What Is Stevia and How Does It Work?

Stevia is a sugar substitute produced from the stevia plant's leaves. It's 100 to 300 times sweeter than regular sugar, but it's free of carbs, calories, and artificial ingredients. The flavour is not to everyone's liking. Some people think stevia tastes like menthol, while others claim it tastes bitter. To check if you appreciate it, try it in your morning coffee or sprinkling over your breakfast.

The Health Benefits of Stevia

Unlike other sugar alternatives, Stevia is 100 % natural. It's formed from a leaf that's related to asters and chrysanthemums, two most popular garden flowers. For many years, people in South America and Asia have used stevia leaves to sweeten beverage such as tea.
Look for stevia in powder or liquid form in supermarkets and pharmacies. It's more likely to be present in the bakery products or health food aisles. You might even be able to get your caffeine dose without adding any calories or artificial sweeteners. Diet cola soft drinks sweetened with stevia are now available from major soda firms in the United States. Stevia is however present in some flavoured waters.
If you have diabetes, stevia can be used to sweeten yoghurt or hot tea without adding carbs.