Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier You with Stevia

It’s a new year and, undoubtedly you’ve made a resolution or two involving health and weight loss. While many resolutions fall by the wayside before February even begins, small changes in your diet and lifestyle can equal significant strides on your road to improved wellness.

Adding stevia to your diet in 2019 can help you achieve your goals toward adopting a healthier lifestyle as part of a nutritious diet and fitness plan.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a green leafy herbal plant native to South America. A sweetener and sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana, stevia is native to Brazil and Paraguay. The active compounds are steviol glycosides, which have 200 times the sweetness of sugar. It’s been used for hundreds of years to sweeten bitter teas and other beverages, and as a sweet treat because of its extremely sweet leaves and purported health benefits.

Stevia As a Weight Loss Aid

Stevia is a zero calorie sweetener, which makes it a healthy alternative to sugar and ideal for reducing calories and losing weight. Since it is so much sweeter only a small amount is needed to sweeten beverages or desserts.
Consuming stevia instead of sugar allows you to continue to enjoy the desserts and drinks you love without worrying about gaining weight or sacrificing the taste of sweetness in the foods you consume. Mix stevia into water or coffee for a calorie-free refreshment, or substitute for sugar in your favorite recipes for a reduced calorie, diet-friendly version.

Stevia also contains zero carbohydrates. Cutting back on carbs in your diet is generally associated with greater fat loss and a healthier body weight. As a zero carb sweetener, stevia is often used in place of sugar as part of the popular ketogenic diet.

Stevia’s Health Benefits

Besides having zero calories and carbs, stevia is believed to have many potential health benefits. Unlike other sweeteners, stevia is naturally-sourced. Stevita Naturals stevia is organic and contains no artificial ingredients, which makes it a favorite for dieters and health enthusiasts.

Stevia is ideal for diabetics, having demonstrated no effect on blood glucose or insulin response. Consuming stevia as part of a healthful meal plan allows people with diabetes to eat and enjoy a wider variety of foods.

Stevia also has the potential to reduce blood pressure. As a type of glycoside, stevia is thought to relax the blood vessels and increase urination, which flushes sodium from the body, alleviating stress on the cardiovascular system.

It can also help improve your oral health, preventing cavities and gingivitis, and may lower cholesterol, be useful against skin conditions, and even prevent osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, among other things.

Toss out sugar in 2019 and switch to stevia! In no time, your resolve to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle won’t just be a goal, but a reality.

Happy New Year!