ORGANIC STEVIA LEAF VS. ERYTHRITOL
When it comes to sweeteners, there are a plethora of options available on the market today. Two popular natural sweeteners are organic stevia leaf extract and erythritol. While both of these sweeteners are great alternatives to traditional sugar, there are some key differences between them that can make one a better choice than the other depending on your health goals.
For the record, at Honey Badger, we only use organic stevia leaf extract in all of our flavored formulas WITHOUT erythritol.
ORGANIC STEVIA LEAF
Organic stevia leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, which is native to South America. Stevia has been used for centuries by the Guarani people of Paraguay as a natural sweetener. Stevia is now widely used as a natural sugar substitute and has gained popularity in recent years due to its zero calorie content and low glycemic index. The stevia leaf extract is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, meaning you need less of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.
ERYTHRITOL
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It has gained popularity as a natural sweetener because it has zero calories, does not raise blood sugar levels, and does not cause tooth decay. Erythritol is approximately 70% as sweet as sugar, so you need to use more of it to achieve the same level of sweetness.
WHAT SWEETENER IS BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH?
Organic stevia leaf extract has several benefits over erythritol. One of the biggest benefits of stevia is that it has no calories, making it an excellent choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Stevia has also been shown to have potential health benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and acting as an antioxidant.
Erythritol, on the other hand, has been known to cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. While erythritol has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels, it does not offer the same health benefits as stevia. A recent study conducted by nature medicine may show some health risks with large consumption of erythritol. More research is needed to conclude the findings.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while both organic stevia leaf extract and erythritol are excellent natural sugar substitutes, organic stevia leaf extract is a better choice for those who are looking for a zero calorie, low glycemic index sweetener with potential health benefits. Erythritol can be used for those who want a natural sweetener but may need to use a bit more to achieve the desired level of sweetness. As always, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.