I was at the local farmer’s market yesterday talking to one of the farmers (I think I could have stayed for hours talking with him since he is so knowledgeable regarding gardening!). Anyways, I told him that I was looking for unusual things to grow this year since we like to try something new. Of course I have the usual squash, tomatoes and cucumbers planted but I want to branch out. He asked if I had ever trued stevia. I have heard of stevia, but never tried it.
So he let me pick a leaf off his little stevia plant and I gave it a try. Yep, out the whole leaf in my mouth. What a surprise! That little leaf was packed with sweetness! I was so excited since I am starting the 24 day challenge and I will be off sugar. Stevia has pretty much no calories from the information I can find online. Chop up a few leaves and add it to tea to make sweet tea without the calories!
I took my little stevia plant over to baseball practice and encouraged the parents to give it a try. They were just as surprised as I was that the little green leaf was so sweet and good. Of course Capt. M followed suit and then pretended to eat the whole plant! I can tell we will have fun with this little plant this summer!
Have you tried stevia straight from the plant?
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I had heard lots about this new sweetener and then read more about it myself…the side effects I read about discouraged me from trying it. Click around this site to find out more about the effects of long term use for yourself. It can and has in many caused digestive and metabolic problems, low blood pressure, dizziness, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, numbness, muscle pain, headaches etc. There were so many issues it discouraged me from trying it and then I discovered I was pregnant and was glad I hadnt because the FDA doesnt have enough information on it to know if its okay while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hi Ashley,
Everything we eat or drink has a potential side effect! I would rather try something natural than an artificial sweetener. The site you sent me also says there have been NO long term side effects and other countries have been using Stevia for many years. Interestingly enough, even Splenda has the same potential side effects that you listed for Stevia (which is on the market as Truvia). http://www.livestrong.com/article/160544-splenda-side-effects/ and look at the potential side effects of Aspartame http://www.livestrong.com/article/39563-side-effects-aspartame/
I understand about being pregnant and not wanting to try something! Gotta protect that precious baby. I don’t totally rely on what the FDA says though considering they think pink slime is okay among many other gross things.
Everything in moderation and we will be fine!
Ooops…forgot to include the website…there are lots of additional links through this one to read more and more.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/377132-what-are-the-side-effects-or-drawbacks-to-using-stevia/