Stevia and Splenda are two popular sugar alternatives that do not affect sugar levels . Both are calorie-free, although they do have some distinctive differences. We’ll see if one is healthier than the other.
Splenda is an artificial sweetener based on sucralose , which you can find powder, granules, or liquid formula. Splenda is used mainly to sweeten beverages.
Stevia is a naturally-derived sweetener that comes from the leaves of the stevia plant that is Sold in powder, liquid, or dried form. You can also find blends of highly processed stevia and other sweeteners. It is commonly used to sweeten drinks, desserts and sauces
Although Splenda and stevia are labeled ” without calories ”, the reality is that they almost are because they contain a minimal amount. There are only 5 calories in a serving of Splenda, while there are 2 calories in a serving of stevia. Neither of the two sweeteners has a contribution of nutrients.
One of the advantages of Stevia is that it is sweeter than Splenda , and a lot sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to reach your preferred level of sweetness.
Stevia vs. Splenda: Which is healthier?
Both stevia and Splenda are considered safe alternatives to sugar when used sparingly.
Research on the long-term health effects of Splenda and stevia is inconclusive. But based on current evidence, stevia is associated with fewer negative health effects.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that sucralose (base of Splenda) may affect the human body’s ability to remove sugar from the blood by decreasing its response to insulin.
Studies in mice, have associated consumption of high doses of sucralose with cancer. One of these studies conducted by researchers from the Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center in Italy.
Healthline notes that cooking or baking with sucralose can create potential carcinogens called chloropropanols and therefore Splenda should not be used in cooking or baking.
Regarding Stevia, Some studies show that the sweetener can interact with medications that lower blood sugar and blood pressure, but other studies show no such effect.
Nutritionist Emily Gelsomin explains to via Harvard Health that switching to low calorie sweeteners may be moderately helpful for people who normally consume a lot of sugar in drinks and food.
Gelsomin also cautions: “We just don’t have enough data to recommend avoiding low calorie sweeteners. Nor do we have enough evidence to support them firmly. ”
You may be interested in:
– Sugar: 5 big lies about it that you must stop believing
–The new sugars in the ultra-processed food industry: why the FDA doesn’t approve them all yet
– 8 foods rich in sugar and that you thought were healthy