IN A NUTSHELL:
EXCELLENT SUGAR SUBSTITUTE HAS HEALTH BENEFITS + NO WARNINGS,
This "NOW Foods Stevia Liquid Extract 2 Oz" is good stuff, and is among the most economical and user-friendly ways to buy Stevia.
WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT:
Sweeter than sugar, that's what Stevia is, but that's not all.
Stevia has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in research involving healthy adults by increasing the secretion of insulin making Stevia useful for diabetics.
It also improves digestion and gastrointestinal function, and is useful for upset stomachs and to reduce gas and stomach acidity. Several recent studies have shown that it may improve the heart's muscle tone and promote the body's water loss. These properties are thought to contribute to lower blood pressure.
Stevia also has antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial characteristics. It's used for relieving bleeding gums, sore throats and cold sores in South America and Japan. Stevia has been shown to inhibit plaque formation and bacterial growth causing gum disease and tooth decay, and will not cause cavities. It may even reduce cravings for sweets which coupled with its lack of calories may be helpful in weight loss.
ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE SUGGESTS EVEN MORE:
There is anecdotal evidence that Stevia is good for skin problems like acne, cold sores, dermatitis and eczema, and may speed up the healing of cuts and scratches. There have even been reports that Stevia may be useful as a contraceptive, but that has not yet been substantiated by research.
FDA APPROVAL TO BE SOLD AS A FOOD SUPPLEMENT -- NOT A SWEETENER
Most of all, Stevia, unlike the artificial sweeteners we put in everything from soda to psyllium does not come with any health warnings from the FDA, and it will probably do you no harm. However, Stevia has not been approved to be sold as a sweetener even though it is a NATURAL SWEETENER LIKE SUGAR. Nevertheless, Stevia has been approved [since 1994] to be sold as a dietary supplement in the United States.
AFTER ALL THE SMOKE HAS CLEARED THIS IS FOOD - USE IT BY EATING IT!
Stevia can be substituted for sugar. It is a bit different tasting if one is use to sugar. I use it on many things where I can eliminate large amounts of honey and/or sugar such as;
1]- Herbal Tea, instead of sugar or honey.
2]- In multi-grain hot cereal, when you need to sweeten it, Stevia saves me a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of sugar per large bowl. In this case I just add about a teaspoon of honey and 1/8 teaspoon of stevia for the same effect. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar so use about 1/10th as much in place of sugar.
3]- Iced Tea.
MEDICINALLY SPEAKING:
A standardized extract of 57 mg. containing 85% "steviocides" in a beverage, is what Doctor James A. Duke, suggests in his famous, "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook".
ABOUT FORMS AND BRANDS: THIS IS THE "NOW" BRAND IN DROPS [2 0Z.]
This particular form is ideal for when you are out, on vacation or at a resturant. In drops, it is possible to mix the stevia into whatever you are sweetening with just a turn of a spoon.
Also, according to "NOWFOODS.COM" this 2 ounce liquid extract will provide 461 servings of Stevia at 4 drops per serving, which is actually a pretty accurate statement!
For most applications, when we don't have the liquid extract, we prefer Stevia in powder over the packets, as we can better measure, and use what we need for each individual use. Purchase Stevia in whatever form you are most comfortable using.
This "NOW" brand Stevia LIQUID EXTRACT [2 oz.] is an excellent product and a terrific value.
BOTTOM LINE:
"Planetary Formulas Stevia Powder 3.5 oz." is also excellent and it comes in a liquid as well. "Now" and "Nature's Way" are both excellent too, and have Stevia in powder, liquid and packets for convenient use. Any of the above choices are excellent, and we have used them all at one time or another, over the past 3-4 years on a daily basis.
In any event, Stevia in any form is an excellent, and healthier choice than virtually any other sweetener. [I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY PRODUCT OR COMPANY]
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Stevia ExtractProduct Description: This natural herbal glycerite is intended for dietary supplement purposes only.Stevia rebaudiana is a natural herb that grows in Asia and South America. Pleasant Tasting Herb. Contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.
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As far as I'm concerned, this stuff can't be beat!The flavor is great, and unlike some other protein drinks that I've seen, it has all natural and very few ingredients and no sugar. I really don't like to eat things that have a bunch of ingredients that I can't even pronounce!
