Thanks for your question Rose May. I have in the past suggested that Truvia or Pruvia might be a good substitute for sugar, but have now changed my mind, after reading about possible adverse reactions.
Really, the whole idea of artificial sweeteners or saccharine, was invented to help diabetics avoid refined sugar and insulin needs. Surprisingly though, back in the '60s, women who wanted to reduce caloric intake for weight-loss drove the market higher than the purpose saccharine was developed. When pharmaceutical companies realized there was such a large demand for artificial sweeteners many rushed products to the market. Unfortunately over the years, we've learned many of these artificial sweeteners are worse than sugar for our health. I feel we've all been duped by many of these companies, now accused of pushing approval through the FDA with very lax GRAS and conflict of interest within the approval process.
My recommendations now are to use as little sugar as possible, eat fruit for that sweet tooth and keep added sugars to no more than 25 grams a day, which equals around 6 teaspoons a day. Less is more in this case.
Tips for watching sugar:
1) read the label of ALL packaged foods
2) keep track daily on a food log.
3) Watch-out for hidden sugars in condiments, breads, spaghetti sauce, granola bars, protein bars, sports drinks, cereals, juice and yogurts. Some yogurts are worse than ice cream.
Once you train yourself to read the nutrition facts label and ingredient lists, you're on your way.
Remember there are approximately 4 grams of sugar to a teaspoon.