Stevia: Uses and Health Benefits

What is Stevia?
Stevia is a natural sweetener made from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, originally found in Brazil and Paraguay. Once extracted, the liquid or powder is purified to remove its slightly bitter compounds. It’s now widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for people looking to live a healthier life.

Why Choose Stevia?
Stevia is plant-based, contains zero calories, and is 50 to 350 times sweeter than sugar. What makes it special is that it gives you sweetness without the side effects of refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.

✅ Top Benefits of Stevia

• Helps reverse metabolic issues:
  Stevia is rich in antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
  
  

• Supports weight loss:
  It doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes, so insulin levels stay low—helping your body burn stored fat instead of storing more.
  
  

• Reduces sweet cravings quickly:
  Since it’s much sweeter than sugar, even a small amount satisfies your sweet tooth faster.
  
  

🍵 How to Use Stevia

• In beverages:
  Add 2–3 drops of liquid stevia to tea, coffee, or lemon water.
  
  

• With breakfast cereals:
  Use stevia to sweeten your cereals without worrying about sugar.
  
  

• For baking:
  Make cookies, cakes, and muffins healthier by adding stevia instead of sugar.
  
  

• In traditional sweets:
  Enjoy your favorite Indian mithai with a stevia twist.

Final Thoughts
People often switch from sugar to jaggery, thinking it’s healthier. But jaggery has a high glycemic index and isn’t ideal for diabetics. Stevia is a better and safer alternative, especially for daily use in drinks and desserts.

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https://www.freedomfromdiabetes.org/blog/post/stevia-uses-and-benefits/3177