[Grovenet] Artificial Sweetners

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Carol wrote:

"... given the idea was to replace 
something that we KNOW is not that good for us. "

You and I disagree on this point. I don't want to try to change your mind,
just point out a fundamental disagreement that would weigh on any further
discussion about sugar. 

I look back on thousands or, depending upon one's personal beliefs, many
tens of thousands of years of human existence throughout which sugar has
played a constant role in the human diet. A very quick web search brings up
claims that refined sugar goes back to Alexander the Great (what didn't that
guy dabble in?) and certainly honey was collected and eaten well back into
ancient times. 

The "artificial sweeteners" have been with us a few decades. 

Based on that, I can find no fault with sugar in reasonable quantities, and
much to be suspicious of in other chemical mixes that emulate sugar's
sweetness. I realize I'm biased. That's why I mentioned my (and my
daughter's) experience with DES. That life changing, life threatening
experience with "modern living through chemistry" has made me wary. 

Does it make me right? Not necessarily.

Note that I said "reasonable quantities". Keep in mind than ANY food or
drink is lethal if taken in sufficient quantities. Most will have very
serious ill effects upon us even when taken in far less than lethal
quantities, as those who have developed a love of fats and red meats,
alcohol and a great many other substances have learned. And now we must deal
with an ever-increasingly polluted food chain as well.  

Yet, in reasonable quantities, all of these things provide a benefit to
those who consume them. 

Ron D'Eau Claire