Stevia is a low-glycemic sweetener that only contains natural, plant ingredients. It has minimal calories and is a natural, chemical-free alternative to artificial sweeteners that are known to be hazardous to your health. Stevia is many times sweeter than standard sugar. A typical conversion is 1 tsp. of stevia to about 1 cup of sugar.
'Natural' Soda
Certain soda companies, like Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Zevia, sell diet drinks using a chemically extracted version of stevia as a sweetener instead of artificial sweeteners to decrease the bitterness of natural stevia. These companies market these stevia-containing diet drinks as healthy alternatives to drinking standard or diet sodas. However, these drinks contain a chemically derived version of natural stevia, which may be better than artificial sweeteners but less healthy than stevia that is naturally processed, which is made using a purified water process. These leading beverage distributors were approved by the FDA to incorporate stevia as an ingredient in their drinks. However, they use a processed version of stevia called rebaudioside A, or "reb A," which is made using a methanol solvent, according to tests performed by the Dionex Corporation. Reb A is also found in sweeteners called Truvia and PureVia. The 100 percent naturally processed stevia is available in powdered or crystallized form in the dietary supplement aisle of health food stores.
Smoothies and Juices
Certain bottled juices and smoothies contain stevia and reb A, because it has a less bitter taste than naturally made stevia. You can make your own smoothie drink by simply blending plain yogurt, berries and pinches of natural stevia to taste. MayoClinic.com says that naturally made stevia is safe to consume, but testing does not prove its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so discontinue your use of stevia in such circumstances.
Vitamin Drinks
Natural vitamin powders that focus on delivering antioxidants to promote a strong immune system are available at health food stores. Some of them contain naturally processed stevia extract to sweeten the powder to make the vitamins more palatable. The flavors are typically berry, orange, vanilla and chocolate. All that is required to make the drink is mixing the powder in a glass of water or your favorite fruit juice.
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