Snacks made with stevia might satisfy your craving for sweets without dramatically shifting your glucose level, an important consideration for those working on stabilizing their blood sugar. While some people detect an aftertaste in stevia, others find it works well as a substitute in their favorite recipes. Experiment with stevia products in lieu of sugar to create satisfying snacks.
About Stevia
Stevia is a sweetener derived from a plant in the Chrysanthemum family, Stevia rebaudiana. It is between 250 and 300 times sweeter than the equivalent amount of sugar, but contains no calories. Stevia-based sweeteners go by several brand names, including SweetLeaf Sweetener, PureVia and Truvia. You can use stevia sweeteners as a sugar substitute in baking or mix it into beverages.
Stevia Snack Benefits
According to Family Doctor, stevia does not contribute to tooth decay. This might make snacks made with stevia a good option for children who are prone to cavities. The American Diabetes Association notes that snacks made with stevia keep blood glucose levels lower and contain fewer calories than those made with sugar. Snacks made with stevia may also curb overeating later in the day.
Suggestions
Make healthful hot chocolate by mixing 1 tbsp. of cocoa powder, a dash of stevia-derived sweetener and a cup of warm soymilk. Bake banana bread with stevia sweetener instead of sugar, whole wheat pastry flour instead of white flour and a handful of walnuts for a treat rich in complex carbohydrates. Combine stevia with another natural sweetener, such as date sugar, when making your favorite pumpkin pie recipe. Make jellies and jams from fresh berries and stevia; spread them on whole grain toast for a good snack to pair with your afternoon tea.
Risks
MayoClinic.com notes that the FDA has not approved the use of whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extracts. They have, however, approved highly refined stevia products. Additionally, processed foods with sugar substitutes do not usually offer as much nutritional value as whole fruits, vegetables and grains. Enhance the nutritional value of your stevia snacks by using whole foods in the ingredients.
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