Erythritol or Stevia

Erythritol

Description Erythritol, a member of the sugar alcohol family, is a sweetener that is naturally occurring in various fruits and fermented foods. It is a crystalline powder that is white in color, similar to table sugar. It has a clean, sweet taste, almost identical to sugar, but without the bitter aftertaste that some other sweeteners have. What sets erythritol apart is that it provides the sweetness we crave, but it does not have the calories or raise blood sugar levels, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals and diabetics.

Primary Uses Erythritol is commonly used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking. It is a key ingredient in a wide array of dishes, from desserts to beverages, and is particularly popular in low-carb and sugar-free recipes. Beyond its culinary uses, erythritol is also used in oral health products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, due to its ability to inhibit harmful bacteria growth while not feeding the plaque-producing bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

History Erythritol was discovered in 1848 by a Scottish chemist named John Stenhouse. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that it began to be used as a sugar substitute in Japan, and it has since gained popularity worldwide. There's an intriguing aspect to erythritol's history: despite being a relatively recent addition to our pantries, it's been part of the human diet for thousands of years, as it naturally occurs in fruits like grapes and melons.

Nutritional Information Erythritol is a zero-calorie sweetener, and it does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels, making it an excellent choice for those managing their sugar intake. It also has a zero glycemic index. Compared to sugar, which has 4 calories per gram, erythritol has only 0.24 calories per gram. In terms of health benefits, erythritol does not contribute to tooth decay like other sugars and sugar alcohols. It is also easier on the digestive system compared to other sugar alcohols.

Stevia

Description Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The leaves are dried and pulverized into a powder that is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia has a slightly licorice-like flavor, which differentiates it from other sweeteners.

Primary Uses Stevia is widely used as a sugar substitute in a variety of foods and beverages, including teas, soft drinks, juices, yogurt, baked goods, and candy. It's also a popular choice for sweetening coffee and tea at home. Apart from its culinary uses, Stevia has been used in traditional medicine in Paraguay for hundreds of years to treat diabetes and hypertension.

History Stevia has a rich history dating back more than 1,500 years when the Guarani people of Paraguay and Brazil used it to sweeten their traditional yerba mate tea and medicinal potions. It was 'rediscovered' by Western culture in the 19th century by Swiss botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni, who noted its intense sweetness. In the 21st century, Stevia has become a global phenomenon, embraced as a natural, calorie-free sweetener.

Nutritional Information Stevia is calorie-free, making it a popular choice for weight management. It does not affect blood glucose levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes. Stevia also contains several beneficial compounds, including antioxidants and compounds that can lower blood pressure. However, it's important to note that commercial Stevia sweeteners are often mixed with other sugars or sugar alcohols, so it's essential to read labels carefully.