Question 1

cutting out sugar for health. afraid of splenda and nutra sweet. what about other alternatives like stevia or agave? any red flags or recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Moderation: Use of sugar substitutes in moderation is not likely to have untoward health effects.

Question 2

bought blue agave sweetener. says it's low glycemic. switched from splenda. don't like stevia. am i doing myself any favors? no diabetes, but hi risk.

Accepted Answer

Maybe . . .: Agave sweetener or syrup is comprised of varying fractions of fructose & glucose depending upon manufacturer, thus the glycemic index will vary, but in general, should be less than table sugar. It is considered 40-60% sweeter than sugar so if you use 40-60% less, you might ingest fewer calories. Instead, you should focus on a mediterranean (-type) diet to minimize your diabetes risk. And exercise!

Question 3

what is stevia?

Accepted Answer

Stevia: This a natural sweetener made from plant extracts. It tends to be quite sweet. It is used to replace sugar. Best is to sprinkle some do taste test to determine if you need more.

Question 4

is stevia safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Nothing so far to indicate it is not.

Question 5

is pure via the same as stevia?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly: Purevia is a brand of sweetener based on stevia, which means purevia contains stevia extract, but also contains other things.  Stevia is a family of plants, so the word means different things, depending on what one is talking about.

Question 6

does stevia extract powder expire? if so how long does it take. ( kept in normal room temperate and with lid covering container)

Accepted Answer

Possibly about 6 mon: Because it is a plant product it my be good for about 6 months or longer
Since it tastes sweet,its being good could be tested by its taste.If the taste in quality and quantitiy  did not change, it may be used till the change happens.

Question 7

can stevia help treat diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Not really.: Stevia is a plant extract which is an artificial sweetener (food additive, not a medication).  Using this to sweeten foods and drinks instead of sugar will make for less of a glucose elevation, but it is not an actual treatment.  A 'treatment' for diabetes is a medication that actively lowers the blood sugar level.

Question 8

is stevia in raw sugar be good/better or beneficial?

Accepted Answer

No different: It's just sugar and just calories. No better, no worse, just more expensive and advertised a lot.

Question 9

does adding things like stevia to my tea affect the health?

Accepted Answer

Not known: Stevia is a natural product not known to cause any side effects as i know of.

Question 10

can truvia be the best choice of sugar since it's from stevia?

Accepted Answer

They're all: Pretty much interchangable from a medical standpoint. Pick which ever one tastes best to you. Some cannot be used in cooking.

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Doctor answers about:

Agave nectar vs stevia

A member asked:

Cutting out sugar for health. afraid of splenda and nutra sweet. what about other alternatives like stevia or agave? any red flags or recommendations?

A member asked:

Bought blue agave sweetener. says it's low glycemic. switched from splenda. don't like stevia. am i doing myself any favors? no diabetes, but hi risk.

A member asked:

What is stevia?

A member asked:

Is stevia safe?

A member asked:

Is pure via the same as stevia?

A member asked:

Does stevia extract powder expire? if so how long does it take. ( kept in normal room temperate and with lid covering container)

A member asked:

Can stevia help treat diabetes?

A member asked:

Is stevia in raw sugar be good/better or beneficial?

A member asked:

Does adding things like stevia to my tea affect the health?

A member asked:

Can truvia be the best choice of sugar since it's from stevia?

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