 |
Stevia: Sweeten Your Life With Out The Weight Gain
Author: Darrell Miller  | Posted: 20-11-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 13 | Rating: (53)  (?) 
It is possible to sweeten your life with stevia, and without any weight gain, since it as exceptionally sweet herb. In fact it is member of the sunflower family, and is native to parts of South and Central America where it has been used as a sweetener since time immemorial. Also known as sugarleaf, it is a commercial crop, and is available as a dietary supplement.
Extracts of stevia have been found to be up to 300 times as sweet as cane sugar, although does not metabolize in the body to glucose. In fact it is thought to enhance the glucose tolerance of some diabetics, and can be used by people suffering from that condition as a natural sweetener, thus dispensing with the need for artificial sweeteners.
It is also useful for those on diets, especially carbohydrate controlled diets, and any other sweet-toothed person wanting to lose weight and still enjoy their favorite drink or desert. Many recipes have been published using stevia for the preparation of delicious sweets. So why is stevia so sweet and what other uses does it have?
Basically the sweet taste comes from glycosides, which are molecules in which a sugar is bonded to another molecule. The two main glycosides in stevia are called stevioside and rebaudioside. These are formed through glucose combined with the diterpene steviol in different ways, though some minor glycosides also contain rhamnose. Although they contain glucose, the glucose is not released into the bloodstream during digestion and the subsequent biochemistry.
Japan began the cultivation of the plant in the 1970s rather than produce artificial sweeteners that were suspected carcinogens (saccharin and cyclamate). Japan is now the world's biggest consumer of stevia, even being used in the Japanese Coca Cola plants. Around 40% of Japan's total sweetener volume is stevia. However, apart from its use as a natural alternative sweetener to sugar, stevia has specific properties, already alluded to, that renders it of particular attraction to certain groups of people, and we shall now take a closer look at these.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is essential to regulate the glucose content of the blood. It stimulates the cells of the body to take in blood glucose and convert it to glycogen that can be used for energy. Without insulin the blood sugars would increase in concentration without regulation leading to very serious health issues that would eventually result in death.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce sufficient insulin, does not use the insulin it produces properly, or produces no insulin at all. Hence, a sweetener that did not exacerbate this situation by being eventually metabolized to glucose, as most sugars are in the body, would be of great benefit to diabetics. This is exactly what stevia is. It is a very powerful sweetener, 250 - 300 times sweeter to the taste-buds than sucrose, normal table sugar, and it does not metabolize to glucose. It is heaven-sent sweetener for diabetics that have a sweet tooth.
It is very safe for them and has been consumed for centuries without any side effects. In fact, studies have indicated that stevia might even regulate the pancreas and help to stabilize the levels of blood glucose in the body, rendering it an effective and safe supplement for those suffering from hypoglycemia (excess blood sugar), diabetes and candidiasis, a yeast infection that thrives on sugar.
Apart from that, stevia is also popular with those who are on a calorie controlled diet - or any other diet for that matter, since an excessive sugar intake invariably leads eventually to weight increase. The 21st century western diet is drowning in sugar, with up to 10 spoonfuls of sugar in every small bottle of cola. There is sugar in cookies, hot dogs, bread, soy sauce, ketchup, cans of beans and peas, and even sugar in cigarettes, though that is the least of the health worries there!
For the first time in history, there are now more overweight and obese people in the world than hungry people, yet the sugar corporations claim that there is no scientific proof that sugar leads to weight increase. Worldwide, diabetes kills 6 people every minute, and obesity caused by the consumption of too much sugar leads to Type II diabetes. It had been shown that fructose is a major player in that corn syrup (fructose) is contained in many soft drinks and foods.
One of the major problems with refined sugars is that they contain nothing but pure carbohydrate. All the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients have been removed, so that when they are consumed, your body has to provide these nutrients needed to metabolize the sugar to glucose and then to energy. Humans cannot live on sugar alone, and in fact you are better drinking water than corn syrup or cane sugar solutions since at least water does not make demands on your existing nutrient store.
It was noted in 1929 by Sir Frederick Banting, one of those scientists credited with the discovery of insulin, that there was a significantly large proportion of diabetes among the sugar plantation owners that ate large quantities of refined sugar, whereas there was none detected in the cane harvesters who were able to chew on only the raw cane. The raw cane contains the minerals and vitamins needed to metabolize the sucrose.
Stevia is a potential answer to this problem, and it is such an obvious one that there are a lot of politics regarding its use. The big USA sugar corporations will undoubtedly be opposed to it, and the FDA has refused to allow its use as a food additive, only as a dietary supplement, yet its use in Japan has been very successful. It is also used throughout East Asia, including China, Korea and Taiwan, and also in South America, Israel and some areas of the Caribbean. It is available as a green powder in its crude form, and also brownish syrup redolent of licorice, but also as a more refined white powder that is likely best used as weak solution due to its sweetness.
It is totally free of calories; this may come as a surprise to many since it tastes so sweet. It is an excellent sweetener for children's drinks since it does not cause cavities: unlike sugar it is not degraded by bacteria to produce the corrosive acid that eats into the enamel. It does not metabolize to a burst of energy that is practically addictive, since that generally then leads to tiredness and the need for more sugar to make up for it.
Stevia does not cause diabetes in any form, is not a food for yeast and it is beneficial to the pancreas. In short, it is a completely safe food supplement that has been used for centuries without ill effect, and if you want to prevent yourself from adding weight and protect against the possibility of Type II diabetes in particular, then stevia should be your sweetener of choice.
Rate this Article:
Current: 5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/stevia-sweeten-your-life-with-out-the-weight-gain-262901.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Sweeteners and your Health
By: Chuck Bluestein | 21/02/2008 | Home and Family
This tells about the different types of sweeteners and how they affect your health.
Natural Sweetener: Different Kinds of Sweetener Alternatives
By: Bob Janeway | 13/03/2007 | Health
Throughout history, humans have been adding natural sweeteners to food in order to make it more palatable.
Natural Sweeteners Zero Calories and Zero Worries
By: Kevin Pederson | 31/07/2007 | Health
Trying to battle your sweet tooth by removing sugar from your daily diet is not a wise choice as the body does require certain amount. Natural sweeteners also contain low calories and can help people watch their weight. It is useful in helping people manage their chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Natural Sweeteners: Which One Should You Take?
By: Darrell Miller | 17/12/2007 | Health
There are many natural sweeteners to choose from if you want to avoid sugar, but don't want any of the artificial sweeteners over which there are a few questions. You can choose from xylitol, luo han, stevia and others, but before discussing these, let's have a look at the problems...
Natural Sweeteners: Which One Should you Take?
By: VitaNet | 28/12/2007 | Supplements and Vitamins
Sugar consumption in the United States is higher than most other countries due to fast food diets. Diabetes is also high in the United States. Natural sweeteners like stevia, luo han, and xylitol can help fight diabetes while keeping your taste buds happy.
Artificial Sweeteners Create Problems
By: James Brunton | 25/06/2006 | Health
Artificial sweeteners are in many processed foods and drinks today. What can they do as well as sweeten things. Take a quick look at this article to find out.
Sweet and Amazing Agaves
By: Mike Singh | 10/07/2006 | Nutrition
Plants that store substantial quantities of water in their enlarged and fleshy leaves, stems or roots are commonly termed as succulent plants. One example is aloe Vera, has a greater quantity of parenchyma tissue and thereby, can store substantial amount of fluids. This kind of plant , belonging to the botanical family of Agavaceae, is primarily a Mexican plant. Most Organic Agave plants grow during summer months and require adequate protection from frost during cold winter days.
Top 10 Diet Tips for Ultimate Health and Weight!
By: Sylvia Riley | 18/08/2006 | Nutrition
Discover the top 10 diet tips for ultimate health and weight loss!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
We have a UBC modular home and are installing woodstove
By: Sammi | 14-07-2008
We have a UBC modular home and are having a wood stove installed Our county inspector told us the code is the same as a stick built home. to follow clearances of the manufacture and to install firewalls . I understand the floor needs to be cement board with tile, but the side walls need to be tiled to 1 inch to the ceiling and 1 inch from the floor and should have an 1inch gap between the existing drywall and the cement board with tile. We looked for metal to attach the wall to but were unable to locate any the fireplace store said most of the installers use 1x2s (wood) will this be OK or should we keep looking. Also what does the 1 inch space do?
Carbon and natural gas detectors is there a difference
By: misty | 14-07-2008
What is the difference between a carbon monoxide and a natural gas detector?
Differentiating between silk and wool.
By: MFS | 26-06-2008
When trying to differentiate between a fabric made from wool and one made from silk, how do you tell the difference. I know that they burn similarly, both with a burning hair smell. They tend to not hold a flame and they both leave a easily crumbled crusty residue. However it is sometimes difficult to tell if one is wool or silk. Can any one help me??
I built a natural gas fire pit that sits in the ...
By: bob909 | 18-06-2008
I built a natural gas fire pit that sits in the top of a water feature. The burner sits above the ignition wire and flame rod wire that goes back to a burner controller. The system has a pilot solenoid and main gas solenoid controlled by the controller. The wiring keeps burning up and is high temperature rated. Could this be due to the fact that there are no openings in the bottom of the pit for air flow creating a low density below the burners. The bowl sits on water so holes would be impractical Any suggestions to correct the problem or recommendations for a commercially available unit would be appreciated
Panic attacks
By: christine | 14-06-2008
u get terrible panic attacks.. im going on a plane tmrrw how can i reduce getting a panic attack? .. i dont use medicine
Are there weight restrictions/recommendations for ...
By: T | 10-06-2008
are there weight restrictions/recommendations for using Glucerna? The client maintains weight between 265 and 276 and wants to get Glucerna? She is diabetic but does not have periods where she doesn't eat at all.
Q&A Powered by: 
More from Darrell Miller
Can Fiber Boost My Intestinal Health and Wellness?
By: Darrell Miller | 25/07/2008 | Health
We have been told that we must eat a certain amount of fiber with our meals because it is 'good for us'. Most of us have been led to believe that this is because fiber promotes bowel motions and prevents us from suffering from constipation. It is also good for...
Does Diindolylmethane From Broccoli Help With Estrogen Balance?
By: Darrell Miller | 23/07/2008 | Health
Diindolylmethane from broccoli can help with estrogen balance: There is plenty of evidence to suggest that, but before discussing the whys and wherefores, let's first have a look at the substance, where it comes from and why it should have any effect on estrogen or its balance.
Diindolylmethane is an indole...
How Important is it to Have Proper Digestion?
By: Darrell Miller | 18/07/2008 | Health
The part played by food in the health of your body is to furnish it with the nutrients needed for the biochemistry that keeps you alive. The digestive process breaks the food that you eat down into a form that can be absorbed by your bloodstream, and from there to...
Does Garcinia Cambogia Really Help Me Lose Weight?
By: Darrell Miller | 17/07/2008 | Health
Garcinia cambogia is a small tree bearing a small pumpkin-like fruit of the citrus family, and is steadily appearing in an increasing number of weight loss supplements. It is indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia, and the rind is commonly used in Indian cookery.
Although the fruit is particularly...
Does Pyruvate Help in Weight Loss?
By: Darrell Miller | 16/07/2008 | Health
There is currently a debate as to whether or not pyruvate can help in weight loss. There are two distinct camps, although the body of evidence favors those that believe that they can lose weight by taking a pyruvate supplement.
However, pyruvate is not an essential substance, which means that it...
How Do I Find An Inexpensive Domain Authority Registrar?
By: Darrell Miller | 15/07/2008 | Domain Names
Learn what to look for when searching for a good domain name registrar and how to pick a good domain name for your company.
Do Your Body a Favor and Detoxify With Dandelion
By: Darrell Miller | 14/07/2008 | Health
Just about everybody knows what a dandelion is. In the western world it is a weed, but in many other societies it is an important herb that is used to treat many common diseases and conditions of the human body.
It is also a food, being used in salads and...
Tryptophan and Mood Enhancement
By: Darrell Miller | 12/07/2008 | Health
Serotonin has not only been shown to regulate sleep, but it also is responsible for controlling mood, including feelings of optimism, relaxation, general sense of well-being, and the ability to focus and concentrate. When serotonin levels drop, it can lead to a lowered mood, which is what people experience with...
|
|
Health 
