Learn the Truth about Splenda
The chemical name of Splenda is sucralose. While sucralose indeed begins as as a sugar molecule, it is what goes on in the factory that is concerning. Sucralose is an artificial chemical that is produced in a five-step patented process. During this process, three chlorine molecules are added to a sucrose molecule. The initial, natural sugar molecule is a disaccharide made up of two single sugars that are together; glucose and fructose.
The chemical process to make Splenda modifies the chemical constitution of the sugar so much that it is converted into a molecule that does not normally occur in nature. Because this molecule is not natural, the body does not know how to break it down it. According to the manufacturers of Splenda, this is the very grounds on which Splenda is a zero calorie sweetener — it is not broken down or metabolized by the body. Splenda simply travels through your digestive track without depositing any caloric residue.
This is misinformative, however, as Splenda’s no calorie status would only be technically valid if the body did have the capability to metabolize it. More disturbing, the fact that sucralose is an artificial ingredient elicits questions about its safety, especially if used in large amounts over a long period of time. There is the additional potential problem of insulin reaction. While research reports are still unclear, the medical research community widely speculates that Splenda triggers an increase in insulin levels, which, whatever the caloric content, will signal the body to hold on to fat reserves or even store more fat.
One research finding nullifies the statement that Splenda is not absorbed by the body. In this study (conducted on humans), one in eight participants did not eliminate any sucralose after three days of ingesting Splenda. Another study (conducted on animals) concluded that 15% of ingested sucralose is absorbed into the digestive system and is then stored in the body. Learn the truth about Splenda.
