Stevia vs. Sugar - Comapring Two Sweeteners

Nowadays ensuring the health and fitness of our family is of ever increasing importance. We are offering more vegetables and fruits at mealtime and more healthful choices for snacks. Naturally, sugar consumption continues to remain a major concern. Let’s face it, we love our sweet things! Cookies, ice cream, pies and cake. And we shouldn’t have to eliminate them from our diet completely just because of the sugar…but what else is there to sweeten our favorite foods? Aspartame comes with a litany of side affects, and Splenda or Sucralose a synthetic derivative of sugar and was originally discovered by scientists looking for a more efficient pesticide. There is always saccharin, but many of us remember the saccharin scare of years ago.

Now there is Stevia

So, what alternative is there?

Stevia.

Stevia, or Stevia Rebaudiana is native to Brazil and Paraguay where it has been enjoyed for hundreds of years. An herb, it is actually related to the Chrysanthemum, and, as an extract is approximately 300 times sweeter than sugar! It is mainly cultivated in China, Japan, Brazil, and Paraguay with China being the largest producer. It has been approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement.

How does it compare to sugar?

Whereas sugar has 15 calories and 4 g. of empty carbohydrates per level teaspoon, Stevia offers no calories, 1 g. of carbohydrates, is sweeter than sugar and virtually as versatile. It does contain phytonutrients however, the amounts when placed in proportion to the average amount consumed would be negligible. Because it is so sweet, amounts used would be less, potentially making it a more cost effective sweetener in the future. It can be used in cooking and baking, although some may prefer to use sugar for caramelized foods and/or meringues as it does not caramelize well. It also may slightly alter the color of foods, depending on the amount used.

Studies, conducted at Purdue’s Dental Science Research Group indicate Stevia may actually help inhibit the growth of plaque, thus helping to reduce cavities. Additionally, preliminary studies suggest Stevia may actually help lower blood sugar levels, offering a potential alternative for individuals who need to restrict sugar intake due to health concerns such as diabetes.

Bottom Line

Stevia presents a natural, viable alternative to the empty calories and carbohydrates associated with sugar. As with all foods, however, care should be given with respect to it’s introduction into your diet. Begin slowly as it is much sweeter than sugar, and enjoy. You may find you have a healthful and flavorful option to sugar!