Stevia: A truly natural sweetener

Stevia sweetener is a non-caloric extract or concentrate that is derived from the Stevia rebaudiana leaf. Stevia is about 250-300 times sweeter than sugar and is very nutritious. This natural alternative to sugar cane has been a popular sweetener in South America, especially Brazil, for over 1500 years.

Over the past century, its popularity has spread to Japan, China, Europe, and more recently the U.S. Unlike sugar-free artificial sweeteners, Stevia is a natural whole food that has not been converted to a toxic chemical. Stevia has been shown to have several important health benefits associated with the regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure and weight management. Not only is stevia non-caloric, it is also sugar-free. Stevia is also safe for diabetics, and helps regulate glucose levels.Stevia is sold in the form of a clear or golden liquid measured by the dropper; or white powder used by the teaspoonful. It can be found most natural food stores. The product is most nutritious if used in the “whole leaf concentrate” form versus the clear liquid extract. The darker brown the extract or concentrate is, the more pure the product. Also, the green powdered form is more nutritious than the white powder. Some of my favorite companies, which specialize in the dark concentrates, include Wisdom of the Ancients and Sweet Leaf (vanilla flavor).

Try Stevia in beverages, desserts, sauces or various dishes. I prefer to use Stevia in my tea and morning green drink. All you need is 4-6 drops to sweeten an entire mug of tea. Keep in mind that 1 Tablespooon of liquid Stevia equals about 1 cup brown sugar. So a little bit goes a long way!