http://www.care2.com/greenliving/stevia-the-natural-sweetener.html
Stevia, the Natural Sweetener
Q: How do you feel about the natural sweetener Stevia?
A: This is a timely question because over the next year we are going to see an explosion of products containing stevia.
I have grown stevia in my own garden and have used it to sweeten things like iced tea. It is many more times sweeter than sugar and many people complain about a bitter aftertaste.
If you are looking for an alternative to no-calorie sweeteners or are a diabetic looking for an all-natural sugar substitute, stevia is a good choice. Just keep in mind that you may have to get used to the taste.
Learn more:
The best sugar alternatives
A simple plan to get healthy from head to toe
Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.
Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.
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19 comments
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Kabin
Konteyner
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why is this inappropriate?
You can find the liquid stevia where the stevia extract is sold or you can make your own from the stevia extract, by heating 2 oz. distilled or purified water add 2 teaspoons stevia stir to dissolve and mix thoroughly put into a dropper style bottle and keep in the refrigerator. use sparingly adjust to your taste in drinks 1 - 2 drops per 8 ozs more if you like.
I also use stevia extract powder in making Waldorf salad, cereal, to anything I need to sweeten. I haven't learned how to bake with it as that takes some adjusting of ingredients.
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I have used stevia for years to avoid sugar excess and the calories. My favorite is to sweeten my homemade fruit smoothies. The commercial ones are delicious but full of sugar, so I make my own using fresh fruit, protein powder, 1/2 c. ice cubes and 1/2 c. water. Blend for a few minutes until smooth and drink immediately. Delicious. Sandra
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why is this inappropriate?
Just a comment about Stevia - it's a wonderful botanical alternative. I am a consultant with a Health and Wellness company and we have Stevia in our protein and fiber shakes. If you want more information about our products, contact me at v8er@iowatelecom.net
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why is this inappropriate?
I have found that, for me, Stevia works well in teas. But I do get an aftertaste in my coffee. For coffee I use Agave Nectar instead.
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I have used Stevia for years. It comes in many different forms. one should choose what is best for them. i prefer the pure, white powder extract because the bitterness is not there. only pure sweetness that is nutritional and helps maintain blood sugar levels as well. You can buy just about any form of stevia by doing a google or yahoo search or get it from a healthfood store but with online buying, you have a larger assortment to choose from.
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hey all, i have tried several varieties of stevia and they are not all the same. some have bitter aftertastes, some taste a bit like licorice, but some are just perfectly sweet and nothing more. so don't give up, try another and find one that tastes right for your palate. stevia has too many virtues to just toss away because you found an unsavory brand. it is extremely earth friendly too.
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i use stevia as my only sweetener, for tea and in my smoothies. i use a powdered form from trader joe's and don't find any difference in taste, no aftertaste whatsoever. i highly recommend it to everyone.
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why is this inappropriate?
Truvia is a new and upcoming sweetener that is made out of Stevia. I would think this to be better than Splenda or any of the other artificial sweeteners but my guess using the real thing is best. Anyone have any news on this product?
http://www.truvia.com/
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why is this inappropriate?
I just love stevia....what after taste?I use a brand called Sweet Leaf.
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