Stevia is a natural sugar substitute that is often used as part of a healthy diet because it contains no carbohydrates or calories. Here are a few interesting things about stevia that you probably didn’t know.
It’s Sweeter Than Sugar
Stevia leaves can be 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar, so it’s important to keep this in mind when adding stevia to your coffee or baked goods.
You Can Use It In Baking
Stevia is an excellent substitute for sugar when it comes to baking cookies and other desserts, which is great news for people who want to reduce their calorie intake or have diabetes. Keep in mind though that stevia is sweeter than sugar and one teaspoon of stevia should be enough to replace one cup of sugar.
It Has a Long History
Even though people started using it commercially only a few decades ago, stevia leaves have been used as a natural sweetener for centuries in countries like Brazil and Argentina.
It Can Cause Bloating
Consuming stevia can lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating and nausea, but there are still no serious side effects caused by stevia backed up by research.