Newswise — Accurate and reliable information regarding stevia, a natural, zero calorie sweetener is now available on the Web via a new site – www.steviabenefits.org.
The site:• Provides consumers and health professionals with objective, scientific information about stevia sweeteners, which are used in products such as tabletop sweeteners, reduced calorie beverages and ice cream• Contains links to research on stevia sweeteners and recipe information for consumers to incorporate stevia sweeteners into a healthful lifestyle • Addresses how stevia sweeteners are made, their safety record and more
"This resource is designed to provide consumers with the scientific truth about stevia sweeteners. Stevia is a safe, zero calorie sweetener that can help people enjoy lower-calorie, sugar-free foods and beverages that taste like the full-calorie versions. The safety of stevia is well documented and affirmed worldwide," noted Lyn Nabors, president of the Calorie Control Council.
Stevia is a South American plant native to Paraguay that traditionally has been used to sweeten beverages and make tea. The word “stevia” refers to the entire plant and its components, only some of which are sweet.
The sweet tasting components of the stevia plant are called steviol glycosides. Rebaudioside A is one steviol glycoside that is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Steviol glycosides can be isolated and purified from the leaves of the stevia plant and provide sweet taste in foods, beverages and tabletop sweeteners in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Worldwide, steviol glycosides are approved in many countries, including Mexico, China, Russia and Australia and the safety of these sweeteners is supported by the World Health Organization's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives.
Stevia sweeteners are not only safe, but also helpful in weight control. “The Calorie Control Council's national consumer survey shows that the majority of Americans want more low-calorie, sugar-free foods and beverages from which to choose. Further, consumption of reduced-calorie, sugar-free foods and beverages is directly in line with new research finding that ‘calories count’ when it comes to successful weight loss and maintenance” adds Nabors.
Even cutting just 100 calories per day, such as substituting a low fat version of a favorite food or a stevia sweetener in place of sugar, could mean big changes in a person’s health and waistline. According to Harvard’s Dr. George Blackburn, ''Those 100 calories add up to 10 pounds a year. Small changes in caloric intake can result in small but meaningful healthier weights. Most people would be happy with that.''
Visit http://www.steviabenefits.org for factual information about stevia sweeteners.
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