevia", or simply buy your own stevia plant to use as sweetner.
You are right, Stevia is NOT all natural. It is plant based and processed and refined in a plant along with all other artificial sweeteners. Here is my problem with this post though, Stevia, Truvia, Spenda, Sweet-N-Low and all other artificial sweeteners have been FDA approved as "safe to consume in moderation". They even define moderation for you if you care to do the research. There have already been several posts showing that none of these sweeteners have been linked to cancer or other serious health issues. If you like them and don't have an adverse reaction, use them in moderation. Whole leaf and crude stevia on the other hand, have NOT been FDA approved. The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has cited several HUMAN studies that link crude and whole-leaf Stevia with renal and heart failure as well as reproductive disorders. Please don't get caught up in the "it's natural, so it must be good for you" hoopla.0 -
Artificial sweeteners have unfair rep. They are blamed by overweight people for their weight gain or lack of weight loss. The fact is, people need to be accountable for what they put into their mouth in terms of overall nutrition, not whether they've taken a packet of sweetener. If you want to put some in your tea or coffee or oats, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so. You won't get sick, you won't get cancer and you certainly won't get fat.
That said, I would not recommend diet sodas in place of plain water. But if you want to drink one, then go for it. Just don't go consuming 20+ cans a day.
I agree!! Stop the hate on Artificial Sweeteners!!
I love you, man.0 -
I feel that the name itself is a dead giveaway: ARTIFICIAL sweetener. Anything artificial, or processed, really shouldn't be consumed if at all possible. Although I agree that a little probably won't hurt you, wouldn't you just rather use something natural in that case?0
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I feel that the name itself is a dead giveaway: ARTIFICIAL sweetener. Anything artificial, or processed, really shouldn't be consumed if at all possible. Although I agree that a little probably won't hurt you, wouldn't you just rather use something natural in that case?
Agreed!0 -
Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.
Where's the evidence that fruit and vegetables are NOT bad for you? (sarcasm to fight ridiculous statement)
Every food or drink we put in our body is composed of chemicals. (seriously, why does everyone hate and misuse the word chemicals?)
Created in a lab =/= automatically bad for your body. (:grumble: )
Artificial sweeteners come from synthetic chemicals. The fact that we are talking about *artificial* sweeteners should have hinted at that. But I guess I should have known someone from the debate team would show up and try to nitpick my statement. (:yawns and rolls eyes: )
If you prefer to be the lab rat & put *synthetic* chemicals into your body vs. the natural food which was created by this earth for consumption, then by all means... go right ahead. Just don't try and pass them off to others as "good for your body", unless YOU are also going to provide the proof.0 -
Where's the study showing that the body can't process Splenda? Please link it I'd like to read it.It depends on how you view things... Splenda is created in a lab... our boides cannot naturally process this.... so WHY put synthetic crap in our bodies??
Go for raw honey....
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Why not just have Stevia sweet or Xylitol?0
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For me personally...I never put thoughts on articificial sweeteners...Taste kinda chaulky...:laugh:0
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EVERYTHING on we eat/drink from Earth has a chemical compound. If you don't know that, then it's time to go back to school and study chemistry.Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.
And because you asked here's a peer reviewed clinical study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17828671
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Unless you're eating you own garden food, killing your own meat, and drinking rain water, everything you buy in the market goes through processing of some sort. Artificial coloring is in just about every product including "natural" ones. They just use "natural" coloring.:laugh:I feel that the name itself is a dead giveaway: ARTIFICIAL sweetener. Anything artificial, or processed, really shouldn't be consumed if at all possible. Although I agree that a little probably won't hurt you, wouldn't you just rather use something natural in that case?
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Lots of people spout of opinion or information from "what they heard". The problem with misinformation is that unknowledgeble people on the subject end up believing it and spreading it too.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
So far everything you have posted is mere opinion as well. Where is your - or anyone for that matter's - evidence to prove that using artificial sweeteners are NOT bad for you?
Regardless, it always comes back to the fact that it is a chemical you are putting in your body. We are not designed to eat foods that are created in a lab no matter what you choose to believe. And just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's actually safe. Money speaks my friend. Do YOUR research.
Where's the evidence that fruit and vegetables are NOT bad for you? (sarcasm to fight ridiculous statement)
Every food or drink we put in our body is composed of chemicals. (seriously, why does everyone hate and misuse the word chemicals?)
Created in a lab =/= automatically bad for your body. (:grumble: )
Artificial sweeteners come from synthetic chemicals. The fact that we are talking about *artificial* sweeteners should have hinted at that. But I guess I should have known someone from the debate team would show up and try to nitpick my statement. (:yawns and rolls eyes: )
If you prefer to be the lab rat & put *synthetic* chemicals into your body vs. the natural food which was created by this earth for consumption, then by all means... go right ahead. Just don't try and pass them off to others as "good for your body", unless YOU are also going to provide the proof.
Just because something is artificial doesn't mean we shouldn't eat it. A lot of fruit is grown in a lab, not on a farm. How do you think we get seedless grapes? Most bananas we eat are "clones" of others. Scientists have ways to speed up and shorten the ripening of fruit based on conditions such as weather, climate, season etc all in the name of business and making the largest profit with the smallest loss.0 -
Natural doesn't equal good, there a lot of things out there that are poison to the human body: some mushrooms, parts of Fugu, some fruits, ...
And for the artificial, the body doesn't have a register of what is natural or not. And for artificial and processed, there is a lot of raving about the banana and yet it's not a natural fruit. It was human engineered to be and taste like that. And yet the human body doesn't mind. The body doesn't see natural or artificial, only the sum of the element composing said food. The body is even able to ingest stuff that it can't really use.0 -
Synthetic and artificial aren't evil. If we were just to live out our "natural" lives, then medicine shouldn't play a part because it's "artificially" helping us to live longer using "synthetic" drugs and "artificial" protocols.
There are artificial limbs, teeth, hair, clothing, leather (for the animal rights supporters), coloring for hair, make up to look better, etc.
So if one is going to preach about "natural" and how bad "artificial" is, then live by it. Grow your own food, raise your own animals and forget supporting all the processing of food stuff by manufacturers (that would include organic foods).
But trying to state that artificial sweetners are poison (where are the dead bodies?) when consumed in SMALL amounts per day, is nothing more than scaremongering because you refuse consume it.
You don't like it? No prob. But don't spread BS information about it when it's not supported by anything but opinion and correlation.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Wow! The first time I used Nutrasweet I thought I had been poisoned. Some people are more sensitive to chemicals and manufacturing processes than others. I try to use natural foods. Especially if I have a bad reaction to something, like digestive problems or a headache.
I like this site for information: http://www.foodrenegade.com/my-natural-sweeteners-of-choice/0 -
It's all a matter of personal taste (and of course if you have a sensitivity to sweeteners, that's a whole other issue). It really depends on what we're sweetening. For example, I've been using Equal forever in my coffee. I really don't like the way sugar tastes in my coffee--and the same goes for Sweet N Low and Splenda. We tried the Trader Joe's version of Stevia and it's disgusting. It tastes more chemically than my chemical sweetener. I'll stick to my Equal.0
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Stevia. KAL Liquid Stevia is my favorite.
Stevia is a 0 calorie sweetener that comes from a plant. It is not a frankenfood that was invented in a lab. It has been used in some cultures for thousands of years without incident.
I won't go near artificial sweeteners. They're poison to the body, wreak havoc on your insulin levels, drive an insatiable urge for carbs and sweets and they will have toxic effects on the body over time.
Of course there is big lobbying money in the artificial sweetener industry. Sort of like there's big money in the genetically modified foods (GMO) industry, and these industries tend to have revolving doors with our government, so you can't expect to get the real low down on how bad that stuff is from any government-funded agency.
I know of certain people on here who recoil at any link from an alternative health site, so I can only encourage you to do your own research:
http://www.naturalnews.com/artificial_sweeteners.html
Natural News is laughable and certainly not a credible source of information on pretty much anything.
I don't believe a lot of the rubbish out there on artificial sweeteners but I personally prefer to use a stevia sugar blend. Sugar has a taste that nothing can replicate and I think it's worth the few calories.0
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