What Are the Benefits of Stevia?
Stevia, an herbal sweetener, has a lot going for it. It has no calories, no carbohydrates, it can be used in cooking and baking, and may even have other health benefits.
-
No Calories
-
Stevia is incredibly sweet, but has no calories. Substituting stevia for sugar or other calorie-laden sweeteners can help you to lose or maintain your body weight.
No Carbohydrates
-
Stevia has no carbohydrates and does not raise blood sugar, making it ideal for low carb dieters and those who need to lower or normalize their blood sugar levels.
-
Different Forms
-
Stevia is available in different forms, so you can choose which is right for you. Liquid stevia is great for adding to already-cold drinks like unsweetened iced tea or coffee, concentrated stevia powder can be added to sauces and soups, while Stevita brand "Spoonable Stevia" allows you to use stevia measure-for-measure in place of sugar in recipes.
Great for Cooking
-
Stevia can be used in both cooking and baking, and does not break down under high (or low) temperatures. Conversion charts for substituting stevia for sugar are available online.
Possible Benefits
-
In addition to its value as a non-calorie sweetener, some studies have indicated other benefits to stevia consumption including reducing hypertension and lowering blood sugar. More research needs to be done before any definitive claims can be made.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Windell Oskay
