Splenda - Harmful?
A new Splenda Study put out by Duke University is sure to cause a stir. Adding fuel to the fire was this headline from a press release issued by an organization calling themselves the “Citizens for Health”…
“Chairman of Citizens for Health Declares FDA Should Review Approval of Splenda
New Study of Splenda and Sucralose Reveals Shocking New Information About Potential Harmful Effect on Humans”
Duke Study Highlights
This 12 week study, conducted in rats fed Splenda-containing “rat chow”, revealed a 50% reduction in “good” bacteria, an increase in intestinal pH, and enhanced expression of enzymes that affect drug metabolism. According to the “Citizens for Health” this study also suggests that Splenda “contributes to increases in body weight.”
Why should we be concerned about “good bacteria?” These beneficial bacteria including those that are commonly referred to as probiotics have been associated with anticancer benefits, cholesterol reduction, and strengthened gut immunity. Having not read the study other than the abstract, it’s difficult for me to figure out how they came to the conclusion Splenda leads to weight gain. I have reported previously that sugar substitutes may short circuit the taste conditioning response leading to increased consumption and weight gain.
It should come as no surprise that an artificial sweetener may have harmful, or potentially harmful effects. Splenda my be the sequel to the transfat story…. and we all know how that turned out.
I will also add this. Splenda is a favorite of many low-carb fans because it cuts calories in processed foods. But the calorie savings can be deceiving.. If you make a muffin with Splenda instead of sugar you can reduce the calories by about 20% . You can also save an equivalent amount of calories by alternatively reducing the fat in a recipe. So yes, you can realize some calorie savings in processed foods by cutting carbs or cutting fat. However, you can’t change the fact that processed foods are very calorie dense. My advice is to stick with real food and limit processed food consumption.
Popularity: 18% [?]
Affiliates
Loading ...
JC (59 comments)
Israel (32 comments)
Zara (13 comments)
Marge Clark (11 comments)
erika (10 comments)
4 comments
Dieters should take note that Splenda is advertised as no calories, yet each packet does contain 3.5 calories. A cup is about 100 calories. So don’t be fool!
I have been battleing with IBS, high blood pressure and weight gain for the past 2 years. After I saw this everything fell into place. In those years I was lovin’ Arizona Diet Green Tea with Ginseng, sweetened with Splenda. I drank a gallon a day. Iused SPLENDA in my ice coffee all summer, in my oatmeal every morning and in any recipes calling for sugar and my I have gained 25 lbs, my IBS is worsening, I’m dehydrated and my blood pressure meds barely show any results. As of today I am OFF the SPLENDA for good. If my health and weight improve I will leave a new comment. Thank you for this opportunity and in helping me empower myself in improving my health. I will be using Blackstrap Molasses for sweetening, it’s nutritious and delicious in many recipes. I use it in my warm soymilk at bedtime. Take care of yourself!
Sandi T.L.
I am a firm believer in Stevia as a sweetner!
@Sandi T.L. -
Sandi -
Splenda will not lower your bp, but I have a hutch it’s your erythropoitein that is causing your bp to go up. When you don’t have enough blood flowing into your kidneys, your kidneys will stimulate an anti-diuretic effect to the brain to cause you to become thirsty. As you drink more water, you’re increasing your bp. Based on what you’ve described, you may want to find out if you are deficient in iron, folate, and/or B12.
And whether it’s black molasses or not, sugar is food to the bad bacteria. You are not going to heal the lining of your intestine until you stop feeding food those harmful bacteria. Yes, black molasses does have more minerals and nutritional value than other types of sugar but not enough to be called nutritious, imo. Good luck.
Leave a Comment