Guest guest Posted May 13, 2002 Report Share Posted May 13, 2002 Michele, Stevia is a nutritive herb, with eight times the sweetening power of sugar. Botanical composition and assimilation properties allow it to be acceptable to both hypoglycemics and dibetics in small quantities as a sweetening agent. The primary use is as a tea, food, and drink sweetener. As with most herbs, yes you can use them fresh or dried. Dried tends to be more concentrated. Stevia is sweet, but tends to be a little bitter. Stevia is the safest of all the alternative and artificial sweeteners on the market today, which include Aspartame, NutraSweet and Benevia. As you should know, Aspartame, NutraSweet and Benevia should never be used by anyone for any reason!!!!!!!! Take Care, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Hi Marcela, Stevia is an excellent sweetener. it has no calories and does not induce an insulin response. On the down side, you cannot cook with stevia as it does not contain carbohydrates. There are generally two types that you will find, one is powder and the other is liquid. The powder comes either in loose in bulk or it is now available in packets similar to the sugar packets. Powdered stevia is only good for use in hot drinks. Powdered stevia does not dissolve in cold drinks. The liquid stevia will dissolve in either hot or cold. It is a little more expensive per serving than the powdered. Hope this helps Jamesmarce0313 <marcelaweiland wrote: Is stevia the best alternative to sugars and artificial sweeteners??If it is what is the best type or brand?MarcelaFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington New and Improved Mail - Send 10MB messages! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Thank you so much for all the inforamtion James. Marcela herbal remedies , James <bigmuddie2001> wrote: > Hi Marcela, > > Stevia is an excellent sweetener. it has no calories and does not induce an insulin response. On the down side, you cannot cook with stevia as it does not contain carbohydrates. > > There are generally two types that you will find, one is powder and the other is liquid. > The powder comes either in loose in bulk or it is now available in packets similar to the sugar packets. Powdered stevia is only good for use in hot drinks. Powdered stevia does not dissolve in cold drinks. > > The liquid stevia will dissolve in either hot or cold. It is a little more expensive per serving than the powdered. > > Hope this helps > > James > > marce0313 <marcelaweiland@h...> wrote: > Is stevia the best alternative to sugars and artificial sweeteners?? > If it is what is the best type or brand? > > Marcela > > > > Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: > 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. > 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. > 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to > prescribe for your own health. > We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as > they behave themselves. > Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person > following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. > It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to > be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. > > Dr. Ian Shillington > Doctor of Naturopathy > Dr.IanShillington@G... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 Hi Marcela, Others have given you info on stevia, but there are also other natural sweeteners. They have been discussed on the group before and you should be able to find them in the archives. These would include honey, date sugar, molasses, and others that I can't think of right now. Best, Kelli marce0313 [marcelaweiland] Sunday, June 27, 2004 4:26 PMherbal remedies Subject: Herbal Remedies - STEVIAIs stevia the best alternative to sugars and artificial sweeteners??If it is what is the best type or brand?Marcela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 28, 2004 Report Share Posted June 28, 2004 My favorite is Agave Nectar (organic of course) and dont forget about pure organic Maple syrup. Sylvia herbal remedies , " Kelli Bever " <kelli@c...> wrote: > Hi Marcela, > > Others have given you info on stevia, but there are also other natural sweeteners. They have been discussed on the group before and you should be able to find them in the archives. These would include honey, date sugar, molasses, and others that I can't think of right now. > > Best, > Kelli > > > marce0313 [marcelaweiland@h...] > Sunday, June 27, 2004 4:26 PM > herbal remedies > Herbal Remedies - STEVIA > > > Is stevia the best alternative to sugars and artificial sweeteners?? > If it is what is the best type or brand? > > Marcela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2005 Report Share Posted November 13, 2005 I just use it as a natural sweetener. Sure beats aspartame. Was not aware of any health benefits associated with it.Gala <jl_3030 wrote: Anyone have any experience/s using Stevia. I've been reading up on it and it's supposed to aid in skin problems, digestion, and oral health. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. FareChase - Search multiple travel sites in one click. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2005 Report Share Posted November 14, 2005 Hi Eric, I've looked into it more and there are benefits, but also some dangers...here's a link to the dangers-- http://www.cspinet.org/nah/4_00/stevia.html And here's a link for the benefits-- http://reid_j.tripod.com/stevia.htm All in all, aspertame seems far worse. Nonetheless, it's good to know about this stuff. Gala herbal remedies , Eric Holland <eholl2002> wrote: > > I just use it as a natural sweetener. Sure beats aspartame. Was not aware of any health benefits associated with it. > > Gala <jl_3030> wrote: Anyone have any experience/s using Stevia. I've been reading up on it > and it's supposed to aid in skin problems, digestion, and oral > health. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. > > > Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: > 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. > 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. > 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and to > prescribe for your own health. > We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as > they behave themselves. > Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person > following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. > It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to > be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. > > Dr. Ian Shillington > Doctor of Naturopathy > Dr.IanShillington@G... > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2005 Report Share Posted December 20, 2005 Sherry, I've used Stevia for many years. The darker Stevia is very bitter, the clear Stevia is not. If you give the clear Stevia a try you might be pleasantly surprised! Two brands that I use are 'NOW, and Sweetleaf'. HTH, Blessings, Nancy Robbins (new to the list, but not to health products :0) ********************************** " Sherry " <blueopal Re: Honey is a health problem? I'd like to cut the amount of sugar I use but am finding it impossible. Stevia to me is bitter. I've been told I'm using to much but when I cut back my coffee isn't sweet enough. Do any of you use honey in your coffee? Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 herbal remedies , " manna5 " <manna5@b...> wrote: >Yes, We haved and are using the Sweetleaf clear and we love it. It only takes about 7-8 drops to a gallon of tea. > Sherry, > > I've used Stevia for many years. > > The darker Stevia is very bitter, the clear Stevia is not. > > If you give the clear Stevia a try you might be pleasantly surprised! > > Two brands that I use are 'NOW, and Sweetleaf'. > > HTH, > Blessings, > Nancy Robbins > (new to the list, but not to health products :0) > > > ********************************** > > " Sherry " <blueopal@h...> > Re: Honey is a health problem? > > I'd like to cut the amount of sugar I use > but am finding it impossible. Stevia to me > is bitter. I've been told I'm using to much > but when I cut back my coffee isn't sweet > enough. Do any of you use honey in > your coffee? > > Sherry > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2005 Report Share Posted December 21, 2005 I mix stevia with xylitol when I drink my teas, as xylitol is not as sweet as sugar. No problems. -- In herbal remedies , " manna5 " <manna5@b...> wrote: > > Sherry, > > I've used Stevia for many years. > > The darker Stevia is very bitter, the clear Stevia is not. > > If you give the clear Stevia a try you might be pleasantly surprised! > > Two brands that I use are 'NOW, and Sweetleaf'. > > HTH, > Blessings, > Nancy Robbins > (new to the list, but not to health products :0) > > > ********************************** > > " Sherry " <blueopal@h...> > Re: Honey is a health problem? > > I'd like to cut the amount of sugar I use > but am finding it impossible. Stevia to me > is bitter. I've been told I'm using to much > but when I cut back my coffee isn't sweet > enough. Do any of you use honey in > your coffee? > > Sherry > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2006 Report Share Posted July 30, 2006 I use Stevia by Now. That is the only one I can use. I do not like the powdered. I also use agave nectar as a sweetener. It is like honey. I use in hot tea. Diane M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 29, 2006 Report Share Posted November 29, 2006 Hi Anne, A couple of anecdotal notes on stevia. First, my wife and I have used it (along with blackstrap molasses, blood tonic and very high in iron, calcium and potassium) as our sweetener of choice, particularly when drinking Chinese herbal decoctions, for the past 7 years. Second, not all Stevia is alike. Some is bitter, some clumps together, some leaves more of an after taste. From my personal experience, by far, the finest Stevia I have found is KAL brand Pure Stevia extract (specifically the powder). It comes in 3.5 oz bottles and sells at a health food store we shop at in LA for $22.09+tax. That bottle lasts a family of 2 with pretty heavy usage about 3 months! Third, because of the sugar lobby and FDA politics, formerly, it was only allowed to marketed for its ability to soften skin (which it does, BTW), but I don't know of the current political status. The one side effect that has been occasionally reported to me by patients has been a laxative effect, though we, ourselves, haven't experienced it. I have also read the laboratory studies relating usage to lower sperm count, but my impression is that they are not conclusive. I personally believe that the link to cancer to is a red herring, for it has been used in South America and elsewhere for over a century, and I would suspect that that contention comes from someone with an agenda. All the best, Yehuda " Anne C. Crowley " <anne.crowley wrote: What is the scoop on Stevia. It always thought it was the best natural sweetner out there. One of the new diet book on the market, " The You Diet " , does not recommend it and alludes to it being unsafe. One link I pulled up mentioned a study showed a possible cancer development and low sperm count in laboratory animals. Anyone know about these studies and if they have any mertit. I recommend this a lot (and use it) and want to be sure it is not harmful. Thanks, Anne Crowley http://traditionaljewishmedicine.com/ Access over 1 million songs - Music Unlimited. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 30, 2006 Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 Dear Anne, there is a lot of information out there, various studies done, especially in the US. Stevia has been used by the native folks of Paraguay, Brasil and Argentina for hundreds of years. They use it mainly to sweeten their Mate tea. Monsanto, who also manufactures Aspartame, has financed a study in 1984, that seeded out doubts about the safety of Stevia. It supposedly is mutagenic, but doubts about the truth of the substance remained. Still, Monsanto has pressured the American safety authorities into accepting their study, and in 1998 some cookery books that mentioned stevia were burned! officially. It now allows the use again, also in China and Japan. In the EU, it is still forbidden, although other scientific papers actually suggest that Stevia is safe. It seems that there are lobbies behind these decisions that have more interest in selling their stuff, as Stevia is a natural product and could not be manufactured under any monopoly. The sugar and sweetener industry seem to be very interested in keeping the negative picture of this plant up! Best Regards, Andrea Hehlmann www.hehlis-holistics.co.uk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 1, 2006 Report Share Posted December 1, 2006 Wow, That is all very interesting. I really like the plant as I have grown it up in Anchorage and it did fine. I prefer the whole plant in its taste, vrs the white powder. If Monsanto pushed that first study through, I can believe it was doctored because of all the law suites it was able to bring forward and win. Growing it yourself would be one way to hang onto the use of this herb. Rozz drandreahehlmann wrote: > Dear Anne, there is a lot of information out there, various studies done, > especially in the US. Stevia has been used by the native folks of Paraguay, > Brasil and Argentina for hundreds of years. They use it mainly to sweeten their > Mate tea. > Monsanto, who also manufactures Aspartame, has financed a study in 1984, > that seeded out doubts about the safety of Stevia. It supposedly is mutagenic, > but doubts about the truth of the substance remained. Still, Monsanto has > pressured the American safety authorities into accepting their study, and in 1998 > some cookery books that mentioned stevia were burned! officially. It now > allows the use again, also in China and Japan. In the EU, it is still forbidden, > although other scientific papers actually suggest that Stevia is safe. > It seems that there are lobbies behind these decisions that have more > interest in selling their stuff, as Stevia is a natural product and could not be > manufactured under any monopoly. The sugar and sweetener industry seem to be > very interested in keeping the negative picture of this plant up! > > Best Regards, > Andrea Hehlmann > www.hehlis-holistics.co.uk > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 I have only used the Stevia extract. Has anyone used the powdered leaf? What is it like? - Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 I'm using it now. As I replied to Bonnie, it is great, no aftertaste and a lot cheaper than liquid. It is made by KAL. Barbara I have only used the Stevia extract. Has anyone used the powdered leaf? What is it like? - Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hi steve, Over the past year, I've used different forms of Stevia- extract, powdered. I have found that the sweetness and quality vary greatly from brand to brand. I have a brand that I use for my coffee. When that ran out I tried another and I swear it didn't get any sweeter no matter how many drops I put in. I found the same thing with the powder. Depending on the brand, it can also leave an aftertaste. The only thing I can recommend is to try different types. To experiment with different powders, your health food store might carry little packets that you can buy for about a dime. If you find one you like, you can buy the powder in the larger quantity. Kind regards, sugarless Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.