Many of you may be using TRUVIA as a sugar free sweetening alternative. The sweetener is made by the agricultural giant, Cargill. The product is an isolated compound (rebiana) derived from the stevia plant.
Over the past several months this sweetener has become more and more popular as a non-caloric food additive. I recently received a copy of a letter from their company from a fellow Gluten Free Warrior and wanted to share with you the contents…
Good Morning, The erythritol in Truva is made by a natural fermentation process that uses corn. Erythritol is the purified under strict quality control processes. While we do not expect there to be corn allergens in Truvia natural sweetener, we cannot be certain of this. If you remain uncertain on using Truvia based on your own health situation and dietary choice preferences, we recommend you not use Truvia natural sweetener. Sincerely, TruviaR Customer ServiceAs a practicing physician, I see patients reacting to corn and corn gluten on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, the gluten in corn has been shown to cause problems for those with gluten sensitivity in multiple research studies. Unfortunately, this grain is commonly used as a gluten free replacement in many processed food products. This is yet another example in a very long list of examples where people eat processed food assuming that it is safe only to find that it is creating a problem.
A Note on Sweeteners –
First it was the pink packet, then the blue, then the yellow, now the green. What is the obsession with adding chemicals to food so that it tastes sweet? We should all learn from our history. Saccharin (Sweet n Low – Pink Packet) is a known carcinogen. Aspartame (Nutrasweet – Blue Packet) is an excitotoxin that contributes to nervous system disorders dysfunction for many. Splenda (sucralose – yellow packet) is a mixture of sugar and chlorine. Neither ingredient is good for you. The old adage “two wrongs don’t make a right” applies here.Research Studies on Sweeteners for Weight Loss –
It has been well established that those relying on artificial sweeteners for weight loss fail to lose weight. This happens for several reasons.- Using zero Calorie sweeteners provides a sense of false confidence and the person eats more food overall.
- Artificial sweeteners have a hormonal effect on insulin. Despite the Calorie content, these additives contribute to a hormone response that contributes to fat storage.
- These sweeteners tend to be present in highly processed foods that tax the body of its nutrient storage. The side effects of nutrient deficiencies can slow down the metabolism and lead to weight gain.
- Change the general consensus – leading others by example
- Do what everyone else is doing and get sick with them
15 Responses
so upsetting…I thought this was absoutely safe for celiac’s and switched to this product 2 years ago…I continue to get sick and I guess this is why…gosh nothing but tears right now!!!
Admittedly, I’m certainly not an expert in the land of gluten-free. Isn’t it a misnomer to call “corn gluten” a gluten though?
As for the sweeteners, unless you’re diabetic, I’d just use good ol’ cane sugar. And with all things in life, moderation will get you through.
Tod,
Thanks for chiming in. Corn gluten is a very real and under recognized problem causing protein in the realm of gluten sensitivity. The following post has several references on the topic:
https://stg-gfsociety-testing.kinsta.cloud/hidden-corn-based-ingredients/
All the best,
Dr. O
Thanks for giving us the low down on this artificial sweetener Pete. Awesome info as always.
try coconut sugar it is awesome
Geeze Jack was right! “If it tastes good, spit it out!”
I’m very sensitive to salt, but I do love sweets. My grandpa would trade his cigarette rations for sweets in WWII, so it’s a family thing. 🙂
Any other options for sweetening the morning Joe? Coconut sugar via PJ above sounds like it might be an option. I’m a little pink packet addict, but only one a day. I know it may be “killing” me, but apparently so is everything else.
Respect!
-Matt
Try a little honey Matt. Key word? “A little”. 🙂
Honey in your coffee does not taste good. In tea, yes.
I have grown my own stevia plant for The last 3 years..
Just throw it in my water with lemon or tea (anything ) and shake !
Super sweet !
Awesome! Are they hard to grow? Do you grow them indoors to have all year around?
I grew stevia last year too. Was very easy to grow…just poked it in the raised bed and watered it occasionally.
Thanks so much for your article! I’ve been using Truvia because I didn’t see any corn derivatives listed in ingredients, so I thought. I have corn allergy and couldn’t think what was triggering my outbreak, was driving me crazy. Lo and behold, Truvia in my tea and coffee. What a drag. Gotta be more cautious with the labels. Thanks again!
As far as i know, corn is gluten free. people react to corn, not because of gluten, bit because it is genetically engineered.
I was under the impression that any sort of sugar is an inflammatory substance to be avoided.
Is sweetleaf stevia or monk fruit equally as hazardous as truvia?
Is corn to be viewed viewed viewed in the same way as wheat barley and rye?
And what is the story about the actual stevia and monk fruit plants? Is it good to use? Is it easy to grow?
Honey is used all over the world in coffee!! I was not a believer till I tried it. Oooooh my goodness it was amazing!!!