WRITTEN BY JAMIE DUVNJAK, CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
With the growing number of diabetes and hypoglycemic cases discovered each year, people are seeking sugar substitutes which don’t have an effect on their insulin levels. Those trying to either lose or maintain a healthy weight may opt for the low sugar route as well. One of the latest crazes is the usage of stevia, also known as the sweet leaf or sweet herb, from the South American Stevia Rebaudiana plant. Used for hundreds of years in both Brazil and Paraguay, stevia has been the sweetener of choice.
Glycosides or steviosides, found in stevia, are compounds formed from simple sugars. They are 150 times sweeter than sugar, yet don’t cause negative effects on blood glucose like table sugar and other sweeteners. A little bit goes a long way. At high concentrations, stevia may even taste bitter. Japan began using it in the 1970’s once they learned saccharin to be carcinogenic. They consume more of it than any other country. On the contrary, there have been health concerns and controversies in various other countries regarding the effects of this sweetener.
Today, many companies produce and market stevia extracts under trade names such as Truvia® and Pure Via. Always test these products out in small doses to see if an allergic reaction or intolerance occurs. The New Health Guide states that highly refined stevia may cause nausea, a loss of appetite or other digestive disturbances. Some studies state that blood sugar or heart medication, combined with stevia, can cause a drop in insulin or blood pressure. It’s wise to check with a physician before beginning usage of such products. Breastfeeding women and infants should not ingest stevia extracts without the approval from a medical professional.
For those wanting to follow a low sugar diet, it’s best to eat plenty of clean protein, low glycemic fruits, healthy fats and obtain small amounts of sweetness from local honey. Once carbohydrates are consumed, wait a bit, and then go out for a walk, drink water or herbal tea to break it all down. According to Dr. Mercola, no more than 25 grams of fructose per day should be consumed. For more information on daily sugar intake, visit his website at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/02/is-sugar-toxic.aspx
As always, let me know if you have any questions or need my help with reaching your health goals.
Enjoy your day!
Jamie Duvnjak
Certified Health Coach
With the growing number of diabetes and hypoglycemic cases discovered each year, people are seeking sugar substitutes which don’t have an effect on their insulin levels. Those trying to either lose or maintain a healthy weight may opt for the low sugar route as well. One of the latest crazes is the usage of stevia, also known as the sweet leaf or sweet herb, from the South American Stevia Rebaudiana plant. Used for hundreds of years in both Brazil and Paraguay, stevia has been the sweetener of choice.
Glycosides or steviosides, found in stevia, are compounds formed from simple sugars. They are 150 times sweeter than sugar, yet don’t cause negative effects on blood glucose like table sugar and other sweeteners. A little bit goes a long way. At high concentrations, stevia may even taste bitter. Japan began using it in the 1970’s once they learned saccharin to be carcinogenic. They consume more of it than any other country. On the contrary, there have been health concerns and controversies in various other countries regarding the effects of this sweetener.
Today, many companies produce and market stevia extracts under trade names such as Truvia® and Pure Via. Always test these products out in small doses to see if an allergic reaction or intolerance occurs. The New Health Guide states that highly refined stevia may cause nausea, a loss of appetite or other digestive disturbances. Some studies state that blood sugar or heart medication, combined with stevia, can cause a drop in insulin or blood pressure. It’s wise to check with a physician before beginning usage of such products. Breastfeeding women and infants should not ingest stevia extracts without the approval from a medical professional.
For those wanting to follow a low sugar diet, it’s best to eat plenty of clean protein, low glycemic fruits, healthy fats and obtain small amounts of sweetness from local honey. Once carbohydrates are consumed, wait a bit, and then go out for a walk, drink water or herbal tea to break it all down. According to Dr. Mercola, no more than 25 grams of fructose per day should be consumed. For more information on daily sugar intake, visit his website at http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/02/is-sugar-toxic.aspx
As always, let me know if you have any questions or need my help with reaching your health goals.
Enjoy your day!
Jamie Duvnjak
Certified Health Coach
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