Chemical Cuisine is a document created by the CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) in which the popular artificial sweetener often called Splenda, was reduced to a lower grade. The document contains many details and explanations about artificial and synthetic food additives.
This nongovernmental and nonprofit food safety organization had labeled sucralose as a safe additive in the past, but it has recently changed its status to caution. The reason is simple – a recent scientific study conducted in an Italian lab has provided some shocking results related to sucralose. They have found a link between sucralose intake and leukemia. The tests were made on lab mice. So, the CSPI is now waiting for the official review of this study.
This organization has used the avoid rating for popular artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium, aspartame, and saccharin. This is the lowest grade. On the other hand, CSPI claims that rebiana, a natural sweetener extracted from stevia is safe.
Splenda is a registered trademark for artificial sweeteners based on sucralose. This name is owned by Tate and Lyle from the UK and Johnson & Johnson from the USA. This artificial sweetener is one of the most popular artificial sweeteners in the world. The sales in the United States reached $200 million last year. The scientific name of Splenda is 1,6-dichloro-1,6-dideoxy-Β-D-fructofuranosyl-4-chloro-4-deoxy-α-D-galactopyranoside.
Let’s be clear, sucralose is an artificial product. In other words, it is not grown in nature and doesn’t appear naturally in nature. The manufacturers get sucralose by switching three H-O groups on sucrose (which is actually regular table sugar) molecules with three Cl atoms. In order to create Splenda, they mix sucralose with maltodextrin and dextrose. It is good to point out that the last two ingredients are considered safe.
More Scientific Proof that Sucralose Leads to Negative Health Effects in Humans
According to certain studies, sucralose leads to dangerous health effects in humans. For instance, one scientific study has found that Splenda limits the effects of useful bacteria and has a direct impact on the activity of cytochrome isozymes and P-GP transporters. These compounds affect the bioavailability of nutrients and drugs. In addition, this negative impact happens even at Splenda doses that have sucralose levels that are accepted by the FDA.
Many advertisements suggest that sucralose does not encourage any biological processes in the body. However, a study published not while ago in the reputable Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health has shown something else. Even though studies conducted before have shown that sucralose goes through the gastrointestinal tract without any changes and modifications, more thorough analysis confirmed that some parts of the consumed sweetener are metabolized directly in the gastrointestinal tract.
The safety and identity of these sucralose metabolites have not been tested yet and their properties are unknown. What is known for sure is that sucralose together with one of the hydrolysis products from sucralose is mutagenic when the concentration is high. Preparing food with sucralose at very high temperatures can lead to the formation of chloropropanols, a class of compounds that may produce toxic effects.
Human and animal studies have shown that sucralose may change the levels of peptide 1, insulin, and glucose. So, if we take a look at these facts, we can conclude that sucralose actually leads to several changes in the body.
Even Dr. Mercola has decided to talk about Splenda. He used a video message to share his knowledge about the dangerous marketing techniques used by companies to advertise Splenda and a few other similar artificial sweeteners and make them look like healthy, safe foods. Dr. Mercola says that Johnson & Johnson company said that they will sue him because of the things he mentioned in his book Sweet Deception in 2005. Even though he published this book, Johnson & Johnson didn’t sue him and according to Dr. Mercola, this is proof that everything he claims is true.
Via Herbs Info
Sources Brainstorm | Wikipedia| NCBI | Brainstorm
