Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of an herb that is related to sunflowers. This has been used in various cultures for many centuries, but it has just recently been used by a lot of people in different places. Nowadays, Stevia comes in both liquid and powder forms and has been used in cakes to add sweetness.
Just a little amount of Stevia can go a very long way. Just the same as other alternative sugar forms, this is sweeter than a table sugar. This is actually between 250 and 300 times sweeter than sucrose. According to some health food gurus, Stevia has been recognized as one of the best things in the market. Other people warn that it requires further testing before its side effects can be identified. To have a better understanding about this sugar alternative, it is necessary to understand its disadvantages and advantages.
The Pros of Stevia
Here are some of the most distinguished advantages of Stevia:
Lowers Blood Pressures. Stevia is a sweetener that helps lower your blood pressure. This actually makes this a perfect alternative for those who want to lose weight. This is essential for those with blood pressure issues.
Safe for use by those diabetics. Diabetics have issues to sweet foods, but with the use of Stevia, they can now enjoy eating sweets without compromising their overall health. Studies reveal that Stevia can also help lower your blood sugar levels. However, diabetics should first monitor their sugar levels after they eat anything that contains Stevia.
It is cost-effective and widely accessible. Now that this natural sweetener has achieved an FDA approval, anyone can obtain it cheaply. This is also widely available to nearly all local groceries near you. Before, you can only order this from an herbal supplement catalogue or a health food store. This only makes Stevia as one of the most affordable and reliable alternatives to sugar.
Provides sweetness without side effects like sugar. Stevia does not contribute calories and does not increase the sugar levels of diabetics. It is a perfect substitute to sugar that does not contribute to the development of tooth decay and cavities just the as those foods that contain sugar.
The Cons of Stevia
The following provides the most common disadvantages of Stevia that you must understand.
This can become a carcinogen. A study revealed that Stevia could actually be transformed into a mutagenic compound that can cause cancer. However, there are still a lot of issues regarding this matter.
Not recommended for use of nursing and pregnant women. Just the same as other artificial sweeteners that can be found in the market these days, Stevia is still not recommended for use by nursing and pregnant women. Until some further study has revealed any negative side effects, this is best for new mothers who are looking for ways to gratify their sweet tooth.
Will Stevia be beneficial for you? Is it advisable to use this as an alternative to sugar? Debates regarding this issue are still ongoing.
