|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Is Stevia Better Than Splenda?

Many consider Stevia, a truly natural sweetening agent, superior to the chemically-extracted Splenda. Others prefer Splenda's more familiar flavor. Draw your own conclusions, however; the "better" product is, as they say, a matter of taste.

  1. Features

    • Stevia, a zero-calorie sugar substitute, derives from the ground leaves of the Stevia herb. Splenda, a form of Sucralose (sugar), has undergone a chemical process to remove its calories and carbohydrates.

    Taste

    • Manufacturers of Splenda consider its sweetness 600 times that of sugar, while Stevia averages 300 times sugar's sweetness. Each impart a unique aftertaste, with neither exactly mimicking the taste of natural sugar.

    Benefits

    • Unlike sugar, Stevia and Splenda do not contribute to tooth decay or raise blood sugar levels, making them suitable substitutions for Diabetics and carb-conscious dieters. Use either in place of sugar to create low-calorie versions of favorite recipes.

    Nutrition Value

    • Neither Splenda nor Stevia extract offer real nutritional value, though green, unprocessed Stevia retains beneficial phytonutrients. Manufacturers extend versions of each sweetener with added fiber.

    Safety

    • The FDA has approved both Stevia and Splenda for public consumption. Clinical evidence does not support concerns raised regarding Splenda's role in causing cancer. In 2008, the FDA officially sanctioned the once-forbidden Stevia for sale in the United States.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles