Stevia is a wise choice when it comes to concentrated sweeteners, as it has the least affect on one’s blood sugar. Some of them are preserved in a small amount of alcohol. This evaporates out when baked or added to tea, so you will not taste it.
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT STEVIA:
~ 1 ~ Stevia is a natural herbal sweetener that actually helps regulate blood sugar.
~ 2 ~ Stevia is great for diabetics, hypoglycemics and anyone trying to kick the sugar habit.
~ 3 ~ Stevia is a wonderful aid to anyone trying to lose weight as it has no calories and, when consumed regularly, reduces cravings for sweet and fatty foods.
~ 4 ~ Stevia also lowers elevated blood pressure, boosts the immune system, improves digestion and is beneficial to the skin.
~ 5 ~ Stevia products vary widely, so if you have tried one and didn’t like it – try another brand! (There are a couple that are a bit nasty, quite honestly.)
~ 6 ~ Stevia can be found in the supplement section of the natural foods stores, purchased online or from muliti-level marketing companies.
~ 7 ~ My favorite brand is Stevia Glycerite by NOW, available at health food stores.
~ 8 ~ If It’s Not Food, Don’t Eat It: The No-Nonsense Guide to an Eating- for-Health Lifestyle, Stevia Rebaudiana and Baking with Stevia, are great books that contain more information about stevia, as well as tips for usage and recipes.
By Kelly Hayford, C.N.C., Copyright © 2011