1. So Much Sweeter Than Sugar
Splenda is the brand name for sucralose. Made in a laboratory, it takes sugar and changes its molecular structure using chlorine. The result is a sweetener that has no calories, contains no carbohydrates and is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It doesn't leave a bitter aftertaste like some other artificial sweeteners do, and it doesn't raise blood sugar levels in the body. Splenda is available alone in packets or loose like sugar, and it is present in many products. The Food and Drug Association approved it for use in the United States in 1998.
2. Mix it Up for Baking
Unlike some artificial sweeteners, you can use Splenda in cooking and baking because heat does not destroy its sweetness. However, the company also sells Splenda Sugar Blend for Baking, a product specifically designed for baking. According to the manufacturer, this blend of sugar and Splenda lowers the number of calories in the baked good but helps with characteristics like browning, volume and rising. In addition to their blend of white sugar and Splenda, the company also makes a brown sugar blend for baking.
3. Watch What You Say
A number of lawsuits filed against McNeil Pharmaceuticals allege the makers of Splenda were misleading the public by implying that their product was more natural than it actually was. The company that makes Equal, another sweetener, and the Sugar Association filed these lawsuits. The court ruled that the makers of Splenda can no longer say that it tastes like sugar because it is made from sugar.
4. Mixed Results on Safety Factor
Splenda is safe in clinical studies. However, many nutritionists do not believe it is truly safe. Some studies show that Splenda can shrink the thymus gland and enlarge the liver and kidneys. However, these effects showed up in rats that some scientists argue received a massive dose of the product in relation to their body weight. Splenda can cause diarrhea or allergic reactions in some people. Dr. Joseph Mercola wrote a book and many articles about Splenda. Based on testimonials from people taking Splenda, Dr. Mercola compiled a long list of the possible side effects of Splenda. These include skin flushing or redness, rashes, blisters on the skin, a shaky or panicky feeling, nausea, stomach cramps, forgetfulness, moodiness, unexplained crying, anxiety, acne, panic attacks and even seizures.
5. Find it Everywhere
Over 3,000 products contain Splenda. These include juices, soft drinks, gelatins, puddings, sauces, processed fruits and chewing gum. Some products, like Diet Coke, have one version with Splenda and another version with aspertame. To determine the difference, look for Splenda's distinct yellow logo on product packaging.
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