Splenda...Good or Bad?

spinurbuttoff
spinurbuttoff Posts: 74
edited September 28 in Food and Nutrition
Ok, so I'm a big unsweet tea fan, but I like to put Splenda in my unsweet tea. I've heard a LOT of people say negative things about artificial sweetners. What's the truth? Is Splenda ok or not?
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Replies

  • Des92
    Des92 Posts: 309 Member
    I use Splenda. It tastes fine, and I believe it's less harmful to the body than sugar - as far as I know there is no strong evidence claiming otherwise, just a lot of hype.
  • mallorybriann
    mallorybriann Posts: 1,380 Member
    Have you tried Stevia sweetener?
    Or Sweet Tea flavored Mio?
    I believe Splenda is better than Sweet n Low...
    Found this on MFP in a previous thread

    http://www.youtube.com/embed/liU0SVvU8zg
  • ambie35
    ambie35 Posts: 853 Member
    I think its one of those decisions where you need to decide between the lesser of two evils.
  • fitaliciag
    fitaliciag Posts: 373
    i use it too, but i heard that stevia is the most pure way to subsitute sugar without all the extra cals.
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    Try Stevia!
  • dittiepe
    dittiepe Posts: 557 Member
    Oh boy, you could find arguments all over the chart about Splenda. I use it and like it. It's artificial, so there are chemicals in it. If you're not worried about that, it's fine to use. If you'd rather go more natural, you could try Stevia or Truvia. Personally, its so expensive, I go with what's on sale ;)
  • hapemopirate
    hapemopirate Posts: 68 Member
    I used Splenda in my coffee and tea. Some people say that it gives you headaches or stomach issues. There is some evidence that people who drink artificial sweeteners actually take in more calories over the day, because the sweet craving won't go away. I just don't find to be true for myself. So I would say, know yourself. Do what works best for you.
  • EmBlazes
    EmBlazes Posts: 374 Member
    I think its one of those decisions where you need to decide between the lesser of two evils.

    ....I agree with this

    I actually try not to have artificial sweetener too often as it's just another chemical you are putting into your body :frown:

    I have an occasional diet coke and sometimes use sweetener but I'm more like to use Agave Nectar (a Low GI natural sweetener) than sugar or sweetener.

    It's very much personal preference.
  • Jechira
    Jechira Posts: 3
    There has always been negative hype about artificial sweeteners especially aspartame (sweet and low). Splenda though is sucralose which has its own issues. I found this article http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page9.htm which I think explains it pretty well. If you don't like what you read try Stevia, it is a plant based sweetener and not chemically derived like splenda.
  • lovejoydavid
    lovejoydavid Posts: 395 Member
    There has always been negative hype about artificial sweeteners especially aspartame (sweet and low). Splenda though is sucralose which has its own issues. I found this article http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page9.htm which I think explains it pretty well. If you don't like what you read try Stevia, it is a plant based sweetener and not chemically derived like splenda.

    Betty Kovacs is prolific and prominent RD, and I often agree with her (despite her polemics), but when she writes articles like this she is just so clearly biased! It makes taking her attempts at 'scientific' articles seriously very difficult. In the end, the difference between between sucralose and sucrose is two chlorines where once there where hydroxides, and the increased electronegativity tightens a bond that the body could once break.
  • agleckle
    agleckle Posts: 235 Member
    I personally think that it is too early to tell what some of these sweeteners do to your body. Some, like Splenda, have only been around and strongly used for a decade or a more so we have no idea what the long term side effects are... I mean, at the end of the day, they are all just different unnatural chemicals that we are putting into our bodies...
  • freerange
    freerange Posts: 1,722 Member
    Here is my stand, I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I try to stay away from artificial stuff, sweetener or anything else. Just because I believe natural is always the better choice.
  • funkyspunky871
    funkyspunky871 Posts: 1,675 Member
    I use splenda all the time, and I will continue to use it no matter what anybody says. I trust the makers of splenda, and I trust the FDA on keeping artificial sweeteners relatively safe.
  • lovejoydavid
    lovejoydavid Posts: 395 Member
    Oh boy, you could find arguments all over the chart about Splenda. I use it and like it. It's artificial, so there are chemicals in it. If you're not worried about that, it's fine to use. If you'd rather go more natural, you could try Stevia or Truvia. Personally, its so expensive, I go with what's on sale ;)

    I know it is not at all what you meant, but I think it is fair to remind people that sugar is a chemical substance. So is water! Heck, so is a diamond! Anything that requires a bond to be broken to separate it's parts is a chemical substance, and that is how we tell it apart from mere mixtures. I suppose what you mean is that sucrolose does not appear in nature which is true. However, when looking to stevia and truvia, one might remember that you are actually talking about steviol glycosides, and most particularly (and specfically with truvia) rebaudioside A. Clearly chemical names, and chemically obtained extracts of a stevia plant. Frankly, they use ethanol and methanol to extract the crystalline sweet substances from the rest of the plant, a process not unlike that which is used to get the cocaine alkaloid from a coca leaf.
  • vlc1979
    vlc1979 Posts: 227
    my health coach says she prefers Splenda b/c it doesn't cross the blood brain barrier...
  • Elizabeth_C34
    Elizabeth_C34 Posts: 6,376 Member
    Splenda gives me the runs...
  • lovejoydavid
    lovejoydavid Posts: 395 Member
    I personally think that it is too early to tell what some of these sweeteners do to your body. Some, like Splenda, have only been around and strongly used for a decade or a more so we have no idea what the long term side effects are... I mean, at the end of the day, they are all just different unnatural chemicals that we are putting into our bodies...

    I think that is a fair statement, and provided that it is accompanied with an otherwise healthy diet, is quite appropriate. However, as it has been tested since the 80's, and in production since the early 90's, I think that whatever sucrolose side effects are still to crop up will be subtle. Given that the current sugar binge (though I consider the salt to be worse) in amercican culture is anything but subtle, and the effects are known and catastrophic, I prefer the idea of substitutes to its continuation. Surely, though, that is an extreme qualifer, and I still like the idea of sugar in moderation to substitutes in wide use.
  • totalimageguy
    totalimageguy Posts: 62 Member
    Splenda contains chlorine according to "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills"
  • lovejoydavid
    lovejoydavid Posts: 395 Member
    t
    Splenda contains chlorine according to "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills"

    It does, the chlorine replaces hydroxides in the bond. However, the electronegativity of that bond is the reason that we cannot digest it for calories. As such, the chlorine passes out of the body, intact with the molecule, without ever becoming a free chloride ion.
  • live2dream
    live2dream Posts: 614 Member
    Must watch: http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you.- Dr Mercola has done A LOT of research on this and also wrote a book on it- Sweet Deception.

    Do Not trust the FDA- most of the members also work for the same corporations that sell the products. True Fact. Most products Do Not get enough testing and get passed. They only see dollar signs, not caring about our health. We have to look out for ourselves.
  • raychybabe
    raychybabe Posts: 121 Member
    I use splenda as its sucrolose based, rather than aspartame, which my bf doesnt like. I think its been great for me as I used to have alot of sugar, but now ive swapped to splenda.

    im sick of all these reports - everything is bad for you these days.

    I like it and haven't had any side effects.
  • mynameisuntz
    mynameisuntz Posts: 582 Member
    Must watch: http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you.

    Do Not trust the FDA- most of the members also work for the same corporations that sell the products. True Fact. Most products Do Not get enough testing and get passed. They only see dollar signs, not caring about our health. We have to look out for ourselves.
    Who said anything about the FDA? Artificial sweeteners are tested worldwide in many industrialized nations at all sorts of institutions with no affiliation to the FDA.

    Splenda, and all artificial sweeteners (including, gasp, aspartame!) have been shown to be fine in humans.
  • live2dream
    live2dream Posts: 614 Member
    Must watch: http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you.

    Do Not trust the FDA- most of the members also work for the same corporations that sell the products. True Fact. Most products Do Not get enough testing and get passed. They only see dollar signs, not caring about our health. We have to look out for ourselves.
    Who said anything about the FDA? Artificial sweeteners are tested worldwide in many industrialized nations at all sorts of institutions with no affiliation to the FDA.

    Splenda, and all artificial sweeteners (including, gasp, aspartame!) have been shown to be fine in humans.

    One of the previous posters mentioned the FDA. They are the ones that allow these products on the market and they are the ones selling the products as well. Just watch the video clip. http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you. I don't believe everything I see on the net, but this is NO hype! Dr Mercola has done A LOT of research on this and also wrote a book on it- Sweet Deception.

    Sure, it's fine for humans if you want to chance getting cancer or gaining, YES gaining weight. We all have the right to make our own choices. Watch the video- make your own decision after you've viewed facts from all viewpoints.

    I did a post on this a couple days ago: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/269384-how-splenda-is-deceiving-you
  • mynameisuntz
    mynameisuntz Posts: 582 Member
    One of the previous posters mentioned the FDA. They are the ones that allow these products on the market and they are the ones selling the products as well. Just watch the video clip. http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you. I don't believe everything I see on the net, but Dr Mercola has done A LOT of research on this and also wrote a book on it- Sweet Deception.

    Sure, it's fine for humans if you want to chance getting cancer or gaining, YES gaining weight. We all have the right to make our own choices. Watch the video- make your own decision.
    Dr. Mercola - the one who had his license suspended for giving out false information? THAT Dr. Mercola? That guy is a nutjob. Can't even make up his mind on saturated fat/cholesterol. He hasn't done empirical, peer-reviewed research; his research consists of searching on Google.

    Again regarding the FDA - the facts which the FDA uses has been provided by multiple institutions, INCLUDING international institutions across the globe, which have no connection to the FDA. It's a silly justification to blame the FDA when the world of research is at a general consensus on this.

    I don't have to watch a video because no scientific research exists that would lead me to believe artificial sweeteners cause cancer or weight gain. If there were sufficient evidence to make that claim, then I'd watch your video. But that evidence doesn't exist, while counter evidence to that claim does exist, making the video baseless in terms of its sources and foundation.

    I don't have to watch a video that tells me unicorns are real to tell you the video is wrong. This is no different as there is no proof that exists.
  • live2dream
    live2dream Posts: 614 Member
    One of the previous posters mentioned the FDA. They are the ones that allow these products on the market and they are the ones selling the products as well. Just watch the video clip. http://www.foodista.com/blog/2011/06/20/how-splenda-is-deceving-you. I don't believe everything I see on the net, but Dr Mercola has done A LOT of research on this and also wrote a book on it- Sweet Deception.

    Sure, it's fine for humans if you want to chance getting cancer or gaining, YES gaining weight. We all have the right to make our own choices. Watch the video- make your own decision.
    Dr. Mercola - the one who had his license suspended for giving out false information? THAT Dr. Mercola? That guy is a nutjob. Can't even make up his mind on saturated fat/cholesterol. He hasn't done empirical, peer-reviewed research; his research consists of searching on Google.

    Again regarding the FDA - the facts which the FDA uses has been provided by multiple institutions, INCLUDING international institutions across the globe, which have no connection to the FDA. It's a silly justification to blame the FDA when the world of research is at a general consensus on this.

    I don't have to watch a video because no scientific research exists that would lead me to believe artificial sweeteners cause cancer or weight gain. If there were sufficient evidence to make that claim, then I'd watch your video. But that evidence doesn't exist, while counter evidence to that claim does exist, making the video baseless in terms of its sources and foundation.

    I don't have to watch a video that tells me unicorns are real to tell you the video is wrong. This is no different as there is no proof that exists.

    Continue drinking your kool-aid. Have a nice day :)
  • tracivee
    tracivee Posts: 56 Member
    The last time I lost a lot of weight, I followed Dr. Perricone's book. He recommended using Splenda because it has been found to be the safest artificial sweetener on the market. Unless you're eating 100 packets a day, does anybody actually think it's going to harm you in a significant way? If you put a couple packets a day in your oatmeal and coffee, I really don't think you have anything to worry about. It's like with anything...MODERATION.

    I don't put a lot of faith in the people who try to scare us from consuming certain things. They all like to claim these companies 'are out to get you and your money' but aren't they doing the same? Shrill books trying to frighten people from foods are looking to make a profit from those books, just as the makers of Splenda are looking to make a profit from their product.

    As for Splenda being expensive...just watch out for coupons and sales. Two months ago they put out $3/1 coupons. The very next week Walgreens put the Splenda 100 ct. on sale for 2.99...so guess who got 20 boxes of FREE Splenda???? Me ;)
  • mynameisuntz
    mynameisuntz Posts: 582 Member
    Continue drinking your kool-aid. Have a nice day :)
    Uh huh, when institutions in Tokyo, Rome and Saudi Arabia reach the same conclusions I'm telling you from actual scientific research, it's just a big conspiracy!

    If you want to patronize me, then I'll say I'm willing to bet you have zero understanding of the scientific method, and thus your opinion is completely meaningless when it comes to understanding proper sources. But keep believing your internet videos and doctors who have been suspended for malpractice. Great sources you've got there!
  • Larius
    Larius Posts: 507 Member
    t
    Splenda contains chlorine according to "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills"

    It does, the chlorine replaces hydroxides in the bond. However, the electronegativity of that bond is the reason that we cannot digest it for calories. As such, the chlorine passes out of the body, intact with the molecule, without ever becoming a free chloride ion.

    Finally, someone who understands chemistry!
  • mynameisuntz
    mynameisuntz Posts: 582 Member
    t
    Splenda contains chlorine according to "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills"

    It does, the chlorine replaces hydroxides in the bond. However, the electronegativity of that bond is the reason that we cannot digest it for calories. As such, the chlorine passes out of the body, intact with the molecule, without ever becoming a free chloride ion.

    Finally, someone who understands chemistry!
    This is why people need to understand the difference between biochemical research, and the practical application of that research.

    Yeah if you solely focus on the biomechanics of lots of things, it'll sound terrible. But what's the implications of those biomechanics when applied to the realistic intake of those foods? Nothing. That applies to artificial sweeteners, HFCS, saturated/trans fat, etc.

    Missing the forest for the trees - whenever someone tells you what the biochemical process is of <food>, ALWAYS ask what the practical implications are of that process for your everyday consumer.
  • paperpusher3
    paperpusher3 Posts: 36 Member
    It's really such a personal choice. I'm on a diabetic diet so me adding sugar to my tea or coffee is out. Most of the time I don't use anything in them But sometimes I want it sweetened and I find I like the taste of stevia better for that. I have nothing against Splenda since it's used in so many products. It doesn't bother me. I have a friend who couldn't use Equal because it gave her bladder pains. She switched to Splenda and also uses stevia with no problem. But you have to understand that she puts 7 packets of Splenda in one cup of tea!! Everything in moderation.
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