Stevia is a plant that comes from South America. It has many medicinal purposes, however, it is best known for its use as a sweetener without the calories.
Stevia is becoming popular as an alternative to artificial sweeteners and sugars. For those who have blood sugar related issues or weight issues, sugar is a great substitute. Should a sweetener need to be used, Stevia may be a good option as it is the least processed, is non toxic to the body and has a high density of sweetness.
A little goes a long way when it comes to Stevia as it is estimated to be 200 – 300 times sweeter than sweeter than sugar. Stevia is not as bulky as sugar; however it is possible to cook with Stevia. It is important to get the measurements correct when using Stevia as an alternative to sugar.
Advantages of Using Stevia
- Has no calories;
- Does not interfere with blood sugar levels so is suitable for diabetics;
- Can be used for cooking and baking as it is heat stable;
- Does not cause cavities.
As Stevia and the advantages of Stevia are becoming more widely accepted, different varieties and extracts on the market are increasing. The several forms found from the various manufacturers, may have slightly different tastes.