Natural Stevia sweetener approved by the FDA today

Everyone will probably begin to hear a lot about Stevia in the near future.  It is a natural sweetener, several times sweeter than sugar, that was approved by the FDA today.  It is expected that Coke and Pepsi will be right behind the approval with several new products.  Here is an advocate’s list of questions and answers about Stevia.

Questions & Answers about Stevia – David Richard Stevia – Naturally Sweet – Recipes, Cooking Tips, Articles, and leading Stevia Products

Q) How sweet is Stevia?

A) The crude Stevia leaves and herbal powder (green) are reported to be 10-15 times sweeter than table sugar. The refined extracts of Stevia called steviosides (a white powder, 85-95% Steviosides) claim to be 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar. My experience is that the herbal powder is very sweet while the refined extract is incredibly sweet and needs to be diluted to be properly used. Both products have a slight bitter aftertaste, also characteristic of licorice.

Q) Can Stevia replace artificial sweeteners in the diet?

A) Yes! I do not believe that humans should consume anything artificial in their diets. Stevia offers a safe, all-natural, alternative to these “toxic time-bombs.” And industrial usage in Japan proves that this substitution is both practical and economical.

Q) How many calories are in Stevia?

A) Virtually none. And the refined Stevia extracts are considered to be non-caloric.

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