Stevia – The Healthy, Natural Alternative to Sugar

Like most other things that taste good, sugar is also bad for your health. Of course, I always knew that, my mum and various dentists drilled it into my brain since a young age. But still, having my morning coffee without sugar feels like a nightmare to me. And I’m sure many of you also find it hard to enjoy certain foods and drinks sugar-free. Well, I’ve got good news for those of you with a sugar addiction. You don’t need to give up on it ever, you don’t even have to make do with artificial alternatives which also come with some risks. The solution is simple – all you need to do is switch to a healthier, organic sweetener – stevia.

You’ve probably heard about stevia as it’s popping up everywhere thanks to its ability to sweeten anything. But compared to other sweeteners, stevia tablets are 100% natural, originating from the stevia plant growing in North and South America. And best of all, stevia is 100 to 300 times sweeter than regular sugar, and comes with calories and zero carbohydrates. Unbelievable right? Just wait till you hear about its other benefits besides its ability to help with weight management.

When it comes to your health, there’s no end to the list of benefits stevia has. Studies have shown that stevia can regulate glucose levels and improve the metabolic syndrome in people with diabetes or blood sugar imbalance. People with raised blood pressure and heart problems can benefit from using stevia tablets as well, as stevia does not lead to hypertension like sugar does. Additionally, this sweetener is also known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Besides stevia tablets, this natural sweetener can also come in the form of drops, similar to vanilla extract, which you can use in your baking. This way, you can lighten up your cookies, cakes, and even cocktails with a healthy dose of sweetness. Stevia also comes in a fine powder form that’s less grainy than regular sugar. Unfortunate for all crème brulee lovers, stevia is unable to caramelize like sugar does.

As you can see, with stevia there’s no reason to give up most of your favourite sweets in order to escape the harmful effects of sugar. In fact, you won’t even have to give up soda now that Coca Cola has launched its own stevia enhanced product line (). As big companies like Coca-Cola start taking note of stevia’s many beneficial properties, we can expect more and more popular products to feature this healthy and natural sweetener.