Splenda

[muffet]

There's a new "sugar" product out called Splenda. I saw a story of this on the Today Show a few weeks ago and decided to do an internet search. It's an actual product of sugar so it supposedly tastes just like sugar without the carlories and carbs. They claim that it's safe for diabetics because they've taken out all the aspects of sugar that the body uses and what's left in Splenda is stuff that just passes through the digestive system without being absorbed into the body. (I recall that part from the Today Show.)

Here's the link.

http://www.splenda.com/page.jhtml?id=splenda/diabetes/main.inc

Has anyone tried it? Heard about it?

[Rainsunbow]

Howdy Muffet,

I was only recently (Tuesday) diagnosed with diabetes, but, I have been using splenda for about 2 years. I use it in a bunch of stuff because it tastes the same, and it is better for me than sugar. Now that I have been diagnosed, I will be using it in everything, as long as my doctor says it is ok, I have not been to the dietician yet. Personally I can't taste a difference, niether can anyone that I cook for. They sell it at most grocery stores, you used to have to order it. The price has come down a lot, although, it is still about $6.50 for 2 cups. I am super happy to know I will probably be able to drink kool-aid once I start my new eating habbits. I think Kroger is nation wide, I'm not sure where you are in the US, but if you have a Kroger, they will have it.

Hope this helps
Leigh

[TAutry]

Hi all,

The only downside I have seen to Splenda is the price! I think over $6 for 10 oz. is excessive.

Travis

[statdeac]

If price is an issue, just wait a little while until the Splenda private label products start coming into the market. In the meantime, there are other substitutes...

[lgvincent]

I haven't tried it yet although I LOVE SugarTwin (love most twins actually, maybe it's a guy thing).

[tkhan01]

Splenda is one of my fav product but is expensive. However, I was able to find a little better price at Costco wholesale.

[dpav]

Hello

I use the Splenda. I have had the cardiologist tell patients to absolutely NOT to use Appertain for any reason. It will cause heart muscle problems. I have had my Grandmother use Saccharine and I have heard this causes Cancer. (Personally I hate the taste) There would be no way I would use those ever again. YUK. Sugar twin is a fancier form of Saccharine, It tastes better but it still has a very bad after taste. I think the biggest thing is Does it taste good, and does it do the job. So far only Splenda tastes good to me. I hope no one finds that this will grow a second head on a user after a while of using it. LOL It seems like most everything made for us will kill us. So my diet is a normal diet with modifications in quantities. But I do use Splenda If I need a sweet taste and do not need to raise my sugar level.

[muffet]

I think twins ARE a guy thing!!!! hehehe

I hope it doesn't make us grow second heads! Since it's a product of sugar, I cant' imagine how it could be more dangerous than sugar. From what I understand, they took parts out of sugar to create this product -- not adding things to it.

If sugar doesnt' cause cancer or make people grow second heads, I would think it stands to reason that "parts" of sugar would be safe too.

I bought two boxes this weekend and I'm going to give it a try. I'm very sensitive to tastes and can't drink any type of diet drinks whatsoever. It will be interesting to see if this really tastes like sugar or not.

[Clint]

I use splenda now, but I have seen my sugar go up if I use too much of it (by drinking too much coffee :) )...

Splenda also cooks much better than sugar twin...

[Linda57]

I have been using sweeteners for quite some time now, but have been recently scared by a 'friend' who told not too - she would not elaborate.

Is this Splenda safer - please tell me in simple terms, I am struggling with this.

Love Linda

[zookeeper671]

Been reading a lot about artificial sweeteners. Basically, they're all bad for you.

Here's a link I ran across about Splenda: Sucralose (Splenda) (http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/10/splenda_questions.htm)

... and a quote: "The testing of sucralose reveals that it can cause up to 40 percent shrinkage of the thymus: a gland that is the very foundation of our immune system. Sucralose also causes swelling of the liver and kidneys, and CALCIFICATION of the kidney. Note: if you experience kidney pain, cramping, or an irritated bladder after using sucralose in Splenda, stop use immediately. Dr. Janet Starr Hull"

Ok... so after reading this, I was thinking "if not Splenda, then what?!" So I've been doing some experimenting with Stevia... and I love it! Just an itsy bitsy amount causes a blast of sweetness.

I have to admit, however, that I still eat some foods sweetened with sucralose and aspartame... not the easiest to avoid when you're hunting for low carb items.

Best wishes,
Angie

[am1977]

These days, everything we use can harm us in some way. :rolleyes: I think it's getting a little silly. I do use aspartame, in diet drinks, and I am not going to worry myself about it. :)

[Gary]

I've been using Splenda for about a year now (my dietician and diabetes instructor both swear by it), and noticed no significant difference between it and NutraSweet as far as taste goes. So far, I've used it to sprinkle on cereal. Hopefully I'll have the time to bake with it...those recipes on the Splenda website seem very tempting.

[rzrbks]

After first being diagnosed, I was told by several people to avooid aspartame at all costs--been a diet Coke drinker for years.

Found some stuff with splenda, stuck with that until I finally went CDE.

CDE and Dietitian Both said that there was nothing wrong with aspartame.

CDE is Diabetic also ( a pumper) so I gratefully went back to diet Coke.

For most things I use Sugar Twin. But Sugar Twin DOES NOT work with Kool-Aide or fruit mixes. So, I keep Equal around for the mixes.

[Jon]

It is difficult to know if these artificial sweeteners are bad for you or not. The manufacturers of these sweeteners are worse than politicians just before an election. Saccharine was the big one until a study was done and found that it caused cancer. It turns out that Nutra Sweet falsified the study so that they could sell more of their product. There is a lot of negative information about aspartame now, they say that if it is heated up, it releases methane gas. Nutra Sweet disputes this saying their product is safe. I have not heard anything bad about Stevia extract yet, maybe it is ok.

[Belinda]

Every thing is a risk and we just have to decide. I personally use any artificial sweetner that is on the table (for tea/coffee). I do not add sugar to cereal etc. And when I bake I use plain old sugar Except when it is for my dad and I use splenda.

[dpav]

I have had no problems using a regular sugar inclusive diet. I simply do not eat all of the sweats. Like I am sure most of us do not. I use it in moderation and I keep good Daily BS readings, Artificial still makes me a bit nervous. My Diabetic specialist nurse says Nutra Sweat is tops on their list. I think it is only promotion and money talking. If you can stay well under control with a well controlled normal diet why be bothered with artificial anything?
Just a political approach to food, not my quote, but I believe it is true.
Don

[HeatherP]

Yeah, I don't like eating sweats, either dpav, lol!

(sorry, I couldn't resist)
HeatherP