Sugar Substitutes

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2004
Sugar Substitutes
6
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 7:59pm
Recently I heard that sugar substitutes (like Splenda, etc.) can actually trigger a craving response in your system causing you to overeat.

Has anyone else heard the same or different? I've become a bit of a naturalist so I don't generally eat processed food anymore - if I do have sugar (which would only be in my coffee) it's raw. But I am curious to know if this is true.

Cheers

Lisa

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-28-2004
In reply to: freya71
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 7:56am
I hadn't heard that about them. I use Splenda whenever I am eating fruit that is just a little too tangy, I pour on a couple of packets. I haven't noticed it making me crave more sugar, but I don't use them every day. I wonder if anyone else uses it with different results?

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-16-2004
In reply to: freya71
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 10:10am
I havent heard that either...read it in an article?

 

  Shawna

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2004
In reply to: freya71
Wed, 08-04-2004 - 3:53pm
I've heard the same thing, and on the news recently the reason given was because these substitutes are actually sweeter than sugar, and so the taste buds crave more and more and sweeter and sweeter.

Personally, I rarely use any sugar anyway. And when I need sweetener for something, I stick to the real thing, all natural and organic whenever possible. So for me, raw sugar, real fruit, or occasional honey. But as I said, rarely do I add anyway. Sounds like we share that in common: I just opt not to put artificial stuff into me.

forte

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2004
In reply to: freya71
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 9:45pm
I found an alternative to sugar that is not artficial. It is called stevia and basically it does not come from sugar cane or any of its relations. It is its own sweet self! There are no harmful additives as it is completely natural and you only need a VERY small amount of it. You can usually find it at any natural health store. It is very potent so only a drop or two is enough for your coffee and/or tea. This product is also good for diabetics who have to watch their sugars as stevia is not a sugar! Hurrah! The only drawback is that on its own stevia tastes a little bitter. However, it most certainly isn't when added to another product. I think this simply reflects on its potency.

Good luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
In reply to: freya71
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 10:00pm
I have heard that, especially as a concern amongst low carb dieters, but the GOOD news is that Splenda and Stevia are believed to have no impact, or a much lower impact. Both of these are more natural - Splenda comes from sugar, and Stevia is an herb (but I don't like the licroice flavour).
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2004
In reply to: freya71
Thu, 08-05-2004 - 10:26pm
Thanks Crackinglaura...I'll check it out at the health food store near me!

Cheers

Lisa