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Saturday, February 20, 2010

A Natural Substance with 0 Calories and Sweeter than Sugar?


How come many of us never heard about this "miraculous" plant? Some speculate that big corporations that produce or uses aspartame in their products lobby against the introduction of stevia in markets such as US, Canada, and Europe. Speculation or reality? Well, I don't have enough data to confirm or deny such controversial claims and I am not here do judge those involved.

Why is these issue so controversial? Perhaps because aspartame is an artificial substance that is widely used on dietary supplements and it is believed to provoke or accelerate many health issues. Among the substance's side effects the most dangerous are: brain tumor, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer, lymphoma, fibromyalgia, diabetes, birth defects, and mental retardation.

What is Stevia? Stevia is a small bush native in Paraguai, Brasil, and China. It has great sweetening capacity and in its natural state it is approximately 10 to 15 times sweeter than sugar. Unlike other types of artificial sweetener, it is not bitter in taste. Stevia was discovered and used by native tribes such as the Guarani in South America for many years and in its known for many benefits such as: be calorie free, does not cause diabetes, does not alter sugar levels, is natural, can be used for cooking, and it prevents the formation of cavities.

Additionally, stevia is known for its medicinal properties such as being hypoglycemic, inhibiting carbohydrates, cigarets and alcohol cravings, treating diabetes and indigestion, being a skin tonic, and treating cardiovascular problems.

What to do? The option is yours, I did my homework and came to my own conclusions. I have added stevia to my grocery list and will search for it next time I visit a grocery store. Don't take my word for it, do your own research. A must read blog on the subject is Everything about Stevia where you will find information, myths, and even great recipes using stevia.

I wish you good luck and a healthy life!

5 comments:

  1. If it tastes good I will make the switch!

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  2. I can't believe they hold such important information.

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  3. Real stevia is from Paraguay!

    www.cidbotanicals.com

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  4. Is there anything real comming from Paraguay? I thought they only produced fake.

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