While in the very beginning of humanity, people looked for food to eliminate their hunger and charge their energy levels, eating differs greatly nowadays as it is not strictly related to satisfying the appetite. Sometimes we eat because we are in eating company, when we attend parties so we have to eat not to offend the host, while we watch all Downton Abbey or Game of Thrones seasons in a weekend. And even when we are sad so we find food to be the best companion. Whichever the reason, little do we realise the intake of sugar exceeds accepted levels for normal body function. Although excessive amounts of sugar can lead to gaining a few (or more) kilos, they can also cause serious health problems such as imbalanced blood sugar and blood pressure to begin with.
When trying to cut down on refined sugar, it is important not to eliminate it entirely from the diet as complete lack of sugar can have the same effects on the body and brain as some drugs. The best way out of using refined sugar is by replacing it with a sweetener. While sweeteners have been used for some time, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between safe and unsafe types because you know how the saying goes: better safe than sorry. The ones that can do more harm than good to your body are the artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose (Splenda) and, unlike them, natural ones are actually safe to consume. The primary natural sweetener that has been gaining popularity worldwide is stevia.
Stevia in its natural form can be found in the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana which contains two of the sweetest compounds – Stevioside and Rebaudioside A that are extracted from leaves and taste about 450 times sweeter than sugar. It is logical to think of a large number of calories when it comes to sweetness compared with sugar, however you would be surprised to know stevia has no calories. This is exactly what makes it so beneficial for a person’s health. When looking for stevia products, you will find some liquid ones whereas most used ones are in powder. Once you include stevia in your diet, it will be impossible to imagine having your favourite tea or coffee without the sweetener. You can find stevia supplies online, so when you consume stevia powder you will easily have stacks of it and never run short.
As there are many types of stevia you will come across, it is important to find reliable products so the good taste will be guaranteed. Choosing organic is a sure way to know you consume stevia powder of quality. For instance, Naturally Sweet Stevia Organic Extract Powder is as natural as can be and will be the perfect addition to your meals and drinks. While it is known to cause no side effects, stevia has been proven to positively affect blood sugar, so it is recommended even for diabetics while it is also effective when it comes to reducing high blood pressure, plus it has anti-inflammatory properties.
To make the most of your stevia experience, apart from using it in your coffee, tea or even smoothie, try including it also in your cooking and baking. Look up some new recipes and have fun adding stevia.
