These days, there are so many different sweeteners to choose from. And, if you prefer to avoid the use of artificial sweeteners, there are now many natural options as well. One of the most popular is stevia. Derived from the stevia plant, this healthy natural sweetener is certainly versatile, but should it be your go-to sweetener? Keep reading to learn a bit about the benefits of stevia, and to access some words of caution before you go overboard with your stevia intake.
Some Good Reasons to Give Stevia a Try
The nice thing about stevia is that, even though it is much sweeter than regular sugar, it does not contain any calories. On top of that, this healthy natural sweetener is also on the bottom of the glycemic index, coming in at zero. Therefore, if you have been struggling to lose weight or you are simply counting calories to stay fit, stevia might be a great choice for you.
Potential Health Benefits
In addition to being a good choice for those who are hoping to slim down, stevia is also a good healthy natural sweetener for those who are hoping to take steps towards achieving overall wellness. Some studies have found that stevia may be associated with a reduction in high blood pressure, as well as a reduction in cholesterol. Also, according to Organic Facts, stevia also contains antioxidants that may help protect against cancer.
You Don’t Need to Use a Lot
Stevia has a really sweet flavor, so you may not need to use a lot of it in order to satisfy your cravings for something sweet. That’s good news because it may be best to keep your intake of stevia low. Some experts think that your body can become confused when you taste something sweet but there aren’t any calories to actually burn from it. So, while stevia is a good healthy natural sweetener that is a solid choice for those who want to reduce or eliminate their intake of refined sugar, it is likely best to follow the “everything in moderation” mantra.
Conclusion
Ultimately, stevia can be a great choice for those seeking healthier alternatives to sugar. Just remember that there are other natural sweeteners that you can choose from as well, such as xylitol. So, if you don’t like stevia for any reason or you just want to switch things up, know that there are other options out there.