| Wouldn't
it be great if you could reach for a sweetener that would not
only satisfy your craving, but endow you with healthful properties
too? Before you dismiss the thought as fantasy, take a moment
to learn about stevia. This sweetener is derived from a plant
and not associated with any of sugar's less desirable qualities.
Though it is enjoyed as a sweetener, stevia is very unlike white
sugar, which is a menace to anyone whose health is compromised.
In countries such
as Brazil and Paraguay, stevia has long been used to sweeten
the native drink, yerba mate. People use stevia to help make
bitter medicinal teas more palatable, but also for the qualities
it provides. Stevia is helpful in treating obesity, heartburn
and other serious conditions such as high blood pressure.
Japan is reported
to use the highest amount of stevia as a food sweetener. In
the 1970s, when the popular sugar substitutes cyclamate and
saccharin were suspected of being carcinogenic, Japanese researchers
became interested in stevia as a natural substitute. Now it
is widely used in soft drinks, foods and for table use. Although
some European studies suggest that more research is needed,
the Japanese maintain that stevia causes no major health concerns
in its millions of users. It accounts for about 40% of the food
sweetener products use in Japan.
Stevia is much sweeter
than sugar. A little tiny spoonful of powder packs a potent
punch, so be conservative with use. It is a handy sweetener
for those of us who are watching our weight, because it contains
nowhere near the calories of sugar or honey. When using it in
any recipe, be sure to adjust your amounts. Taste it to see
how sweet it is. Stevia comes in powder and extract form, and
in green or brown powder or extract, as well as in white or
clear. You'll be getting much more of stevia's nutritional qualities
with the green or brown type.
Sad but true, white
refined sugar and many of its chemical substitutes will more
than likely help ruin your teeth, add fat and weaken your immune
system, making it harder for you to ward off colds and flus.
Stevia seems to be a much sweeter choice, because the evidence
seems to point out that it's even good for you. |
