Fake Sugars, are they worth it?

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.

splenda,sweet'n'low,or equal.

thats what i use

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.

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.

I love splenda!

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

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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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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....

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.