Artificial Sweeteners

[Guest guest]

http://www.mercola.com/sweet-deception-aspartame

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/29/2006 10:04:04 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, cyndikrall writes:

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.mercola.com/sweet-deception-aspartame

 

 

So glad you posted the link about artificial sweeteners, a killer for dieters and diabetics.

I know of an herbal sweetener and I love to pass the info about it along to anyone who will listen, it's called Stevia, have you heard of it ? It tastes just like sugar. Peace Out, Holly

[Guest guest]

On 30 Dec 2006 at 1:01, cyndikrall wrote:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

> _http://www.mercola.com/sweet-deception-aspartame_

 

 

 

 

> (http://www.mercola.com/sweet-deception-aspartame)

 

 

 

 

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOL!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was just writing an intro post in which I mentioned my aversion to artificial sweetners and I spotted your link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John M

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Intro coming soon)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-----------------

 

 

 

 

John McNally

 

 

 

 

Notary Public and Certified Loan Signing Agent

 

 

 

 

http://www.sanbenitonotary.com

[Guest guest]

I've been using stevia for about 5 years now. It's the only sweetener I use. It takes some getting used to as it has a slightly different taste but all in all I really enjoy it.Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

Altho I believe artificial sweeteners are

bad for you, I completely discount and ignore any information from

sources

having something to gain by passing the 'information' on, such as the

book by Mercola. I want information from unbiased

sources. Sometimes it's very hard to determine if a source is really

unbiased or not, there are many convoluted avenues research and studies

take on the way providing a result to consumers, mostly having to do

with money and greed. Sometimes

people skew results for power, sometimes simply for fame.

 

In looking for a sweetener other than sugar, I tried Stevia and it's

got the worst aftertaste of any sweetener out there.

I have no idea how anyone could ignore that, it's terrible. That said,

I know now that there are people who taste less and

those who taste more, depending on how many taste receptors they were

born with on their tongue. Strange but true. So this could account

for Stevia being acceptable for some people, and totally nasty tasting

for others like me.

 

CNN's Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, who answers medical questions for a half

hour on Sunday mornings, once said after having been

asked about artificial sweeteners that if he HAD to use one, he would

use Saccharine. Being around for so long, it apparently has had the

most studies for anything negative long term, and he thinks it's the

safest to use. Still, he advised using sugar sparingly instead of

artificials, and doing a few more reps on the exercise machine to

negate those calories. The subject was mostly weight/diet oriented

altho he did mention the negative health effects of artificial

sweeteners. For me, Saccharine has

a bitter aftertaste, but not as bad as Stevia.

 

I've been using honey rather than sugar when I can, such as in my

coffee, but I know this is still sugar. At least it's not refined.

Is there any benefit to using the very granular brownish unrefined cane

sugar rather than refined white sugar? I've switched to

that but I don't know if there's any benefit in doing so.

 

Russ

central Fla

 

Russ

 

Russ

[Guest guest]

Ellen...I have a small bottle of stevia that's been in my cupboard for YEARS, lol. Still trying to get used to the taste, heh-heh. (Leaves a lot to be desired in my book!) I usually just eat fresh fruit to satisfy my sweet tooth and drink filtered water instead of diet pop, but on a rare occasion I do like a cup of hot cocoa or a piece of cheesecake. I try to use saccharin in that case (as it appears to be the lesser of many evils), and I avoid Aspartame like the plague. Still working with stevia, though, and I can actually tolerate half stevia, half saccharin in my cocoa now! I'm getting there... <wink-wink>

 

--Celia--

 

 

 

-

Ellen Christian

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 8:42 AM

Re: [RealSimple] Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

I've been using stevia for about 5 years now. It's the only sweetener I use. It takes some getting used to as it has a slightly different taste but all in all I really enjoy it.

..

[Guest guest]

LOL I haven't had anything but stevia in 5+ years so I don't notice the taste Makes an awesome lemonade!Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

Well said, Russ! I agree with you totally about the difficulty in determining what is and is not a biased source for information. There is a whole lot of hooey out there on the internet that people take as the gospel truth, and one need only look as far as snopes.com to check that out!

 

I don't personally use honey because of my diabetes (same carbohydrate load as raw sugar) though I used to love the taste of it. As far as any health benefits from using unrefined sugar over refined, I doubt it. Sucrose in all of its forms has little nutritional value to begin with, so any macro-nutrients lost in the refining process would be negligible. If you are concerned about something in the refining process itself, that might be a different story. I am not personally aware of anything dangerous to one's health from the refining process (though I could be wrong), but many vegetarians object to the fact that animal bones are often used in the procedure.

 

Regards,

 

Celia

 

 

 

-

Bluesea

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 10:06 AM

Re: [RealSimple] Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

Altho I believe artificial sweeteners are bad for you, I completely discount and ignore any information from sources having something to gain by passing the 'information' on, such as the book by Mercola. I want information from unbiasedsources. Sometimes it's very hard to determine if a source is really unbiased or not, there are many convoluted avenues research and studies take on the way providing a result to consumers, mostly having to do with money and greed. Sometimespeople skew results for power, sometimes simply for fame. In looking for a sweetener other than sugar, I tried Stevia and it's got the worst aftertaste of any sweetener out there.I have no idea how anyone could ignore that, it's terrible. That said, I know now that there are people who taste less andthose who taste more, depending on how many taste receptors they were born with on their tongue. Strange but true. So this could account for Stevia being acceptable for some people, and totally nasty tasting for others like me. CNN's Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, who answers medical questions for a half hour on Sunday mornings, once said after having beenasked about artificial sweeteners that if he HAD to use one, he would use Saccharine. Being around for so long, it apparently has had the most studies for anything negative long term, and he thinks it's the safest to use. Still, he advised using sugar sparingly instead of artificials, and doing a few more reps on the exercise machine to negate those calories. The subject was mostly weight/diet oriented altho he did mention the negative health effects of artificial sweeteners. For me, Saccharine has a bitter aftertaste, but not as bad as Stevia. I've been using honey rather than sugar when I can, such as in my coffee, but I know this is still sugar. At least it's not refined.Is there any benefit to using the very granular brownish unrefined cane sugar rather than refined white sugar? I've switched tothat but I don't know if there's any benefit in doing so.

..

[Guest guest]

I could NEVER get used to the taste of

Stevia, I'd just drink coffee black rather than use it.

 

I've heard of enough negative about artificial sweeteners that I don't

use any, but honestly I never had any

physical issues with any of them other than a bitter taste with

Saccharine. The rest were fine but the long term

issues keep me from using.

 

I'm only concerned about sugar because of the calories and weight

issues. I'm not fat but I'd like to lose

a few lbs. I'm 64, sure wish I had the metabolism I had when I was in

my 20s and 150 lbs.

 

Russ

[Guest guest]

I've used SomerSweet (suzannesomers.com) and found it good. It's a "sweet bulking ingredient." The container says it will not affect the glycemic level in the body. Ingredients: Oligofructose, Inulin, Fructose, Sprouted Mung Bean extract, Acesulfame K.

 

Any comments on this? Did I waste my money? It tastes good, and has zero calories. You can cook with it too. I only got one can, to see what it was like. The fructose bothers me, isn't that just sugar?

 

Another thing I've heard of is Agave extract. Dr. Oz mentioned it on Oprah. He is the author of a diet book, I can't remember the name of it at the moment. But I think it's more about healthy eating than a traditional "diet." I found several sources for raw, organic agave extract on the net, but haven't tried it yet. Has anyone else?

 

Cyndi

 

In a message dated 12/30/2006 4:07:38 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, cbrowne writes:

 

 

 

 

 

For anyone with no weight issues or health problems, natural sweeteners are perfectly fine. (Everything in moderation.) For anyone who is overweight, it's excess non-nutritive calories that contribute to their weight gain. For diabetics, those with "Syndrome X," or hypoglycemic folks, the glycemic load of natural sweeteners is w-a-y too heavy and can make them ill. <smiles>

 

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

Brigitte Cherubini

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 3:25 PM

[RealSimple] Re: Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

Why do people use artificial sweetners anyway? What is wrong with the natural ones?

-Brigitte

..

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

LOL! I understand...if you really don't like it, no sense in using it!!

 

As far as the calorie issue goes, I hear ya. I'm 47 and my metabolism "ain't" what it used to be. (Neither are my eyes for that matter hah-hah.)

 

To the best of my knowledge, honey, maple syrup and refined/unrefined sugars all have a similar caloric value (high!) and the body treats them all as 'refined' carbohydrates. In other words, the glycemic value is very high causing a spike in insulin levels, of which insulin is a fat-hoarding hormone. It's in your best interest, Russ, to avoid those sweeteners if you are trying to lose weight. <smiles>

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

Bluesea

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 1:53 PM

Re: [RealSimple] Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

I could NEVER get used to the taste of Stevia, I'd just drink coffee black rather than use it.I've heard of enough negative about artificial sweeteners that I don't use any, but honestly I never had anyphysical issues with any of them other than a bitter taste with Saccharine. The rest were fine but the long termissues keep me from using.I'm only concerned about sugar because of the calories and weight issues. I'm not fat but I'd like to losea few lbs. I'm 64, sure wish I had the metabolism I had when I was in my 20s and 150 lbs.

..

[Guest guest]

Thanks for that advice regarding

fat-inducing insulin levels. I've always heard a calorie is a calorie,

whatever source it

comes from. At 15 calories a teaspoon of sugar, ie 30 for a cup of

coffee, I didn't think the calorie

amount was that bad compared to a

lot of things we eat. I didn't realize the added glycemic value

problem of refined carbs and effect on weight.

 

Russ

central Fla

 

Celia Browne wrote:

 

 

 

LOL! I understand...if you

really don't like it, no sense in using it!!

 

As far as the calorie issue goes, I

hear ya. I'm 47 and my metabolism "ain't" what it used to be.

(Neither are my eyes for that matter hah-hah.)

 

To the best of my knowledge, honey,

maple syrup and refined/unrefined sugars all have a similar caloric

value (high!) and the body treats them all as 'refined' carbohydrates.

In other words, the glycemic value is very high causing a spike in

insulin levels, of which insulin is a fat-hoarding hormone. It's in

your best interest, Russ, to avoid those sweeteners if you are trying

to lose weight. <smiles>

 

--Celia--

 

 

-----

Original Message -----

 

Bluesea

 

To:

RealSimple

 

Sent:

Saturday, December 30, 2006 1:53 PM

Subject:

Re: [RealSimple] Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

I could NEVER get used to the taste

of Stevia, I'd just drink coffee black rather than use it.

 

I've heard of enough negative about artificial sweeteners that I don't

use any, but honestly I never had any

physical issues with any of them other than a bitter taste with

Saccharine. The rest were fine but the long term

issues keep me from using.

 

I'm only concerned about sugar because of the calories and weight

issues. I'm not fat but I'd like to lose

a few lbs. I'm 64, sure wish I had the metabolism I had when I was in

my 20s and 150 lbs.

 

 

 

 

..

[Guest guest]

I don't think so, Russ. I think it's still just plain old sugar.

 

Cyndi

 

In a message dated 12/30/2006 7:12:29 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, chammer writes:

I've been using honey rather than sugar when I can, such as in my coffee, but I know this is still sugar. At least it's not refined.Is there any benefit to using the very granular brownish unrefined cane sugar rather than refined white sugar? I've switched tothat but I don't know if there's any benefit in doing so.Russcentral Fla

 

 

[Guest guest]

Why do people use artificial sweetners anyway? What is wrong with the natural ones? -Brigitte

[Guest guest]

It does take some getting used to. I drink it because of all the damage chemo has done to my body. I find a shorter fermentation yields a milder kefir. I also blend it with some fruit for flavor and sweetness. I'm quite attached to it now. Since it has so many more probiotics in it than yogurt, I try to keep up with it. But I love my homemade yogurt too. :-)Cyndi

 

In a message dated 12/30/2006 4:56:51 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, scentednights2002 writes:

 

 

 

 

Yes, I've had kefir before. I cultured my own for a while but I don't really like the taste as much as yogurt.

Ellen LaFleche-Christian

Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont

http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf

 

 

[Guest guest]

Natural sweeteners (except stevia) have calories. Most people who use artificial sweeteners are trying to loose weight. Artificial sweeteners have no calories.Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

For anyone with no weight issues or health problems, natural sweeteners are perfectly fine. (Everything in moderation.) For anyone who is overweight, it's excess non-nutritive calories that contribute to their weight gain. For diabetics, those with "Syndrome X," or hypoglycemic folks, the glycemic load of natural sweeteners is w-a-y too heavy and can make them ill. <smiles>

 

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

Brigitte Cherubini

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 3:25 PM

[RealSimple] Re: Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

Why do people use artificial sweetners anyway? What is wrong with the natural ones?

-Brigitte

..

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 12/30/2006 4:16:51 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, scentednights2002 writes:

 

 

 

 

 

Don't forget those of us with chronic systemic candidiasis where traditional sweeteners like sugar cause an increase in yeast/bacteria growth.

 

Stevia doesn't do that.

Ellen LaFleche-Christian

Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont

http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf

 

Good point Ellen, which causes more bacteria on skin, which causes the acne around the mouth and on the chin. Peace, Holly

[Guest guest]

Don't forget those of us with chronic systemic candidiasis where traditional sweeteners like sugar cause an increase in yeast/bacteria growth. Stevia doesn't do that.Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

Oh, very true, Ellen. I had forgotten about that...

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

Ellen Christian

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 7:09 PM

Re: [RealSimple] Re: Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

Don't forget those of us with chronic systemic candidiasis where traditional sweeteners like sugar cause an increase in yeast/bacteria growth.

 

Stevia doesn't do that.

..

[Guest guest]

Fructose is fruit sugar. Sugar is sugar in my mind. Just different words for different forms. Lactose is milk sugar. Dextrose is sugar derived from starches. Anything that ends in ose is sugar as far as I understand it.Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

Yes, I've had kefir before. I cultured my own for a while but I don't really like the taste as much as yogurt.Ellen LaFleche-Christian Lilac Hill Homestead / Vermont http://tinyurl.com/lpfaf Do You ?

[Guest guest]

Cyndi, do you make your own kefir? If so, would you mind sharing a little info on the process? I am curious to try it myself if it is not too complicated...

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

cyndikrall

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 8:28 PM

Re: [RealSimple] Re: Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

 

It does take some getting used to. I drink it because of all the damage chemo has done to my body. I find a shorter fermentation yields a milder kefir. I also blend it with some fruit for flavor and sweetness. I'm quite attached to it now. Since it has so many more probiotics in it than yogurt, I try to keep up with it. But I love my homemade yogurt too. :-)Cyndi

..

[Guest guest]

I have used SomerSweet in the past and found it to be expensive but palatable, in fact really quite good. Probably a little safer to use than many artificial sweeteners as there is less of the bad stuff in it. Not positive though! I got sick of doing research on all this stuff, hahahahaha!

 

--Cee--

 

 

-

cyndikrall

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 7:24 PM

Re: [RealSimple] Re: Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

 

 

I've used SomerSweet (suzannesomers.com) and found it good. It's a "sweet bulking ingredient." The container says it will not affect the glycemic level in the body. Ingredients: Oligofructose, Inulin, Fructose, Sprouted Mung Bean extract, Acesulfame K.

 

Any comments on this? Did I waste my money? It tastes good, and has zero calories. You can cook with it too. I only got one can, to see what it was like. The fructose bothers me, isn't that just sugar?

 

Another thing I've heard of is Agave extract. Dr. Oz mentioned it on Oprah. He is the author of a diet book, I can't remember the name of it at the moment. But I think it's more about healthy eating than a traditional "diet." I found several sources for raw, organic agave extract on the net, but haven't tried it yet. Has anyone else?

 

Cyndi

 

..

[Guest guest]

Okay, I'm sure everyone is SICK of me posting today, but I'm on a roll. One thing I have to add, Russ, is that life is short and we should enjoy it. Quality of life is important to us all, so when we make dietary decisions, we have to balance it against health, happiness, etc. If you really like a sweetener in your coffee, have you tried Pure Crystalline Fructose or Agave syrup? Yes, they are both calorie-ridden like regular sugar but they do have a lower glycemic punch. Also too, if you only have one cup a day, maybe it's not so bad to have those two teaspoons of sugar! You are not diabetic, after all. Now if you drink MANY cups of coffee each day, that's another matter, LOL!

 

--Celia--

 

 

-

 

Bluesea

RealSimple

Saturday, December 30, 2006 2:42 PM

Re: [RealSimple] Artificial Sweeteners

 

 

Thanks for that advice regarding fat-inducing insulin levels. I've always heard a calorie is a calorie, whatever source itcomes from. At 15 calories a teaspoon of sugar, ie 30 for a cup of coffee, I didn't think the calorie amount was that bad compared to a lot of things we eat. I didn't realize the added glycemic value problem of refined carbs and effect on weight.Russcentral Fla

..