Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the plant stevia rebaudiana which was first discovered in Paraguay. It is available in many forms, including stevia liquid extract, dried stevia leaves, but the most popular form is the white extract powder. However, not all stevia products available on the market feature the same properties. In fact, the health benefits of Stevia can only be enjoyed when you use it in its raw form. Hence, if you are ready to turn over a new leaf and embrace a healthier lifestyle, make sure you buy organic stevia.
Although similar in taste, stevia is nothing like sugar, and there are several reasons why this natural sweeter is a better option than sucrose, both for diabetics and those who are simply looking to take a healthier approach to their eating habits.
Stevia is much sweeter than sugar
The raw leaves of stevia are around 40 times sweeter than processed sugar, and the powdered form can be up to 200-300 times sweeter. This means, you need just a little bit of stevia to sweeten your drinks and food.
Stevia is virtually calorie-free
It is no secret that refined sugar is bad for your health. In fact, Large percentage of adults in Australia are obese due to high sugar intake. Luckily, stevia has basically no calories, and while it is not classified as a weight loss product, its amazing weight-loss potential is more than clear.
Stevia helps suppress cravings
In addition to being bad for your health, sugar is also addictive. Artificial sugar substitutes such as sucralose and aspartame may not have any calories, but they are known to promote cravings for sugary sweets. More and more people have reported negative side effects as a result of regular intake of these artificial sweeteners, ranging from dizziness and headaches to stomach pains and rashes. On the other hand, studies have reported that stevia can hep suppress cravings, hence one more reason to buy organic stevia powder.
Stevia can benefit your teeth
Refined sugar is known to cause dental cavities and plaques because the dental bacteria feeds on sugar and produces acids which causes decay. Although sugar alcohols (polyols) are common in toothpastes and chewing gums, because oral bacteria cannot ferment them, it cannot cause any damage to your teeth. However, polyols contain a lot of calories, making them harmful for diabetics. Plus, the are known to cause gas and bloating in individuals who are sensitive to them. Stevia on the other hand, has the same benefits as the polyols, only without unwanted secondary effects.
Stevia is great for diabetics
Unlike sugar which contains large amounts of carbohydrates, stevia sweeteners have no carbohydrates what makes them ideal for diabetics.