Healthy Information
The Magic of Stevia Mar 13, 2008Dr. Carlos Santo
What if I told you there exists a sweetener so tasty you would never miss sugar again? What next if I told you this same flavor enhancer is not only not bad for you, it actually makes you healthier, lose weight, and more energetic? You would probably say I was pulling your leg, or that something like that is too good to be true. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.
The Stevia plant (aka Stevia rabaudiana) hails originally from South America where Native cultures have prized it for centuries not only for its taste enhancing qualities, but for wound healing, anti-inflammation, and as a social beverage as well. So popular is this plant it is now grown across Asia and Europe as its popularity has grown since its introduction to the mainstream in the 1980's.
You can find Stevia as an extract in liquid form, where just a single drop can convert even the dullest beverage into a delectable delight. Stevia is also sold in little green packets in crystalline form where it can be dissolved into liquid, or used in either form, and works great in baked products.
Let’s take a brief look at some of the medically studied benefits of Stevia:
1. Enhances immunity by boosting T and B cell counts.
2. Lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.
3. Lowers blood sugar by increasing the cells absorption of insulin.
4. Lowers blood pressure.
5. Has the same sweetness power as Nutrasweet™ and Saccharin™, without the side effects!
With the growing (pun intended) dilemma of obesity, and the diseases that spring from it like Type II diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, the good news this miracle sweetener brings us needs to get around. Nevertheless, as often happens with a good thing, there can be some resistance. Despite Stevia’s great taste it is labeled a nutritional supplement, not a sweetener, presumably because of its ability to threaten the already crowded (and potentially harmful) sweetener market. If you have the chance to try Stevia, and you like it, please help get the word out.