What about Stevia

[athomedavina]

Does anyone out there have information about stevia? I think I used to have customers who were diabetic and their doctors had them use stevia because it does not affect blood sugar (the spike). I am trying to get off of artificial sweetners and I limit suger as well. Any information is appreciated!

Thanks!
Davina

[kryptychyck]

I love stevia - it is very sweet so you only have to use 1/4 the amount. For example, 1/4 tsp stevia (powder) = 1 tsp of sugar in sweetness taste. The packets are a convenient serving size and I find that they are perfect for hot tea at the office.

I use it for my tea. It disolves easily in hot beverages and hot cereals, but it you have to pour and stir at the same time for the cold beverages. They sell it in powder, liquid, and powder packets at Giant - in the organic section where the supplements are sold. I have yet to find it at Wholefoods and I don't know about Trader Joes because I don't shop there. I do know you can order it online, but I have never done so (my aunt has though).

[gmans2798]

I have been using for over 9 mo. now, my family loves it, my son actually prefers it over sugar and splenda, I buy mine online through vitacost.com, I buy the Stevita brand it is a real good buy about $15 for 16oz, it is the best buy I have found you do need to be careful when buying it though not all stevia is created equal, I have researched stevia quite a bit, I even grow it now to use, it grows like a weed! Anyways, hope the info is helpful!

Monique

[chere]

You can grow stevia? Where do you get the seeds, and how do you use the leaves? What kind of climate does it need?

I like it in liquid form. I mostly use it on my oatmeal, and I also make my own hot cocoa sometimes, with skim milk, a Tbs of unsweetened cocoa powder, and a few drops of stevia. I don't like it as much in tea or coffee because it doesn't add the syrupy consistency of sugar -- or real maple syrup, which is what I like to use.

[gmans2798]

I bought stevia plants, mail order, you can also buy seeds, they are a perennial, I live in the midwest so in the winter you just bring it indoors and it will lose most of its leaves and come back in the spring, I am not sure about making it inot a liquid of course anything you do with it, will be green, I got books from the library and I ordered one when I bought my plant, great to add to tea when you are making it, you can also dry it and use as a powder, again it will look green! Hope this helps.
Monique

[Peaceful Rainbow]

I recently discovered Zevia at my local health food store and it's very good. Be great for anyone trying to kick a soda habit.

http://zevia.com/

[athomedavina]

Thanks for all the information.

One more question. Does anyone know if there are any negative side effects to using Stevia? I know that with other sweeteners like Splenda and Equal, there are all sorts of reasons to stay away, like increasing cravings, headaches, digestive problems. I was hoping that since Stevia is different it wouldn't have any "bad press."

Thanks to all!

Davina

[athomedavina]

Originally Posted by Peaceful Rainbow

I recently discovered Zevia at my local health food store and it's very good. Be great for anyone trying to kick a soda habit.

http://zevia.com/

Thanks for this link. I am heading to town to try it! I am addicted to Coke Zero and want to break the habit!

[complik8td]

Another Stevia user here! I really wanted to get away from using artificial sweetener. I discovered Stevia about a year ago, and I love it.

As for side effects.... I haven't experienced any, but I did notice on the Stevia package that it states not to exceed 8 servings per day. I probably do b/c I drink tea ALL day long, but I can't say I've experienced any adverse side effects.

What I find irritating is that Stevia can not be marketed in the US as a "sweetener" but must be marketed and sold as an "herbal supplement." Gimme a break!

Here's a website with more info.

[chere]

I use stevia once or twice a day and have never experienced any side effects, nor have I ever read about any. Most other sweeteners give me headaches, make me hungrier, or just give me the crazies! LOL.