Introduction
Zero-calorie sweeteners are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the added calories. But did you know that there are some secrets about zero-calorie sweeteners that you may not be aware of? In this article, we will explore six secrets you never knew about zero-calorie sweeteners. From the potential health benefits to the potential risks, we will cover it all. So, if you’re looking to learn more about zero-calorie sweeteners, then read on!
6 Secrets You Never Knew About Zero-Calorie Sweeteners
Zero-calorie sweeteners are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to reduce their sugar intake. But what do you really know about these sweeteners? Here are 6 secrets you never knew about zero-calorie sweeteners.
1. They’re Not All Natural
Many people assume that zero-calorie sweeteners are all natural, but this isn’t always the case. Some zero-calorie sweeteners are made from artificial ingredients, such as aspartame or sucralose. It’s important to read the label to make sure you’re getting a natural sweetener.
2. They Can Be Used in Cooking
Zero-calorie sweeteners can be used in cooking and baking just like sugar. However, it’s important to note that the sweetener may not behave the same way as sugar, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.
3. They May Have Side Effects
Although zero-calorie sweeteners are generally considered safe, some people may experience side effects such as headaches, nausea, or digestive issues. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to stop using the sweetener and consult your doctor.
4. They May Not Help You Lose Weight
Many people assume that using zero-calorie sweeteners will help them lose weight, but this isn’t necessarily true. Studies have shown that people who use zero-calorie sweeteners may actually gain weight, as they may be more likely to consume more calories overall.
5. They May Affect Blood Sugar Levels
Zero-calorie sweeteners may affect blood sugar levels, so it’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels if you’re using them. People with diabetes should be especially careful when using zero-calorie sweeteners.
6. They May Not Be Safe for Pregnant Women
Some zero-calorie sweeteners may not be safe for pregnant women, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before using them. It’s also important to read the label to make sure the sweetener is safe for pregnant women.
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Everyone loves a delicious sweet treat, but consuming too much added sugar may have negative side effects. The CDC says that eating and drinking added sugar in excess can lead to things like weight gain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health complications over time. But with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) daily recommended limit of added sugar being only 10% of your total calories—about 50 grams per day if you follow a 2,000-calorie diet—it can be all too easy to consume “too much.”
Thankfully, there are plenty of zero-calorie sweeteners on the market, such as Stevia In The Raw, that can help you easily lower some of your sugar calories when a sweet craving arrives. But what exactly is stevia, where does it come from, and what can you do with it? Read on to learn more facts about stevia that you never knew before.
Some zero-calorie sweeteners, like stevia, are derived from plants.
Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that comes from a green, leafy plant known as Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. This plant is part of the Asteraceae family, which includes sunflowers, daisies, and chrysanthemums. It is native to areas like Paraguay and Brazil, but it can also easily be grown in people’s homes.
So how does this leafy plant become the powdered sweetener found at your local grocery store? When the stevia plant is ready, it is harvested, dried, and then the dried leaves are soaked in water. The water soaking creates an extract that is then dried and crystallized.
Not all zero-calorie sweeteners are created equal.
Many stevia powders that you see in stores are not pure stevia extract and are mixed with different ingredients. Because of this, it’s important to know which stevia products have the purest ingredients. For example, Stevia In The Raw avoids artificial flavors or additives—which other brands use to enhance flavor—and derives virtually all its sweetness from Stevia Leaf Extract. It does contain levels of dextrose and maltodextrin to make it more measurable and comparable to sugar.
They don’t all have a bad aftertaste!
Although you may notice that some zero-calorie sweeteners leave an odd taste in your mouth after consuming them, that’s not always the case—as long as you pick the right brand. The high purity level of Stevia In The Raw‘s Stevia Leaf Extract eliminates the aftertaste found in some less pure Stevia products from other brands.
Yes, they actually contain zero calories.
Stevia makes an excellent replacement for sugar when you’re still craving something sweet but need to lower your sugar intake because it contains zero calories. Plus, stevia leaf extract is 300-400 times sweeter than regular cane sugar meaning you’ll be able to use much less of it to reach the same amount of sweetness you’re accustomed to.
Stevia is good for a variety of different diets.
Because of Stevia’s zero-calorie nature, it can fit into a multitude of different diets and eating guidelines. Most types of Stevia sweeteners are suitable for diabetics or people who are wanting to lower their blood sugar. Stevia In The Raw has less than one gram of carbohydrate per serving, which is suitable for diabetics who still want to enjoy something sweet.
Because of stevia’s low sugar/carbohydrate count, it’s also a great sugar alternative for those on the Keto diet. Since most people on Keto (it depends on your specific needs) limit their carb intake to about 20-50 grams per day, using stevia as a sweetener can save them sugar calories.
Stevia In The Raw is also completely gluten-free and never touches wheat products in the manufacturing process, making it perfectly safe for those with celiac disease. And if you’re vegan or plant-based, you can rest assured that this product is certified vegan.
Stevia contains zero allergens.
If you have a food allergy, then you know it can sometimes be difficult to find safe, trustworthy foods at your local grocery store. Stevia In The Raw, however, is totally free from 8 major allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
You can use stevia like regular sugar.
You can use sugar substitutes like stevia in things like coffee, yogurt, or smoothies, but you can also cook and bake with it in the same way you’d use regular sugar.
Every brand of Stevia is going to have its own ratios for how you can substitute it in a regular recipe. Stevia In The Raw can be used by the same measuring volume, meaning that one cup of sugar in a recipe is one cup of Stevia In The Raw. However, In The Raw notes that when you’re baking something like cookies or cake, regular sugar helps provide the proper texture, so replacing it entirely with stevia may produce an undesired outcome. They suggest trying half sugar and half stevia instead.