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| from Global Stevia Institute |
What's not to love about stevia? It's a sweet little herb. It has no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar.
So, what's the downside? It seems that actual stevia can be tricky to find and will involve extensive label reading. One reason is that stevia is 200 times sweeter than sugar resulting in manufacturers bulking it up with added ingredients.
Products like Truvia are not really stevia. Trivia's main ingredient is erythritol, a poorly absorbed sugar alcohol, which can cause GI distress and headaches. Or, Stevia In The Raw, which contains more dextrose than stevia is somewhat misleading. Even an organic product like Sweet Leaf has more inulin fiber than stevia. Others add flavor enhancers and thickeners.
Products like Truvia are not really stevia. Trivia's main ingredient is erythritol, a poorly absorbed sugar alcohol, which can cause GI distress and headaches. Or, Stevia In The Raw, which contains more dextrose than stevia is somewhat misleading. Even an organic product like Sweet Leaf has more inulin fiber than stevia. Others add flavor enhancers and thickeners.
Dr. Axe has some excellent information on stevia, with lots of green and yellow graphics.
It is important to remember that, just like with sugars, the brain's drive for sweet is intensified and the ability to taste sweet is diminished by Stevia. As a result, naturally sweet foods like fruits and vegetables may not be perceived as sweet.
It is important to remember that, just like with sugars, the brain's drive for sweet is intensified and the ability to taste sweet is diminished by Stevia. As a result, naturally sweet foods like fruits and vegetables may not be perceived as sweet.
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