New Report Finds That Use of Low-Calorie Sweeteners in Place of Sugar Can Help Both Adults and Children Lose Excess Weight

December 4, 2015

Study finds using low-calorie sweeteners tends to reduce intake of sugar-containing foods

The holidays are a great time to get together with friends and family, but too much pie, mashed potatoes and other seasonal treats can lead to the dreaded holiday weight gain, as reflected by responses to this informal online survey (Infographic). The good news is that even small positive choices we make can really add up to make a difference.  One choice commonly recommended by health care organizations is to find ways to cut back on sugary foods and beverages.

Now, a new report published by the International Journal of Obesity, found that use of low-calorie sweeteners, like sucralose – the sweetening ingredient in Splenda Sweetener Products, in place of sugar can help both adults and children lose excess weight[i]. The publication suggests that using low-calorie sweeteners can help reduce intake of sugar-containing foods.

The researchers, convened by the European branch of the International Life Science Institute (ILSI), note that attention should be paid to how low calorie sweeteners can be used to help achieve “public health goals, such as the reduction of intakes of free [added] sugars and energy [calories].” In addition, the research indicates that drinking beverages with low-calorie sweeteners instead of full- calorie beverages can be as useful as drinking water for helping with weight management.

“Experts agree that setting small goals and arming yourself with tools can help people work toward their weight loss goals without feeling overwhelmed,” says Maureen Conway, MBA, MA, RDN, FAND, Director of Nutritional & Professional Affairs, Heartland Food Products Group. “This report adds to the body of scientific research showing the benefits of using low calorie sweeteners to reduce added sugars in our diets to help with weight management. So, enjoy your holiday treats in moderation with less added sugar as part of the small positive changes you can make in diet and physical activity to help keep off those unwanted pounds.”

Low-calorie sweeteners, like Splenda Zero Calorie Sweetener, are a great option to help reduce the amount of added sugars in our diet and still provide sweetness while contributing few calories.

So get creative this holiday season in making some tasty choices for your family that use less sugar!  To help you on your way, here are some delicious recipes perfect for this holiday time.

• Mini Apple, Pumpkin and Cranberry Apple Pies, use all of the extra apples, pumpkins and cranberries you have left over from the fall season
• Butternut Squash Soufflé, where Butternut Squash moves from the side of the plate to center stage in this creative and tasty dessert
• Seasonal Smoothies, using tasty recipes including Pear Oatmeal, Pumpkin Seed, and Spiced Apple Pie, are sure to kick your smoothies up a notch

ABOUT Splenda Sweetener Products

Sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in Splenda Sweetener Products, has been used safely by millions of people around the world for more than 20 years, supported by research data from more than 100 studies. Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) support the use of low calorie sweeteners such as sucralose as a useful tool in weight management and diabetes. For more information about sucralose or the Splenda Brand, visit blog.splenda.com/. You can also follow the Splenda Brand on Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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