The temptation for something sweet is bound to occur; sometimes we are just sweet chasing yoyo fans. Although some of us are outright ‘sweet tooth’ followers others are less inclined for ‘the sweet’ while preferring pungent, bitter, salty or sour tastes. If you are about to take part in sport or have finished a hard physical activity you feel the need to boost up your energy.

The quickest way and tendency to lift energy and give ourselves a sweet taste is through sugar. There are various sources of simple sugar ranging from refined sugar in drinks and snacks or in unrefined forms through fruits. Then there are types of syrups such as maple syrup and indeed maple syrup is highly famous in Canada. In Canada the maple tree enjoys wide recognition and its leaf has been made a national symbol! From the inner sap of the maple tree we derive maple syrup, while maple sugar is processed from the popular maple tree.

Sugar cane and sugar beet are sourced and processed to provide molasses, brown and white sugar. Being high in sugar, syrups may not be what we need sometimes. It can occur that we have the craving for something sweet but do not necessarily need to raise our blood sugar up! It even happens with any lax activity; sitting at the office or lying on a couch at home and not being active may still sprout the craving for something sweet.

A perfect substance can provide something sweet without raising our blood sugar; that is stevia. Stevia gives you sweetness without concern on calories. The best is it can be used by diabetics with high blood sugar. We can purchase it as syrup, in powdered form or as dried leaves. It is versatile enough to replace sugar in hot and cool beverages; and adding a sweeter touch to any food.

South America is the original habitat of stevia and this plant enjoys warm weather but not excessive water! Although this plant does not drink high levels of water, it makes our drinks so sweet and enjoyable! Stevia is actually an herb and we can grow our own stevia! Pick a leaf and chew it for the greatest sweetness you have had! The stevia herb is extremely potent and when used we need only a minor amount as it is far greater in sweet strength than sugar and honey or other syrups. Take a small section of the fresh leaf when you try it.

The level of sweetness varies according to the plants growing conditions. The nutrients in the soil have and do affect the health of plants. When you do plant stevia rely on taking a transplant (a section of the plant) rather than the seeds, which are harder to sprout. It is difficult to imagine that a leaf can be profoundly sweet until you have tried and tasted it for yourself. If you’re fortunate to have this sweet plant nearby, and there may be times when you have a sweet tooth, then you might just pop in a green stevia leaf.