Food: GLORIOUS STEVIA

Glorious, the Philippines’ first Stevia grower and manufacturer, is positive about its outlook despite almost two years into the pandemic. As more people turn to healthier alternatives, sales of stevia products continue to grow. In fact, according to agribusiness finance giant Rabobank, Stevia sales are expected to hit USD700 million worldwide in the next few years. Through Glorious, consumers in the Philippines can now get their calorie-free sugar needs from stevia, a natural alternative now widely used as a substitute for artificial sweeteners in many products.

“Stevia has been touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute with proven health benefits. It can sweeten foods, and it has several health benefits, including decreased calorie intake, lower blood sugar levels, and less risk of cavities,” said Maura De Leon, the woman behind Glorious.

“What’s even better is that you can use Stevia to make healthy desserts that are diabetic and keto-friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions.”

While it has zero calories, stevia is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar and does not affect blood sugar. It is a popular option for people looking to lose weight while reducing their sugar intake.

Stevia is a natural sweetener taken from the leaves of a bushy shrub that has been grown in tropical climates for centuries. The Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana) has 150 species known to have originated from North and South America, but it can be quickly grown elsewhere. Currently, it is produced by lots of countries, with China as the number one exporter of stevia products, and can be purchased at garden centers for home growing.

“Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you don’t have to add much. It’s good to note that the Philippines is also catching up on the use of this natural sweetener in various food preparations,” added De Leon.

Diabetics, in particular, can benefit from Stevia. Choosing pure stevia extract can help maintain normal blood sugar levels and should be used in moderation. Stevia can also help cut down sugar consumption, which can be beneficial for children. High sugar intake in children could lead to heart disease due to reconstructing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, contributing to children’s weight gain. Substituting stevia for sugar can minimize these risks. At the same time, moderate consumption of foods with stevia and other sweeteners can prevent adverse side effects and promote overall health.

What’s even better is that you can use Stevia to make healthy desserts that are diabetic and keto-friendly. This is great for people who have a sweet tooth but can’t indulge because of health restrictions. Stevia products such as teas, juices, healthy coffees, chocolate beverages, and natural sweeteners manufactured by Glorious are approved safe by the Food and Drug Association (FDA). All Glorious Blend beverages — from the 3-in-1, 5-in-1, 7-in-1 mixes — use zero-calorie Stevia which has no carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index. All of the Glorious instant drinks will keep you alert and energized throughout the day.

For more information, check out https://gidc.com.ph.