Hi! (this is Boldylocks--aka Boldyloxx ( i lost my password, so have to start as a brand new member now-)

I was just checking through the May 15, 2006 issue of First magazine, and came across this interesting article on three natural alternatives to Artificial sweetners.

I am going to type it from the magazine page-- very interesting- and much better than the rat poison chemical sweetners!

"More than 70 percent of women use artificial sweetners (such as sucralose and aspartame) daily. And while these sugar substitutes may seem like a wiser choice than actual sugar, the latet research reveals some surprising side effects of regularly consuming these products. "The chemicals in these sweetners can create imbalances in brain chemistry that trigger mood swings, depression and migraines.", explains Paula Baillie-Hamiliton, M.D, Ph,D, author of "Toxic Overload (Avery, 2005). "Fatigue is another common side effect because the liver becomes overworked and sluggish from detoxing these chemicals every day." Fortunately, the low-calorie natural sweetners below are waist-friendly and deliver impressive bonus health benefits.

XYLOTOL:
THE INFECTION FIGHTER:

This sugar alcohol, extracted from white birch bark, looks and tastes exactly like sugar. Decades of European research reveals that its more than just a sweet treat: Xylitol actually has powerful antibacterial properties that reduce ear infections by 42%, sinuse infections by 75% and cavities by 80%.

Researchers creidit xylitol phosphate, a compound that accumulates inside harmful bacteria cells and hinders thier ability to reproduce. Tastes great in hot or cold beverages.

AGAVE NECTAR: THE STOMACH SMOOTHER:

Extracted from the Mexican agave cactus, this nutrient-packed maple syrup-like nectar is a rich source of inulin. This specialty fiber feeds the healthy bacteria in the GI tract, allowing t hem to reproduce and populate the gut. In this way, agave helps beneficial bacteria crowd out the "bad" bacteria, like candida yeast, that cause digesive upset, bloat, tiredness, unexplained weight gain and more. Tastes great in: Teas, fruit drinks and baked goods, or drizzled on desserts and fresh fruits.

STEVIA: THE HEART HELPER

This super sweet extract of the South American stevia rebaudiana plant helps normalize blood pressure, according to studies in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and elsewhere. The reason: The plant contains glycosides. These healthy compounds help the kidneys regulate sodium levels and speed the excretion of excess sodium from the body- two key steps in preventing hypertension and protecting heart health.

Tastes great in: Hot or cold beverages and baked goods, or sprinkled on fruit. But use sparingly-- just one teaspoon of stevia is equal in sweetness to one cup of natural sugar."


I use all three of these natural sweetners and will never go back to the commercial chemical ones. I just got over a cold this week, and the morning after I had a cup of herbal tea sweetened with Xylotol, my sinus infection was gone surprisingly fast. I had just read the above article, so I pulled out the old bag of xylotol and had quick results.

I got my Xylotol for $3.99 a 1lb bag from NOW vitamin supplements. The price varies. First magazine has the company "XyloSweet listed for $7.00 a 1 lb. bag or $9.00 for 100 packets. They provide the website: Xlear.com or call 877-599-5327


ForAgave Nectar, I buy the raw organic version at our local healthfood store for about $4.99 an 8oz squeeze bottle. You can also get it at $10.00 for a 16.9 oz bottle at BlueAgaveNectar.com or call 801-492-6295

Stevia I pay about $6.99 at 25% percent off sales of a box of 100 packets at Vitamin World, but you can also get "SweetLeaf Stevia Plus packets at $5.00 for 50 packets at iHerb.com or call 888-792-0028.


I'd also do a Google or Scroogle search for discount healthwebsites. you may be surprised at some even lower prices for these items.

Have fun!!
Boldylocks