We've been asked a lot of questions about stevia lately so we thought we'd try to help answer some of them. First, what is it? Stevia is a leaf that is up to 400 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in South American and Asian countries for centuries. The part of the plant that provides the sweetness is a chemical called steviol glycoside rebaudioside A or reb-A for short. This chemical, unfortunately, is also responsible for providing the bitter taste that has become associated with stevia. Fortunately, you can help combat this bitter taste by using less. Being up to 400 times sweeter than sugar, less is more.
Now let's go over some interesting facts about stevia. It's a 100% natural plant. It is not a synthetic chemical developed in a lab like a lot of other sugar substitutes. Stevia is also a zero-carb, zero-calorie sweetener making it a great option for weight loss and dieting. Studies have shown that stevia does not affect blood sugar levels either, so it's great for diabetics. An often overlooked benefit of stevia is that since it comes from a leaf, it provides anti-oxidants. This is one benefit that really sets stevia apart from other sweeteners.
So, what's the difference? Well, to sum it up, stevia comes from a plant, is not a synthetic chemical made in a lab and has a centuries-long history of safe use. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar so less is needed, meaning it will last longer than sugar. It is zero-carb, zero-calorie making it a great option for anyone trying to lose weight or looking to have less impact on blood sugar. Also, let's not forget the one overlooked benefit of stevia, the anti-oxidants. Hopefully, this will help answer some of your questions about stevia.