greens+ original- now offered in a stevia free format
Stevia or no stevia? Well, that depends on your sweet tooth.
Stevia rebaudiana is a shrub grown in parts South America as well as Asia and has been used as a sweetener for centuries.1 Paraguayans have used stevia in their teas and recipes for over 1500 years!5 The leaves of the plant contain substances called glycosides that lend its sugary-sweet taste.3 In fact, the compounds found in the leaves have been shown to be more than 300 times sweeter than sucrose/table sugar.2 Stevia glycosides are not absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, so it’s zero calories and does not spike blood sugar levels, making it a great sugar substitute.
Stevia is used frequently in the food industry as a natural sweetener (most common is the extract Rebaudioside A) and has been deem safe to consume- from beverages, baked goods to supplements. It contains phytonutrients (plant nutrients) including polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids that exert health benefits. Stevia has been used for numerous medicinal purposes2:
- Blood sugar- stevia has been used to treat diabetes by adjusting glucose levels in the body.
- Blood pressure- stevia has been shown to regulate heartrate and normalize blood pressure levels.
- Anti-microbial/anti-viral/anti-fungal- Reduces tooth decay, blocks viruses from spreading, plus stevia has been shown to minimize bacterial/fungal
- Anti-inflammatory properties- phytonutrients found in stevia act as antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.
- Obesity- substituting sugar with zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia offer an alternative to manage body
Although the phytonutrients found in stevia provide awesome health benefits, it’s these compounds that lend the bitter aftertaste that some consumers experience- some may even describe it as having a licorice taste. Everyone has a unique set of taste buds that contain different ratios of sweet and bitter receptors on the tongue.4 Therefore, the bitter aftertaste of stevia can be stronger for some more than others. Alternatively, some individuals may be sensitive to sweetness levels and prefer their foods and beverages to not taste so sugary. That’s why Genuine Health is happy to now offer a stevia free option on Canada’s #1 superfood greens+ original unsweetened natural!
Achieve your potential through unique and powerful phytonutrients that will boost vitality and allow you to flourish daily. Just one serving daily of greens+ provides a synergistic blend of over 23 natural and high-quality nutrients from outside of your conventional diet to nourish your whole body. Have more daily mental and physical energy, support your gut, digestion, and immunity. It’s the most delicious and cost-effective way to get your greens and antioxidants.
For those who enjoy the taste of stevia, Genuine Health’s greens+ original is offered in a natural flavour that provides a subtly sweet kick in the easy-to-mix powder. If you want to change up your routine, try Genuine Health’s tropical fruit and mixed berry for a refreshing flavour. Greens+ is gluten and dairy free, and proudly made in Canada.
So, what should we choose, stevia or no stevia? Ultimately, it comes down to your taste preference. Stevia provides a healthy alternative to traditional sugar but is certainly not for everyone. Trust your gut, and choose what is right for you!
- Hossain, M. F., et al. "Cultivation and uses of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni): A review." African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development 17.4 (2017): 12745-12757.
- Gupta, Ena, et al. "Nutritional and therapeutic values of Stevia rebaudiana: A review." Journal of Medicinal Plants Research46 (2013): 3343-3353.
- Marcin Andrzej Kurek, Sabina Karp, Chapter 9 - Stability in food matrices, Editor(s): Charis M. Galanakis, Steviol Glycosides, Academic Press, 2021, Pages 221-242, ISBN 9780128200605, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-820060-5.00010-8.
- Barlow, Linda A. "Progress and renewal in gustation: new insights into taste bud development." Development 142.21 (2015): 3620-3629.
- Ahmad, Jamil, et al. "Stevia rebaudiana: an updated review of its health benefits, industrial applications and safety." Trends in Food Science & Technology 100 (2020): 177-189.
