[Villages PL]

Both were on the front page of of the Lifestyle section of The Daily Sun.

July 3, 2012: Dr. David Lipschitz stated in his weekly column that artificial sweeteners lead to a craving for sweets. His statement was backed up by Harvard obesity expert, Dr. David Ludwig, who wrote in the Harvard Letter that no-calorie sweeteners contribute to weight gain.

July 18, 2012: A Daily Sun reporter wrote a "full page" feature story with the following headings: NO SUGAR ADDED / Village of Sanebel resident makes delicious, healthy desserts.

The woman in the story used Stevia, an artificial sweetener. She said she started doing this because her daugter had a condition that allowed for no more than 5 grams of sugar. But there was no mention of what this condition consisted of. Then she was quoted as recommending it for anyone who can't have sugar.

My Opinion: I think it's wrong to promote artificial sweeteners across-the-board to everyone, as being healthy, with no evidence to back it up. Especially after the July 3 column, by Dr. Lipschitz, suggests that artificial sweeteners contribute to weight gain.

Note: Refined (granulated) sugar is considered a processed food that contains empty calories and is not considered good for one's health. But I don't think artificial sweeteners are considered to be processed foods. They are imitations of processed foods. If they are not processed foods, what are they? They must be considered drugs, I suppose, made up by chemists in chemistry labs. They are highly addictive and reinforce one's addiction to all sweets.

[Patty55]

Stevia is not artificial.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Patty55

Stevia is not artificial.

In the column by Dr. Lipschitz, Stevia appears to be classified as artificial even though it is "plant-derived".

He said: Artificial sweeteners include: 1) aspartame 2) sucralose 3) saccharin and 4) plant-derived Stevia

Yahoo!-search the following: Is Stevia an Artificial Sweetener?

[pooh]

Not to be argumentative, but what is the conflict? Not all individuals who ingest sugar are addicted to it. I do agree that artificial sweeteners may not be a good choice for many....messes with insulin working as it should. And, the newspaper is like many other hometown newspapers, highlighting community members and something interesting about them. The newspaper IS NOT a health publication.i

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

Not to be argumentative, but what is the conflict? Not all individuals who ingest sugar are addicted to it. I do agree that artificial sweeteners may not be a good choice for many....messes with insulin working as it should.

Okay, let's assume that not everyone is addicted. Maybe it's the word "addicted" that you object to. If a person uses it on a regular basis, I suppose you could say it's a habit.

The conflict is: The July 3 column indicates that artificial sweeteners contribute to weight gain. And the July 18 "feature article" flat out states that desserts made with artificial sweeteners are "healthy".

Obviously, if you're only looking at short term results, you may not see any harm. Weight gain is usually something that happens gradually over a long period of time. And there's nothing good about weight gain if you don't need the extra weight. There are studies that show a person's risk of death increases as their BMI increases.

[2BNTV]

Everyone, especially if they have diabetes needs to find out from their doctor if they can have an artificial sweetener and in what quantity. Everybody's case is different with diabetes. I have a mild form that I watch very carefully and know where my limits are.

I think if one cheats by eating sugar in any form tends to lead to wanting more sugar.

The best exercise for one not gaining weight is push aways from the dinner table.

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

Okay, let's assume that not everyone is addicted. Maybe it's the word "addicted" that you object to. If a person uses it on a regular basis, I suppose you could say it's a habit.

The conflict is: The July 3 column indicates that artificial sweeteners contribute to weight gain. And the July 18 "feature article" flat out states that desserts made with artificial sweeteners are "healthy".

Obviously, if you're only looking at short term results, you may not see any harm. Weight gain is usually something that happens gradually over a long period of time. And there's nothing good about weight gain if you don't need the extra weight. There are studies that show a person's risk of death increases as their BMI increases.

Maybe the word addiction does sit wrong with me. Again, the newspaper is just that, a newspaper and not a health magazine, a health study report, it's a paper compiled for residents of the area it is circulated in. As others have pointed out, it provides information about community members, what the might like, what they may prepare for meals or dessert. How the heck you got this to the point you're trying to make seems just a bit preachy to me, VPL. As much as we believe a particular way of living or doing things is correct, not all will agree with us. One plan doesn't necessarily fit all. Weight gain as we age isn't always a good thing, but there may be some who benefit from a few more pounds, you never know. We are not privy to all medical information and some making an assumption that one way is the only way, isn't necessarily correct.

[asianthree]

I grown my own stevia, steep the leaves and have use this for as long as i can remember...Honey used for baking...We never had sugar in our house growning up (bees in the back yard)..so 50 years later still no sugar or yellow packets in my home

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

Maybe the word addiction does sit wrong with me. Again, the newspaper is just that, a newspaper and not a health magazine, a health study report, it's a paper compiled for residents of the area it is circulated in.

You're making excuses for a newspaper that carries a weekly health column by Dr. David Lipschitz and then just a few weeks later contradicts the information in that column by stating that artificially sweetened desserts are healthy. Why are you making excuses for that?

As others have pointed out, it provides information about community members, what the might like, what they may prepare for meals or dessert. How the heck you got this to the point you're trying to make seems just a bit preachy to me, VPL.

It's more than just saying what others might like when they say it's healthy and when it's recommended to everyone across-the-board. There's nothing preachy about it; it's just a statement of facts.

As much as we believe a particular way of living or doing things is correct, not all will agree with us. One plan doesn't necessarily fit all.

You're imagining that was my intent as if I had stated that everyone must agree with me and live the way I live. Did I actually say that one plan must fit all? You're reading things into what I said that I never said. How do you justify that?

Weight gain as we age isn't always a good thing, but there may be some who benefit from a few more pounds, you never know. We are not privy to all medical information and some making an assumption that one way is the only way, isn't necessarily correct.

It seems you're making excuses for artificial sweeteners and trying to reinforce the idea that I'm telling people that one way is the only way.

[pooh]

Originally Posted by Villages PL

You're making excuses for a newspaper that carries a weekly health column by Dr. David Lipschitz and then just a few weeks later contradicts the information in that column by stating that artificially sweetened desserts are healthy. Why are you making excuses for that?




It's more than just saying what others might like when they say it's healthy and when it's recommended to everyone across-the-board. There's nothing preachy about it; it's just a statement of facts.



You're imagining that was my intent as if I had stated that everyone must agree with me and live the way I live. Did I actually say that one plan must fit all? You're reading things into what I said that I never said. How do you justify that?



It seems you're making excuses for artificial sweeteners and trying to reinforce the idea that I'm telling people that one way is the only way.

I am not making excuses for the newspaper....it is just that, a newspaper and again, not a scientific/medical journal. Cripes, there is even conflict within the scientific/medical community about many things. I have no idea where you came from, but your hometown newspapers never printed what you feel to be conflicting messages?
A newspaper prints stories or articles they think will appeal to a wide group of subscribers and some of the stories could be contradictory. Maybe you've taken on the task of pointing out these contradictions. Do you think individuals don't have the sense to do what's right for them? You read lots about certain studies....are you reading this info from the books written by individuals you cite or do you get the chance to read their actual studies? Again, study reports can be presented to point out what is sought and the negatives, minimized. But, I digress, that's not the topic under discussion.

For some, artifically sweetened desserts may be a better choice than a more calorie laden one. Desserts are not evil, many can eat them within limits that do not damage their health. Taken in moderation, they may allow some individuals a choice every once in a while. Not all feel they have to live with the more stringent food guidelines you live with, VPL. You can tell me again, as you have in the past, that your food choices aren't limited, but I don't agree with you. Personally, I don't like artificial sweetners, they don't taste good to me. If I decide to have a soda, it's not going to be diet and I dilute it with water....less sugar, fewer calories, enough of the taste and I'm not filling up on empty calories.



You may not feel you're "preaching" when indeed, it is being perceived by me as just that. Your message is more subliminal than you seem to recognize.

Again, live long and prosper VPL, you are doing what you feel is best for you...

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

I am not making excuses for the newspaper....it is just that, a newspaper and again, not a scientific/medical journal. Cripes, there is even conflict within the scientific/medical community about many things. I have no idea where you came from, but your hometown newspapers never printed what you feel to be conflicting messages?

I thought this was important enough to bring to the attention of others because it involves health. And this being a Medical and Health Discussion board I think it's a worthwhile topic.

A newspaper prints stories or articles they think will appeal to a wide group of subscribers and some of the stories could be contradictory. Maybe you've taken on the task of pointing out these contradictions.

Bingo! Why not bring it to the attention of others, especially those who value their health and are looking for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Do you think individuals don't have the sense to do what's right for them?

Bingo again! A majority of people apparently don't have the sense to do what's right for them. That's why we have a high percentage of overweight people in the U.S., and that includes The Villages. Just look around when you go shopping or down to the square.

For some, artifically sweetened desserts may be a better choice than a more calorie laden one. Desserts are not evil, many can eat them within limits that do not damage their health. Taken in moderation, they may allow some individuals a choice every once in a while.

I just present the information and people can do whatever they want with it.

You may not feel you're "preaching" when indeed, it is being perceived by me as just that. Your message is more subliminal than you seem to recognize.

It works both ways. There are those who preach against any health messages. Perhaps it reminds them of what they're doing wrong and they don't want to be reminded.

Again, live long and prosper VPL, you are doing what you feel is best for you...

I wish you the same as you believe you are also doing what's best for you.

[pooh]

I do beg to differ with you on some of the information being the most accurate....ah, that's not always true. Many times studies are released prematurely or without controls used to help veryify that results are indeed accurate....and then time passes and results shown aren't always as shown initially.

Again, I will state that it isn't necessarily the newspapers' responsibility to act as medical literature....stories that are presented are currently in the news in some manner and again, there may be conflicting views and/or studies.

You assume that people don't know what's right for them...well, most people do take exception when told how they should live their lives. There are many reasons for people being overweight, some are indeed heavy from overeating, lack of exercise, others have medical situations that impact their life, preventing them from keeping their figure more on the lean side.
People eat for various reasons....we aren't always privy to why.

Food doesn't cure everything, VPL, I know you realize that. A good diet, and for some that includes animal products, can help maintain homeostasis.

Please don't think I'm preaching against health....I'm more concerned with sources of information. Again, I will state, that not all studies may not be as accurate as they first appear.

We must meet one day VPL, I'll buy you a drink. Stay well.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

I do beg to differ with you on some of the information being the most accurate....ah, that's not always true. Many times studies are released prematurely or without controls used to help veryify that results are indeed accurate....and then time passes and results shown aren't always as shown initially.

So you're making a case not to believe any studies because some are later proved to be inacurate. With that attitude you can take these sweetener drugs forever with the hope that someday they will be judged harmless.

Again, I will state that it isn't necessarily the newspapers' responsibility to act as medical literature....stories that are presented are currently in the news in some manner and again, there may be conflicting views and/or studies.

I still think it's worthwhile to point out the conflicting information, especially when the conflict is between a Harvard obesity expert and people who have no health credentials.

You assume that people don't know what's right for them...well, most people do take exception when told how they should live their lives. There are many reasons for people being overweight, some are indeed heavy from overeating, lack of exercise, others have medical situations that impact their life, preventing them from keeping their figure more on the lean side.
People eat for various reasons....we aren't always privy to why.

In my opinion, they may take exception if they are seriously addicted to a poor lifestyle. All the reasons you just gave usually come under the heading of self inflicted.

Food doesn't cure everything, VPL, I know you realize that. A good diet, and for some that includes animal products, can help maintain homeostasis.

The more one studies nutrition & health it should become clear that there are different levels of precaution. It all depends on how safe you want to play it. And at some point of aging some people may develop conditions that are irreversible so that they no longer have much choice of what they can eat.

Please don't think I'm preaching against health....I'm more concerned with sources of information. Again, I will state, that not all studies may not be as accurate as they first appear.

You shouldn't be too concerned because many of these studies have been done over and over and are double blind studies. But I notice you never expressed any doubt that the Daily Sun reporter might be wrong. And you never expressed any doubt that the Villages woman who was interviewed might be wrong. You only doubt the doctors. So it seems you are highly biased in favor of artificial sweetener drugs.

We must meet one day VPL, I'll buy you a drink. Stay well.

I was thinking the same thing that it would be interesting to meet some day. Although I kind of doubt that will happen as we don't seem to have anything in common. The only thing I ever drink is water.

Be well.

[pooh]

Oh, don't make assumptions about me, VPL, I only drink water and skim milk,,,,witH the very occasional diluted soda. No artificial sweetners for me...they taste awful and I don't need that many sweets anyhow.

I'm a biologist by education and I question all results...requiring lots of proof.
What happens in a petri dish or test tube doesn't always work in a human body....and not all the books published by biologists, some physicians and nutritionalists are gospel.

Oh, and I do enjoy talking with you VPL.

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by pooh

Oh, don't make assumptions about me, VPL, I only drink water and skim milk,,,,witH the very occasional diluted soda. No artificial sweetners for me...they taste awful and I don't need that many sweets anyhow.

You assumed I was making an assumption? I was only telling you that I only drink water. When I said that we probably don't have anything in common I meant other things besides drinking. Anyway, you are always making assumptions about me. So now you know how it feels. If you don't use artificial sweetners, why are you so defensive about them?

I'm a biologist by education and I question all results...requiring lots of proof.
What happens in a petri dish or test tube doesn't always work in a human body....and not all the books published by biologists, some physicians and nutritionalists are gospel.

Questioning is good. But what does your education tell you about amature reporters and the people they interview? What was your specialty?

Oh, and I do enjoy talking with you VPL.

I enjoy talking with you too; you make me think.