But is stevia safe for children?
Yes it is a safe and natural benefit for children, flavored liquid stevia's have been used in water bottles for toddlers to break them from drinking so much fruit juices and the dark stevia works great for healing the open cuts and scrapes that children just seem to mysteriously get. I have several nutritional consultants that specifically buy the clear, dark and flavored liquid stevia's for children. Also the powdered stevia is great for children and adults when mixed with Kool-Aid, what better way to have a tasty zero calorie drink! There are endless ways to spice up your favorite foods the natural way.
Can stevia replace sugar in the diet?
Yes. Refined sugar is virtually devoid of nutritional benefits and, at best, represents empty calories in the diet. At worst, it has been implicated in numerous degenerative diseases. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and has none of sugar's unhealthy drawbacks.
Can stevia replace artificial sweeteners in the diet?
Yes! I do not believe that humans should consume anything artificial in their diets. Stevia offers a safe, all-natural, alternative to these "toxic time-bombs." And industrial usage in Japan proves that this substitution is both practical and economical.
How many calories are in stevia?
Virtually none. And the refined stevia extracts are considered to be non-caloric.
What is the difference between steviosides and rebaudiosides?
The stevia leaf contains glycosides, which are the sweet components of the leaf. The glycosides are known as steviosides. Steviosides include several sweet constituents including rebaudiosides, which are the sweetest compounds in the leaf.
Since rebaudiosides are 400 times sweeter than sugar they are more desirable than steviosides. Most stevia on the market is standardized to 80-90 percent stevioside. Rebaudiosides are generally not standardized. SweetLeaf Stevia is further standardized to 40% Rebaudioside. Therefore, our SweetLeaf Stevia Extract is at least 90 percent stevioside, of that 40% is rebaudioside. No other company is the United States uses this high quality product. You will taste the difference.
What are the nutritional benefits of stevioside?
In addition to having a zero glycemic index, zero glycemic load and no calories, stevioside has been shown to reduce high blood sugar and lower blood pressure.
Can I use stevia if I am diabetic?
Diabetes is a medical condition which should be monitored and treated by a qualified physician or health care practitioner. However, stevia can be a part of a healthy diet for anyone with blood sugar problems since it does not raise blood sugar levels. If in doubt, ask your doctor. However, if they do say no, ask them politely for the current research to support their opinion.
Will stevia harm my teeth?
Apparently not. Two tests conducted by Purdue University's Dental Science Research Group have concluded that Stevioside is both fluo-ride compatible and "significantly" inhibits the development of plaque, thus stevia may actually help to prevent cavities.
Will Stevia break down at high temperatures like saccrines or aspartame?
No! The fact that stevia is heat stable is one of the real great properties of Stevia. Stevioside is heat stable to about 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit). So it can be used in almost any recipe.
Will Stevia act as a "fuel" for yeast in baking as sugar does?
No! Stevia is non-fermentable and therefore will not act as a food source for yeast. (This is why stevia is great for anyone suffering from Candida!) Breads will still rise when baked but just not as big.
JUST A PERSONAL NOTE:
As of this writing my family and I have been using stevia for 2 years and love it. I personally have lost 40 pounds and feel great because of it, what more can I say, I think it is worth a try, don't you?
