While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar," one competitor argues that this statement is nothing short of false advertising.
In fact, this rival, Equal manufacturer Merisant Co., has filed a lawsuit against Splenda stating the advertisement should read something a little more like, "made from dextrose, maltodextrin and 4-chloro-4-deoxy-alpha, D-Galactopyranosyl-1, 6-dichloro-1, 6-dideoxy-beta, D-fructofuranoside." Merisant further disputed that the Splenda marketing company, McNeil Nutritionals (a division of Johnson & Johnson), has misled consumers and deceived them into believing that the no-calorie artificial sweetener is "natural," or made from raw sugar.
The lawsuit also stated:
* Splenda is not natural in any way
* Splenda is sweetened with a synthetic compound that is the result of a complex chemical process
However, a McNeil Nutritionals spokeswoman defended the Splenda marketing, saying that the lawsuit against them had no merit and that consumers were never misled. She also persisted that Splenda is made from sugar -- sucralose (key ingredient of Splenda) begins inside a pure cane sugar, which is then chemically altered during manufacturing to create a compound that does not have any calories.
ABC News December 1, 2004
Dr. Mercola's Comment:
Talk about the proverbial "pot calling the kettle black!" Though I must say, it's no wonder why Merisant is going after McNeil: Splenda sales have soared way past Equal since it was introduced in the United States some four years ago. But I do find it quite odd that the manufacturer of an artificial sweetener whose primary toxic ingredient is aspartame (a.k.a. Equal) is suing another manufacturer of an equally artificial sweetener with the equally toxic sucralose (a.k.a. Splenda).
Therefore, isn't this REALLY a battle between who is the lesser of the two evils? Well, as far as I'm concerned, they are equally dangerous, equally misleading and equally detrimental to your health.
Let's take aspartame (the key to Equal and Nutrasweet) for starters. Research has found that the components of this deadly ingredient may lead to a wide variety of ailments including:
* Epilepsy/seizures
* Migraines and headaches
* Depression
* Brain tumors
* Autoimmune diseases
However, Splenda is not a day at the beach either, as research in animals has shown that consuming sucralose comes hand in hand with a plethora of health problems including:
* Shrunken thymus glands (up to 40 percent shrinkage)
* Enlarged liver and kidneys
* Atrophy of lymph follicles in the spleen and thymus
* Reduced growth rate
* Decreased red blood cell count
* Extension of the pregnancy period
* Aborted pregnancy
* Diarrhea
For these many, many reasons it is wise to avoid artificial sweeteners. In addition, eating too much REAL sugar will also adversely affect your health, as it will cause your blood sugar level to rise. If your blood sugar levels remain elevated (even mildly) over a period of time, your risk of diabetes will increase, which will increase your risk of cancer.
Therefore, to satisfy those sweet cravings of yours to devour cookies, candies and sweets this holiday season (and always), I have a perfect solution for you! Instead of giving in to temptation, satisfy your sweet tooth NATURALLY with stevia -- a healthy alternative to sugar.
Unlike aspartame, suclarose and other artificial sweeteners that have been cited for dangerous toxicities, stevia is a natural alternative that's ideal for diabetics, those watching their weight and anyone interested in maintaining their health. Stevia can be used in appetizers, beverages, soups, salads, vegetables, desserts -- virtually anything! It is, hands down, the best alternative to sugar you will ever taste.
Also, I highly recommend reading my review of the best video on the market on the subject of aspartame. In a short 90 minutes, this video will open your eyes up to the dangers of this perilous neurotoxin that should NOT BE CONSUMED BY ANYONE.
-------------------
Dr. Joseph Mercola
Author of total health program
Founder of the renowned total health program
total health program - The total health program!
Last year I had a number of clients who started... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
For those of us that understand nutrition and it's importance... Read More
Could it be possible that our beloved chocolate may actually... Read More
Having a personal wellness program has become a concern for... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
Increasing the fiber in your diet has been shown to:... Read More
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural... Read More
The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More
Apart from eating many of the wonderful vegetables and fruits... Read More
Endurance Sports are like music concerts. They start at a... Read More
It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More
Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
An American culture that is marked by a chronic lack... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
Aging occurs when the body's cells die at faster rates... Read More
It is ironic how something as obvious as nutrition has... Read More
DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More
The key to good hydration is drinking a lot of... Read More
In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.A.... Read More
If you drop a bomb, you kill not only your... Read More
Can the colors on your plate tell you what health... Read More
shuttle from Midway Morris ..Many people complain that organic foods are more costly than... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
Today, more than ever, consumers over the age of 50... Read More
I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
Our bodies need cholesterol. We use cholesterol to produce vitamin... Read More
What is health? Everyone wants this thing called health, and... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Food in general has the distinction of being probably the... Read More
One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
I want to tell you about the most healthful and... Read More
Although many realize that the liver has its own cleansing... Read More
Cholesterol has been around for thousands of years. It's a... Read More
Oats (botanical name Avena sativa)An oat is a grass that... Read More
East Meets WestAsian cultures have realized the medical benefits of... Read More
Whether you're concerned about cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or simply... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
The key to better health is learning the difference between... Read More
Nutrition usually only comes up when people are finally deciding... Read More
During the past thirty years there has been a steadily... Read More
The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More
The best weight training and cardio workouts will do very... Read More
Nutrition |