STEVIA - WONDER

We all know that sugar is a significant cause of aging, but the taste of sweetness remains a powerful seductress that often gets the best of us. It’s true that cutting refined sugar out of your diet you can curb sugar and carbohydrate cravings. But the fact is, a little bit of sweetness in our lives produces endorphins that make us happy, and happiness is important!

Let me introduce you to a product that can change your life. Seriously, I may pee my pants, I’m so excited . . . . STEVIA!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT IS STEVIA???

Stevia Rebaudiana is a naturally sweet herb from the Chrysanthemum family. Europeans (Stevia: the real secret of those slim, French crepe-eating bitches?) first learned of the Stevia plant in the 16t century but the compounds were not studied, documented and finally revealed until 1931.

-All Natural: No artificial anything
-No Calories (you thought there’d be some but your’re wroooong)
-No Carbs (For those of you still stuck in Atkins- land)
-No Sodium
-10x sweeter than sugar

HOW COME I DON’T KNOW ABOUT THIS? WHAT’S THE CATCH?

The deal is at this point is that the FDA has not approved Stevia for use in food. In 1994, the Agency issued a statement that it did not have enough data to conclude Stevia is safe to use in food. Apparently, the FDA does feel that ARTIFICIAL sweeteners like Equal, Saccharin, Sweet n’low, or Splenda are safe despite conflicting research studies.
So until the FDA gets its head out of its ass, I guess the only ones who will be lucky enough to enjoy it are those who hit the health food stores of groceries like Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage or Trader Joes it since it IS widely sold as a dietary supplement.

MY 1ST CENT (Hey, it is my column)

Us Westerners can be kinda slow on the uptake, so the delay in mainstreaming an all-natural product like Stevia is not surprising.
As always, you make the ultimate choice what you put or don’t put in your bod. You should know that Stevia has been used safely throughout the world since ancient times and also by Japanese manufacturers to pickle and sweeten food for the last 30 years. Personally, I think the FDA should have a little MORE concern with some of the products it does endorse. I’d rather eat dirt than drink my tea with Equal.

My 2nd CENT

Diet guru’s tell us that food is not supposed to be eaten as a reward. I agree, it’s not supposed to be. But the thing is, there IS something beautiful relaxing and satisfying about enjoying a treat-a little bowlful of pleasure. The problem with sweetening a treat with sugar is that the spike in blood sugar causes our Brains to demand “more, more more” to maintain a sugar “high”.

By using Stevia in place of sugar, you can sweeten mundane things like a chocolate protein shake, strawberry smoothie, a bowl of oatmeal, a plain low-fat yogurt. By doing so, these types of healthy foods become your treat, your daily indulgence. A sprinkle of Stevia added to cocoa powder and skim milk transforms into delicious hot cocoa. A bit of Stevia mixed with melted bittersweet chocolate and a few tablespoons of olive or coconut oil creates outrageous anti-oxidant packed fondue for dipping fruit. Stevia is also great for baking (remember when doing conversions that Stevia is 10x sweeter than sugar). The possibilities are endless.

The point is, if you are able to sweeten healthy foods just enough that you feel indulgent eating them you’ll experience greater appetite satiety and fewer cravings for a “forbidden” sweet treat. Sweet can be healthy! Whether you are looking to lose weight or just want to sweeten up the natural way, give Stevia a try.

WHAT TO BUY

For 100% pure Stevia , a favorite brand is Sweet n/ Natural, www.cvc4health.com ( I buy it a t Trader Joes). Sunlabel makes Stevia extract in packets that are great for on-the-go use. Note that some brands like Sunlabel are an extract so they don’t have the same intensity as 100% pure Stevia powder.

Don’t freak when you notice Stevia costs around $12 for a 1oz jar. Check the label, you’ll see 1oz is approximately 1,100 servings! That’ll put plenty of yum-yum in your bowl!

Be Sweet!

Xoxo,

Health Sundae