Replace Sugar with Sweeteners

We separate fact from fiction and give you the sweet truth. Rumors about sugar substitutes never seem to die. Aspartame causes brain tumors in rats! Stevia is a miracle food quashed by powerful sugar lobbyists! Here, we separate fact from fiction and

give you the sweet truth. Saccharin (Sweet'n Low) What it is: Product of a reaction between sulfur dioxide, chlorine, ammonia, and two biochemical acids. Found in Crest and Colgate. Calories: 1/8 calorie per teaspoon Flavor profile: Metallic and bitter aftertaste; 300 to 500 times sweeter than sugar Possible side effects: Linked to cancer in rats, but not in humans; FDA removed warning labels. Aspartame (Nutra-sweet and Equal) What it is: A combination of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Found in Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, and most other diet sodas Calories: 0 Flavor profile: Distinctly chemical; 180 times sweeter than sugar Possible side effects: None, unless you have a rare genetic condition called phenylketonuria, in which your body can't process phenylalanine Sucralose (Splenda) What it is: Sugar molecules blended with chlorine. Found in Arizona brand diet iced teas Calories: 0 Flavor profile: Slightly chemical; 600 times sweeter than sugar Possible side effects: None Sugar Alcohols What it is: Sugar molecules with added hydrogen. Found in Hershey's low-carb chocolate bars Calories: � the calories of sugar Flavor profile: None; same sweetness as sugar, but less impact on blood sugar Possible side effects: Bloating, gas, diarrhea Stevia What it is: Dried leaves of the stevia plant. Not yet approved by the FDA for use in food products Calories: 0 Flavor profile: Licorice-like; 150 to 400 times sweeter than sugar Possible side effects: Not yet known; clinical trials have not been conducted.
Men's Health