Stevia, the Better Sweetener (or Why NOT to Buy Artificial Sweeteners)

Stevia has been around for millenia but only recently has made it to the western world. When I first purchased it, about 7 years ago, I could only find it in natural food stores but now it can be purchased in most major grocery stores under the brand name Truvia or Purevia.
Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is 100% natural. It comes from the stevia plant which is said to be 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar but, when sold commercially, is usually mixed with a sugar alcohol called erythritol making it comparable in sweetness.

Here's why I prefer stevia to other sweeteners:

• Stevia is all-natural
• Stevia is calorie free
• Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia does not trigger an insulin reaction
• Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia does not cause food cravings (see this article on some of the dangers of aspartame)
• Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia does not have suspected links to cancer, migraines, MS, or many of the other illness often associated with artificial sweeteners.

Most Americans think that artificial sweeteners are a terrific low-cal alternative to satisfy our sweet tooth. If that's true, one would think that sugar companies would be struggling. Nonetheless, sugar companies are thriving. Here's why: according to the USDA Factbook our sugar consumption has increased 39% since the 1950's. When were artificial sweeteners introduced to the market? 1957!