Stevia, The Perfect Sweetener, Whoops supplement
We are all aware that sugar is not our friend. Sugar increases
insulin levels and may lead to a myriad of diseases such as high
blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, inflammation, premature
aging and so on.
Artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal) and
Splenda come with their own set of debilitating and damaging
effects. These chemical substitutes are not the answer for good
health or for caloric restriction. Aspartame for example has
been linked to brain cancer, emotional disorders, seizures, and
birth defects. More than 75% of all non-drug complaints to the
FDA are about Aspartame. These side effects are but a small
sampling of the 100's of adverse reactions caused by Aspartame.
Animal research has linked Splenda (succulous) with enlarged
liver and kidneys, shrunken thymus glands, reduced growth rate
and aborted pregnancies. Available only since 1999, the reports
of adverse effects on humans is beginning to evolve, but
understand that people having adverse reactions may not make the
connection.
Reducing or quitting sugar altogether is beneficial to good
health. Yet, we all know how very hard this is to do. In our
house, we have consciously reduced sugar to almost nothing. We
do however, need a bit of sweetener on occasion, for example to
sweeten lemon aid, ice tea, coffee, whole grain cereal, oatmeal
etc. We therefore recommend choosing Stevia over sugar or
artificial sweeteners.
What is Stevia?
Stevia is a non caloric sweetener, an herb, native to Paraguay.
It has been used as a sweetener for centuries in Paraguay and
decades in Japan without a single complaint regarding harmful
effects. This small green plant bears leaves which have a
delicious and refreshing taste that is 10-15 times sweeter than
table sugar. Stevia extracts called steviosides, claim as much
as 200-300 times the sweetness of table sugar.
Stevia is a natural dietary supplement which studies have shown
offers a bounty of health benefits. Here are just some of the
nutrients found in the Stevia leaf: Vitamin A & C, Phosphorus,
Potassium, Riboflavin, Fiber, Protein, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc and
Calcium.
Because the human body does not metabolize the sweet compound in
Stevia, called glycoside, (causing the body to pass it through
normal channels without raising blood sugar) it is an excellent
sugar substitute for those wishing to lose weight.
Research carried out in Japan and South America, clearly
demonstrates the beneficial effects of Stevia in regulating
blood sugar levels and supporting the pancreas, reducing the
symptoms of diabetes and hypoglycemia. Other traditional uses of
Stevia are to lower elevated blood pressure (hypertension), as a
digestive aid, to reduces gas and stomach acidity, and inhibit
the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease
and tooth decay.
Stevia is widely used all over the world, from Japan (claiming
41% of the sweetener market, including sugar), China, Germany,
Israel, South Korea and so on. And we repeat, with no reports of
toxicity. In the US, the FDA banned this natural non-caloric
alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners in 1991. But,
since the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act (DSHEA), Stevia can be sold legally in the United States,
but only as a "dietary supplement." Why?...Well, money talks and
pockets and influence run deep.
Many companies today are using Stevia as a sweetener (whoops!
dietary supplement) in nutrition bars, meal replacement drinks,
protein powders, etc. And generally, you don't have to go to the
health food store to find Stevia. Most grocery stores are now
stocking it. If yours does not, just ask. I'm sure they won't
mind stocking it. Ours didn't.
If you give Stevia a try, be patient, it may not suit you the
first few times you try it but believe me, soon you'll wonder
why you ever used anything else. Stevia is actually good for
your health! It's a no brainer! Do yourself and your family a
big favor and try Stevia like our family has. It just may be a
health changing experience.
Stevia, a sweet reward on the road to...TRUE HEALTHY
LIVING!