Artificial Sweetener?

Has anybody ever heard of Stevia the artificial sweetener? I want to know if it has any nasty chemicals in it. I find that Splender and equal effect my short term memory, and I am guessing it's from the chemicals in them. So I am looking for an alternative that is completely natural.

OK maybe I should clarify. I am diabetic and not allowed Sugar.

Stevia is not an artificial sweetener but an herb that when the active ingredient is extracted it is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. It does not have an affect on blood sugar so it is safe for diabetics. Some brands have a bitter after taste. Stevia by KAL with added Lo Han seems to have the best taste. No known side effects unless you are allergic to stevia. Another sweetener that appears to be safe is Xylitol. Xylitol has been around in our food supply for many years but not available to the public until just recently. This is also safe for diabetics because it is low glycemic (doesn't affect blood sugar). What's great about Xylitol is cup for cup it works like sugar. It is great for baking or using in your coffee. You can find xylitol as an additive in toothpaste and chewing gum where it helps prevent cavities. You can purchase Xylitol at your local health food store in packets or by the pound. Xylitol is considered a sugar alcohol with no known side effects. Give it a try. Oh, and by the way, Xylitol tastes just like sugar.

try sugar.

is for losers. if you are worried about using too much sugar, eat less sugar.

Try raw sugar instead. Anything that is artificial are made from chemical which is harmful for your body.

No, Stevia is all natural. It comes from a plant, although sometimes... it is packaged in alcohol but, you can get it in powder form. It's the best sweetner for you, even better than sugar... or honey! Stevia is really, really sweet so you have to use it in small amounts... sometimes there is a funny bitter after taste.

When I lived in Las Vegas the local news reporter stated that her father was a nuclear physicist and he made all of his children solemnly swear they would NEVER eat any artificial sugars. I was certain that she like Oprah would get sued, and that she would be fired from the station. Yet she is still on the news every night.

It's all right and sold in health food stores and in Vegan restaurants and is safe. Some of these other 'experts' giving you advice don't know what it is or what they're talking about. Apparently!

I have tried them all- my body can't handle the NutraSweet/equal/aspartame-which is all the same thing- Splenda -seems to have some effects too- I have tried stevia- it is made from a leaf- I have added it to my protein shake to lessen the bitter taste of the sulfur supplement I add. It works for me. I get it in the packets and buy it on line for about 4.50 a box through Nutrition Express. Enjoy- D