Natural Sugar Substitutes: Why You Should Try Stevia

Stevia comes from the herb Stevia Rebaudiana, which is part of the Chrysanthemum family. It grows as a shrub and is native to parts of South America, including Paraguay and Brazil. The native Indians of Paraguay have safely used Stevia as a natural sweetener for centuries. You can find Stevia at merchants such as Botanic Choice and Vitamin World.

What Makes Stevia Sweet?

The glycosides, or natural sugars, in the leaves of the Stevia plant are what give it its sweetness. These glycosides contain about 10 percent stevioside. This is where the sweetener gets its name. Stevia leaves and herbal powder are 10 to 15 times sweeter than table sugar. The steviosides in the leaves are reported to be as much as 200 to 300 times more sweet than table sugar. This means that a much lower amount of this can be used to equal the sweetening power of sugar.

Reasons to Try Stevia

Stevia is an all-natural substitute for table sugar. The glycosides in the leaf are not synthesized by the body. This means that there is no caloric intake from this sweetener. This is helpful for diabetics and others who are concerned with restricting sugar and calories. Stevia will not raise blood sugar levels and does not provide empty calories like sugar does. It comes in both powered and liquid form. In the liquid form, flavored varieties are available. Flavors include orange, vanilla, raspberry and lemon.

By: Christine Sedlacek

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