Stevia: Boon For Diabetics

Curbing the urge to indulge is one of the most common struggles that a person with fluctuating blood sugar levels, i.e a Diabetic has to face. The lack of healthier alternatives also adds to the problem! Even though the market is flooded with various artificial sweeteners, their consumption on daily basis is not advisable. A healthier option which does not compromise on the taste and health is the need of the hour.

One such option is Stevia, an intensely sweet tasting plant originally native to Brazil, Paraguay but now also grown in China and Japan. 

What is STEVIA?

Stevia plant is non-nutritive sweetener and an herbal supplement. It is 100 times sweetener and healthier than your regular table top sweetener and hence can be included in your everyday diet.

How it Stevia better than rest of the artificial sweeteners?

Most of the sweeteners that you find in the market contain one not-so-health-friendly ingredient called as Aspartame.  Aspartame was accidentally first discovered in 1965 by a chemist James Schlatter when he was testing an anti-ulcer drug. Initially, its usage was limited to dry good and carbonated beverages. But the serious health issues associated with it caused the FDA to put a hold on its approval. 

Excessive intake of this component cause serious health issues such as migraine, numbness, dizziness, muscle spasms and even vision problems. Hence it is always better to avoid products containing this item.

A good way to replace this item is to include stevia based sweeteners and products in your diet and has no proven effects on health as such.

 Benefits of Stevia

Zero calorie - The calories per serving is very low

Taste – Stevia tastes 200-300 times more sweet than the regular table top sugar

No Side Effects – Stevia has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and does not possess any risk to health when used in moderation

So, it is safe to conclude that, Stevia, when used in its least adulterated form and in moderation can be safer and healthier replacement for your regular table top sugar.