What is stevia?

Stevia is a natural sweetener used for centuries, particularly in South America. That sweet wonder actually comes from the leaves of a plant that is cozy cousins with sunflowers.

This zero-calorie sweetener has gained popularity recently as a sugar substitute, especially among those looking to manage their blood sugar levels.

What is Stevia?

Stevia, a natural sweetener from plants, packs a punch with its sweetness—imagine it being up to 300 times sweeter than your everyday sugar. It's extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to Brazil and Paraguay.

Indigenous people in these regions have used stevia leaves to sweeten beverages and treat various ailments for hundreds of years. Today, stevia is widely available as a sugar substitute in many forms, including liquid drops, packets, and granulated blends.

General Impact on Blood Sugar

One of the most significant advantages of stevia is its minimal impact on blood sugar levels. Unlike regular sugar, which can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, stevia does not affect blood sugar similarly.

This is because stevia's sweet compounds, steviol glycosides, are not metabolized by the body like sugar.

Instead, they pass through the digestive system without being absorbed, making stevia a safe choice for people with diabetes or those following a low-carb diet.