3 Benefits of Using Stevia Instead of Sugar

For most people, deciding to switch to a no-sugar diet feels more like a nightmare than an attempt to achieve better health. This comes as no surprise given the fact that sugar provides an addictive buzz, thanks to a surge of the neurotransmitter dopamine that occurs every time we eat or drink something that contains sugar. However, giving up sugar doesn’t have to be such a painful experience with pure stevia. Besides the fact that it’s completely natural while being 300 times sweeter than sugar, stevia comes with a lot of health benefits. Here are some.

Good for Weight Management

There are many causes of obesity and one of them is the increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in added sugars. But since pure stevia contains little to no calories, it means that you can eat your favourite sweets like cakes, cookies, and candies made with stevia without worrying too much about calories. Stevia’s sweetness is very concentrated so a little bit can go a long way. Your food will still taste as sweet as you want it to be, but without the calories that you don’t need.

Smart Choice Even for People with Diabetes

Excess weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and its complications, which include heart and kidney problems. Due to the fact that stevia doesn’t contribute to the calories intake, it becomes clear how it can be of help for people who want to prevent or alleviate the symptoms from this condition. Also, the active ingredient known as stevioside is a non-carbohydrate glycoside compound. When stevioside breaks down, the glucose-containing particles are absorbed by the bacteria in the colon, rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream and affecting glucose levels in the body. But this active ingredient does not only have a positive impact on blood glucose levels, but it was also found to be have antioxidant properties which can protect the liver, among other important benefits.

Lower Blood Pressure

As mentioned above, stevioside is a type of glycoside, but there are other glycosides in stevia that can actually relax the blood vessels, increase the frequency of urination, and facilitate the elimination of sodium from the body. This means that less stress is put on the cardiovascular system and there can be a drop in blood pressure, which protects the heart’s health and prevents certain conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.