Re: Stevia - sugar alternative.

 Here is a copy of an old write up I did on aspartame:

Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet) is with no doubt a highly toxic substance. Aspartame is produced by linking the amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid with a methanol molecule. The amino acids themselves are generally not a problem. There are some people who cannot metabolize phenylalanine, and it can become toxic to these individuals. The condition is called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is why the warnings are required on all products containing aspartame. Phenylalanine can also raise blood pressure in some individuals. On the other hand it is also necessary for the formation of some very important neurotransmitters. The biggest problem with aspartame is the methanol. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a very powerful neurotoxin. Methanol can cause headaches, loss of vision, seizures, mood changes, and other neurological disturbances. These are all reported side effects of aspartame as well. The methanol is released when the aspartame breaks down, which does not take much. Any heat source over I think it was 80 degrees, which includes body heat will break down aspartame releasing the methanol. Neurological damage is not the only adverse effect of methanol though. Methanol is metabolized in the body in to formic acid and formaldehyde. Formic acid is the powerful irritant causing the pain of ant bites and bee stings. In the body it can irritate the organs. Formaldehyde is one of the most powerful carcinogens (cancer causing agents) known. This is why cancer is another reported side effect of aspartame use.

Aspartame has also been shown to cause weight gain, even though it is used for diet products. It does this through a couple of mechanisms. First it stimulates a blood sugar rise, which also makes it a bad choice for diabetics. The rise in blood sugar leads to an insulin spike, which in turn leads to fat production. Aspartame also stimulates the appetite, which promotes more calorie intake. To make matters worse, aspartame makes people thirstier, so they are more likely to drink more aspartame containing drinks.

Pro-aspartame advocates try to argue that methanol is not that toxic because it is also found naturally in fruit juices. What they are not telling people is that fruit juices also contain ethanol, which is the treatment for methanol poisoning.