Sugar is an omnipresent element in our daily diet, but excessive consumption can be harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to look for healthier alternatives that allow us to enjoy sweetness without compromising our well-being.
Stevia emerges as an attractive option, since it is a natural sweetener that does not provide calories and can help control blood sugar levels, in addition to contributing to the weight loss process.
Why doesn’t stevia add calories to the body?
Originally from Paraguay, it has become a very popular plant due to its sweetening properties. Its leaves are rich in fiber and protein, but its main characteristic is its ability to sweeten without providing calories.
The glycosides present in stevia are not metabolized by the body, which means that its consumption does not add calories to the diet.
Additionally, it is estimated to be 10 to 15 times sweeter than regular sugar, meaning a smaller amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness.
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One cup contains the same amount of sugar as one chocolate chip cookie.
Stevia can be consumed in various ways, which makes it very versatile in the kitchen. It can be found in dry leaves for infusions, in powder form to add to various recipes, in a liquid version to sweeten drinks, or as a concentrated extract for culinary use.
This variety of presentations allows its use to be adapted to personal preferences and the specific needs of each recipe.
The recommendation to limit sugar consumption by doctors is based on scientific evidence that points to the negative effects of too much sugar in the diet.
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, added sugar does not provide essential nutrients and can contribute to the development of dental cavities, obesity, type 2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. Therefore, opting for healthier alternatives such as stevia can be a smart decision to take care of our health and well-being in the long term.
