Super Healthy Sugar Alternatives (STEVIA)

Have you discovered that sugar is poison yet? If not it's time to wise up. I won't take the time to explain all the reasons why it is right now, because I have so much to say about Stevia Rebaudiana, the “sweet leaf” from Paraguay.

Stevia is the healthiest alternative to sugar and the perfect artificial sweetener replacement. For hundreds of years the Native American Indians of Paraguay have been sweetening their mate-tea with stevia, and use the leaves of this plant (similar to the peppermint) as a healing herb for diabetes, high blood pressure, and skin problems. They named stevia “the sweet bliss,” because it also harmonizes the emotions, and is great for the mood. The stevia leave is already 10 to 20 times as sweet as sugar, however in powder form it is 300 times sweeter than sugar. I find it best to use 1 part stevia to 1 part agave in drinks until you have acquired the somewhat bitter taste. Stevia powders can also be used with agave to replace sugar in recipes. As amazing as it is, stevia has zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero glycemic index and zero side affects. Making it the perfect alternative to sugar and sweeteners for everyone including people who are watching their weight.

HEALTH BENNIES: Stevia has many health advantages and even healing effects! It is still used today in South America, not only in teas and recipes, but also prescribed and administered as a tonic, to improve digestion, harmonize blood pressure, overcome fatigue and tiredness, loose weight, get rid of fungus, and normalize the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Stevia also represents a healthy and side effect free sweetener for diabetics, and is known in Brazil as a healing food for this disease. Clinical studies have shown that stevia is able to improve the glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics already notice more energy and enthusiasm with half a teaspoon of stevia per day. Stevia is also recommended in candida cases, because it does not feed the fungus like other sweeteners do, and has instead an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect, which helps control the growth of the fungus. Stevia helps teeth problems, and is traditionally used in South America against bleeding gum, cavities, and inflamed gums. Modern scientists have acknowledged the anti-bacterial properties of stevia, which are probably related to its high vitamin C and chlorophyll content, and its ability to slow down the growth of undesired bacteria in the mouth. Someone suffering from cavities or other teeth problems could snack on stevia leaves, chewing them between the meals.
Because it is quite easy to propagate we can grow stevia plants on windowsills, balconies, in gardens, and always have a few leaves to chew on when a sugar craving overcomes us.

SKIN, HAIR & BEAUTY: Stevia is also used to keep the skin and hair young and beautiful. It is traditionally used in South America to heal wounds, treat eczema, acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Apparently, the enzymes and chlorophyll are responsible for this healing effect on the skin. There are many ways we can use stevia is also a beauty herb. It is said to be effective against hair problems such as dandruff, falling hair, gray hair, and dull hair. Add some green stevia powder to the shampoo during the last washing and let it soak in a little. Another hair treatment is two tablespoons of olive oil mixed with two tablespoons of green stevia powder. Let it sit in your moist hair for one hour, cover your head with a towel, and thereafter wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
Due to the control of artificial sweeteners companies, stevia products have been banned from most European countries (isn't the scary?). In Canada and America, stevia powder and extracts can just recently be found in some supermarkets. They are usually sold as “nutritional supplements.” Your local health food store will be your best bet. Of couse you can always shop online.
1. Whole, dried leaves. I have not been able to find them at the health food store, but I have seen some online businesses that sell them. The alternative would be to grow stevia plants yourself.
2. Green powder. A powder made out of the dried leaves of stevia. Not too refined and can be used in recipes, nut milks, salad dressings, etc. It has a strong sweet taste and a licorice after taste. Great.
3. White powder. A very refined product, though the most popular form of stevia because it looks and works so much like sugar. It contains only the compound steviosid which makes stevia sweet. It does have a bit of an after-taste that you will some get use to. Stevia power can be used in herbal teas, raw lemonades, or any hot drinks. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract Packets for baking (with agave), and in my green smoothies.
4. Liquid stevia extract. A few drops are enough to sweeten a cup of tea. Can be carried along. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS, AND QUESTIONS!!!
With Love,
Carmen