How Stevia Stacks Up to Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

 Stevia Vs Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

 

We’re all aware of the negative buzz surrounding sugar and artificial sweeteners, but how bad are they? What about natural sweeteners like stevia? Well, let’s find out.

 

We’re playing the comparison game and breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to sugar, artificial sweeteners, and stevia. Take a look:

 

The Truth About Sugar

Americans are consuming more sugar than ever before. While the sweet stuff may taste great, its side effects can’t be ignored. Adults and adolescents consume on average 55 to 75 grams a day of sugar! For reference, according to the American Heart Association, the daily recommended intake of sugar ranges from 25 to 36 grams of sugar per day depending on factors like age and biological sex.

 

And that whopping increase in sugar consumption comes with a whole host of unhealthy side effects. Aside from significant weight gain, excess sugar in your diet is linked to bad oral health, diabetes, hypertension, and a number of other degenerative conditions. And to top it off, the more sugar you eat, the more your body craves, resulting in sugar addiction.

 

All About Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are popular sugar substitutes. These sweeteners are a lot sweeter than sugar but without the calories. These low-calorie sweeteners can be widely found in processed foods like sodas and candies and are touted for not causing tooth decay, raising blood sugar, and helping to manage weight.

 

That being said, there are several different types of artificial sweeteners, namely aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), neotame, sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame potassium, and saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low). While extensive testing and research have been done, the safety of these substances is still controversial. According to a study by the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, heart disease is just one of the possible side effects of concern so these substances should be consumed in limited quantities even though they are approved by the FDA and are not recommended for children under 2-years-old.

 

The Skinny on Stevia

Stevia, on the other hand, is an all-natural sweetener derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant grown in South America and is generally considered safe by the FDA. Stevia takes many forms, including powdered and liquid extracts. Like artificial sweeteners, stevia is 200 to 300 hundred times sweeter than sugar so a little goes a long way.

 

Stevia also doesn’t have the addictive properties of sugar and doesn’t result in increased cravings. It has zero calories and carbs, promotes oral health, and is safe for diabetics and pregnant women.

 

As referenced in Healthline, there is some evidence to suggest that stevia may help fight or prevent some types of cancer. According to a trusted 2012 and 2013 study, a glycoside called stevioside found in stevia plants may help to boost the death of cancer cells in human breast cancer and may help decrease some mitochondrial pathways that help cancer grow.

 

The Bottom Line

When choosing between sugar, artificial sweeteners, and stevia consumers need to do their research and make the decision that’s best for them. Still, considering it’s all-natural, has no known side effects, and has no calories or carbs, our vote is for stevia!

 

 Shop Stevita Stevia’s all-natural, organic products today!