While type 1
diabetes, also known as the juvenile type of diabetes is generally hereditary,
Type 2 diabetes is often acquired.
Generally, adults from 40 above can be at risk with this disease. However, in
some cases, individuals
between 30 and 40 can also be susceptible for type 2 diabetes. With acquired
diabetes, lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits are always the culprit.
Individuals who have a diabetes history tend to be conscious
with their health and thus, are apt to change their lifestyle.
Using a sugar-substitute as sweetener is
one way to prevent elevated-sugar levels. Generally, low-calorie sweeteners
like aspartame (Equal), saccharin (Sudar
Twin) and sucralose (Splenda) are popular in the market. These are considered to
have no calories at all as these are manufactured synthetically. Although,
low-calorie sweeteners are considered as artificial, the FDA considers them as
safe. Green Stevia has also becoming known for a sugar substitute. However,
can it be recommendable as well?
Facts about Green Stevia
Green Stevia
is a food supplement powder manufactured by GX
International. It is generally available in 1 g sachet. According to the
company, Green Stevia
is cited not to include chemicals. But, aside from pure powdered extract of the
Stevia
Rebaudiana
Bertoni
plant, it also contains maltodextrin.
Maltodextrin
is a food additive either a thickener or a filler. It is also an artificial
sweetener.
Steviol glycosides are
also responsible for the sweet taste of stevia which is
usually isolated from the leaves of the plant.
Green Stevia
sugar-substitute is not advised for pregnant and lactating mothers. It is also
not intended for children. More to this, individuals with diabetes and those
with low blood pressure issues are precautioned
with the use Green Stevia
sweeteners.
Some complaints against
Green Stevia
are allergy, dizziness, bloating and muscle pains.
Recommendations
Compared to aspartame
(Equal), saccharin (Sudar
Twin) and sucralose
(Splenda),
Green Stevia
GX International is
not entirely an artificial sweetener. The powdered extract of the stevia
leaves maybe a natural sweetener but as GX
International Green Stevia
also contains maltodextrin,
the product is not 100% natural.
Not only that Green
Stevia
can be very useful for diabetic patients, it can also be beneficial for weight
loss, heart-burn and high-blood pressure. It can be good for the heart since
Green Stevia
can help in strengthening
the heart's muscle contractions. Green Stevia
can also aid in lowering the blood's uric acid levels.
Image by the author
Care must be
practiced by a diabetic individual with a controlled blood glucose. Green Stevia
can also lower blood pressure thus, people who have hypotension
tendencies should take care in using Green Stevia
food supplement.
Finally, like other
artificial-sweeteners, GX
International Green Stevia
should only be taken in moderation.
Phoenix Montoya
@ February 3, 2014
References:
- http://www.diabetes.org.nz/about_diabetes/type_2_diabetes
- http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-682-STEVIA.aspx?activeIngredientId=682&activeIngredientName=STEVIA
Related article:
Green Stevia Sugar Substitute: Not Entirely Natural?
