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Archive October 2007atest News 25th October Is there a natural alternative to sugar? With not only sugar being widely documented as being a danger to our health, but also the alternatives such as saccharin and even worse, aspartame, where can we find a safe and natural sugar substitute? Stevia (sweetleaf or sugarleaf) is a herb that comes from the sunflower family and is native to tropical and subtropical South and Cental America. The leaf powder is as much as 15 times sweeter than sugar, yet contains no calories or carbohydrates. This makes it beneficial, not only from a health point of view, but for those following a diet in order to lose weight. It has a negligible effect on blood sugar and is sold as a dietary supplement. It is now widely used as a sweetener in Japan and like anything natural, has had some bad press. It is banned in the United States after an annonymous complaint and it is suspected that the sweetener industry pressured the FDA to keep it out of the U.S despite it's benefits and once again it would affect sales of sugar and sweetener. As it is a natural product it can not be patented. The FDA has never revealed the source of the annonymous complaint. Stevia inhibits dental plaque when used as a replacement for sugar and also controls candida when used as a replacement for sugar, sweetener and honey. It can also control blood sugar levels and improve stamina. It also contains many nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, calcium vitamins, fibre and protein. Studies have also shown that it beneficial in treating high blood pressure and obesity. With sugar being linked to diabetes, toothy decay and gum disease, immune system suppression, candida growth, elevation of cholesterol and contributing towards heart disease, migraines, obesity and even cancer, is it not time to change to a natural product? As we have discussed before on the chemicals pages, many governing bodies including pharmaceutical companies make a lot of money from things that are bad for us so it is not surprising that they make their own rules regarding natural products when it means that millions of dollars, pounds or euro's will be lost as a result of the consumers desire for a healthier lifestyle. We don't have a say as the products are banned and this is out of our control. When you consider that tobacco companies are still paying out money in law suites on something where the dangers were hidden from us all for a great many decades because of the billions it was making, then why should we be constantly dictated to while all along, our health is suffering? Artificial Sweeteners have been proven to cause serious health problems as they break down into hazardous toxins in the body. Aspartame has 92 dangerous side effects with countless studies proving its link to neurological and nervous system problems. Strangely enough, saccharin even states on the packaging that it can cause cancer!!!! These things are making big money due to consumers using them instead of sugar and our governments allow products that are likely to kill us to be sold. But when a natural product is discovered with only benefits to health, it is suddenly banned. I find this amazing. Just as all the chemicals in products are covered up as whilst listed, we are not informed of their dangerous effect on our overall health. Only now are things starting to come out and people are starting to see the very frightening truth. However, thankfully, Stevia is available online and in health food shops in powdered and liquid form for use as a dietary supplement. We should have freedom of choice, but once again, this is denied us and so many people are robbed of their health and also their lives for the sake of industry and the money it gains. |
