June 2008 - Stevia & Aspartame: The Sweet & Sour?

When is a food NOT a food? And when does non-food become food? Apparently only the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) knows for sure.

A recent issue of ACRES USA reported the "...organic food products company Hain Celestial Group has been warned by the FDA that it cannot use stevia in its teas if it wishes to continue labeling its products as 'tea,' because tea is approved as a food, whereas stevia is not. Stevia, a ... sweetener that is attractive to many organic processors, is derived from a Latin American plant [related] to the sunflower. Although used by millions around the world, apparently with no adverse side effects... it just can't seem to get no [sic] respect here in America. Aspartame, on the other hand, having acquired its "food" rating, is king ... despite being embroiled in a myriad of controversial health issues."

So what do you think? Let's compare the two sweeteners and YOU decide.

Stevia rebaudiana is a tropical annual plant with very sweet leaves that yield the substance "stevioside." This crystalline powder is 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose.

But you don't need the powdered stevia to sweeten your coffee or teas: Grow the plant and pinch off the leaves as you need them. Or harvest, dry and store the leaves for future use. From the tropics, stevia can stay outside during the summer, but take cuttings or bring in before frost.

Aspartame is processed from phenylalanine (an essential amino acid) and aspartic acid. Breakdown products include methanol (methyl alcohol--a solvent), formaldehyde (a gas derived from oxidation of methyl alcohol and used as a preservative in many cosmetic products, as well as a filler in vaccines), and formic acid (a by-product of formaldehyde which is used in various processed foods as well as paint remover).

According to Bill Statham's book, What's In YOUR Food?, "Health problems reported to authorities include fatigue, irritability, headache, MS-like symptoms (emphasis mine), depression, anxiety, vision problems, dizziness, memory loss, hyperactivity, migraine, aggression, and insomnia."

I made my choice - how about you?

Meanwhile, Chew On This: "Inquiry into the dietary history of patients diagnosed as schizophrenic reveals the diet of their choice is rich in sweets, candy, cakes, coffee, caffeinated beverages and food prepared with sugar. These foods, which stimulate the adrenals, should be eliminated or severely restricted." A. Cott Orthomolecular Approach to the Treatment of Learning Disabilities.

"Let food be your medicine," sums up Sue Cosgrove's stance on health and wellness. She believes nutrient-dense and biologically-alive sustenance is not only nature's best prevention, but also nature's best cure for many maladies. Comments are welcomed by the writer at chewsorganic@yahoo.com.

Do You Enjoy Two-Lane Livin'?
Consider donating $5 to our cause through PayPal.