Stevia vs. Truvia: Which is Better? - Thomas DeLauer I answer the question that so many wonder about! Which 'natural' sweetener should you use?!
Too much sugar is definitely a bad thing. Leading to diabetes, obesity and many other health problems it is important to eliminate as much refined sugar from our diets as possible. On the flip side of the coin, chemically made no-calorie sweeteners have been linked to conditions such as obesity and cancer, along with other health issues.
As happens when there is a need, a plant that is many times sweeter than sugar has emerged: stevia.
When shopping, you will see stevia alongside Truvia, and you may find yourself asking, what is the difference?
Stevia: (1)
-Stevia is a plant-derived sweetener that has been used in Paraguay and Brazil for hundreds of years as a sweetener. It has even been used to treat colic, stomach problems and burns in these regions.
-What is sold as stevia here is actually a chemical compound from the plant, not the plant itself. Crude stevia extracts and stevia leaves have not been approved by the FDA due to some health concerns, however a chemical called Rebaudioside A found in stevia has been approved.
-Stevia has no calories and is 200 times sweeter than sugar at equal concentrations.
-A 2010 study published in the journal Appetite tested multiple artificial sweeteners and stevia against sugar in 31 individuals. It found that those who consumed stevia instead of sugar did not overeat after their meal (which has been found to occur with some artificial sweeteners), and that their blood sugar levels were lower after a meal with stevia than a meal with sugar.
Truvia (2):
Truvia is not just a brand name for stevia. This is a trademarked brand name that sells a product that is made up of erythritol, stevia leaf extract and natural flavors, in that order.
-Erythritol is a sugar alcohol.
-Sugar alcohols are found in very small amounts naturally in some fruits, and their benefit is that they are not absorbed when consumed, so there is no increase in blood sugar or release of insulin.
-Sugar alcohols have been used as a sugar replacement is many foods, including gum and other sugar-free products. Sugar alcohols have been found to cause dietary upset, such as loose stools and cramping. For erythritol, the quantities it took were much larger than what you would expect to find in a serving of Truvia, however different people respond differently.
-Erythritol is added as a bulking agent as it takes a very small amount of stevia to sweeten things, such as a cup of coffee.
Summary:
*As Truvia has additional ingredients that may cause dietary upset for some people, pure stevia may be the way to go. There are less additives and more of the real thing.
References:
1. What is Stevia?
2. Truvia Natural Sweetener Side Effects and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
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