Little that the public know about natural sweeteners. What they know is, when its sweet, its sugar. General public does not know or even care about sugar alternatives, unless when they are diabetic, they will start asking pharmacies about artificial sweeteners.
While artificial sweeteners may answer some concerns about blood-sugar-levels, they pose another different side effects. And this is where natural sweeteners come into the equation.
Stevia Story
Stevia, or Stevia Rebaudiana plant, is a member of the Chrysanthemum family, same like Chamomile. Natively found in Paraguay, it has been used for centuries as a natural sweeteners. The Indians of Paraguay (the Guarani tribe) used to call Stevia as "Caa-ehe" that means sweet herb.
From there it started; modern scientists began to study this herb and in 1930's, the first documentation of Stevia compounds were published. From that point onwards, Stevia gained worldwide popularity, where it is grown and used in more than 30 countries.
Calorie, what calorie?
Stevia, in its pure form, has virtually zero calorie, zero carbohydrate, and zero fat. It also has no effect on blood sugar levels, however sweet it is. This creates attention from health concious consumers, in particular those who are suffering from diabetes and blood sugar disorders.
This makes the stevia a miraculous plant. Sweet, but not damaging. Better, it gives other benefits for example Stevia has been proven to reduce the formation of Streptococcus bacteria that also causes gum disease and cavities. Isn't that simply miraculous and wonderful?
But sure enough, Stevia marvels do not stop here. Till the next post!
Dr Stevia
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