Sugar, when consumed in small amounts, is not inherently bad. However, too much sugar can lead to irreversible damage to your body! So, while many people these days cut down on sugar completely, some look for alternatives to keep up the sweetness. One of the most favourite ones is stevia. Often touted to be the “perfect” alternative to sugar, stevia is a natural sweetener that is popular among people trying to manage diabetes, watch their weight, or simply aim for a healthier lifestyle. But is stevia really the right replacement for sugar? Here’s all you need to know before you decide to add stevia to your diet.
Is Stevia Really A Good Replacement For Sugar?
Endorsed and advocated by many celebrities, stevia is almost 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar! According to a Harvard study, stevia is considered a “natural non-caloric sweetener” and it has little to no carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. This sugar substitute is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Its sweetness comes from steviol glycoside molecules and only a small amount is enough to make your food or drink sweet.
It is easily available in the market and online stores these days in the form of powder or liquid. People with diabetes prefer to replace sugar with stevia and many of those trying to lean towards a healthier lifestyle or lose weight, often make the replacement as well.
In fact, some reports suggest that Hollywood actress Halle Berry, who has type 1 diabetes, has also confessed to using stevia in her diet in the past. Known for her great fitness, model Miranda Kerr has also revealed that she uses green stevia in her diet when she needs some sweetness.
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Everything You Should Know Before Making A Life-Changing Decision
So, is stevia the ultimate replacement for sugar? Well, according to Healthline, while stevia is loaded with vitamins and minerals, most of them are lost when the plant is processed into a sweetener. The blends available in the market may contain added fillers like maltodextrin, which have been linked to the dysregulation of healthy gut bacteria. A report by Medical News Today revealed that it might have negative implications for your gut health. The study showed that stevia may cause an unbalanced gut. However, there was no evidence of it killing gut bacteria.
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Overall, while stevia might be a safe replacement for sugar, it may also have some drawbacks. We suggest consulting a medical expert before adding it to your diet.
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