There are two additional types of Stevia products to consider:
3. Pure Stevia Extract Products
Market demand for a product without that slight bitter aftertaste has given birth to stevia extract, which is mostly an extraction of the rebaudioside, that sweetest and least bitter part of the stevia leaf, which is also the only compound of stevia legally allowed by the FDA to be commercially labeled as a sweetener.
Benefits? Much sweeter than the green forms and without that bitter aftertaste, but also without the health benefits of stevioside. Many times sweeter than table sugar. Comes either in a powder or liquid form. If you buy the liquid form, make sure it’s natural and doesn’t contain stuff like glycerin.
4. Frankesteinian Stevia Products (like Truvia)
That’s basically processed stevia with added ingredients or “natural flavors”. Truvia, for example, uses a 42-step process to make their stevia product. They extract the rebaudioside and add chemical substances like the liver-toxic and carcinogenic acetonitrile and GMO-corn-based erythritol. KalPure Stevia isn’t very pure either — their product is made in China and contains maltodextrin (starch). Many other brands also put some sugars from GMO corn.
Is Stevia harmful? If you don’t stay away from those brands, it can certainly be. Stick to certified organic stevia products clean of harmful substances and you’ll be golden.
Now that you know all about Stevia benefits and potential side effects, it’s time to have a look at your favorite recipes and think about substituting the processed sugar for a healthier alternative: Popular Sugar Substitutes.
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Source: Regev Elya