Lesser of Two Evils: Splenda or Equal?

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 Optimal Wellness Center
http://www.Mercola.com - The #1 Natural Health Site on the Internet!

---

Simple Easy Health and Home Fixes From The Days Gone By

How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More

Is Vitamin E Beneficial Or Harmful? Cutting Through The Clutter Of Different Scientific Opinions

Numerous reports have recently appeared in both the lay and... Read More

The Omega Zone Diet and Fish Oil

The Omega Zone Diet and specialists' opinion"Omega RX Zone -... Read More

Sugar Lovers Beware

It would be fair to assume that almost everyone on... Read More

What Would You Do For a Klondike Bar?

Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More

4 Important Facts You Should Know About Whey Protein

Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More

Functional Foods: What They Are And How They Work

In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More

Where Does Your Drinking Water Come From?

Have you ever thought about where your drinking water comes... Read More

Fat Burning Compatible Foods

Fat burning compatible foods seem to be a popular topic... Read More

Best Skin Diet For Healthy Skin

"You are what you eat."Does it sound familiar? You probably... Read More

The Niacin Rush

Your face turns flush and your skin starts to itch.... Read More

The Many Benefits of Green Tea Extract

The Benefits of Green Tea Extract: Anti-Aging, Anti-Cancer, Weight Control... Read More

WLS Patients Feeling Gassy & Bloated? Sugar Alcohol May Be To Blame

Sugar intake is a real concern for people who've had... Read More

How Can Fat Be Essential?

How Can... Read More

Enzymes and Raw Food ? Can You Cheat Time and Stay Young for Longer?

I'm going to be a bit radical here, but know... Read More

Eating Outside Your Box

One way to combat the boredom many people complain accompanies... Read More

You Are What You Eat

Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More

Eat and Lose Weight - Its All in those MCTs

Can You Lose Weight Through Eating?You get fat when you... Read More

The Top 10 Ways to Improve Your Diet, Your Health & Your Life!

Because I believe diet and exercise are so important, I'm... Read More

How to Substitute Fat in Your Everyday Diet

Fat is a nutrient that is a contributor to the... Read More

Olive Oil, the Healthy Choice

Olive oil is a healthy choice over other fats such... Read More

The 9 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reading a Food Label

NutrientsFat, Sugar, Sodium and CarbohydrateThe sections on a food label... Read More

Anti oxidants ? Why Its a Must in Your Diet

While oxygen is the key to human survival, it is... Read More

Choosing Organic for Health

We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More

4 Steps To Brain Health

New studies bring to our attention that high levels of... Read More

The Portfolio Diet: The Solution to Heart Disease

What if there was a combination of foods that were... Read More

Power of Oatmeal

Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More

Why You Should Eat Lentil Soup at Least Once a Week

If you're looking for a power-packed entr�e or soup to... Read More

Fibromyalgia: How Simple Sugars Turned Fatigue into Energy

Several years ago, Marilyn M. couldn't even spell fibromyalgia.Now she... Read More

A Result Producing Guide to Nutrition

If you want to build muscle, lose body fat or... Read More

How Can I Uncover Hidden Sugar And Prevent Carb Creep?

Many low carb dieters fall victim to "carb creep," which... Read More

Glorious Summer Greens

Summer brings a lot of fantastic things with it, but... Read More

Fruit for Breakfast ? The Secret to a Healthy Life

Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More