(ARA) – Parties and sweets go hand-in-hand, but if you suffer from diabetes, cakes, cookies and candies are off-limits. Even a little bit of sucrose can send a diabetic person's blood sugar levels soaring. People with diabetes are not capable of regulating their blood sugar. Their bodies either don't produce enough insulin or any insulin at all. Insulin is the hormone essential for the transport of glucose -- or energy -- to the cells.

Over time, if it doesn't do its job, a person will have too much sugar in his or her blood. High blood sugar levels can lead to a heart attack, stroke, loss of circulation or even death.

"Since they have to avoid sugar at all costs, any event where sweets are plentiful can be disappointing, but thanks to a tiny herb native to the jungles of Paraguay, that may soon change for a lot of people," says Steve May, COO of SweetLeaf Stevia, an Arizona-based firm that sells all-natural dietary supplements.

One of the products that has become a big seller for May's company is SweetLeaf Stevia, a naturally sweet plant native to Paraguay. It is 30 times sweeter than sugar in its unprocessed form.

"The numerous studies on stevia have shown it to be all-natural, have zero calories, zero carbohydrates and a zero glycemic index," says May. "Through a patented process the pure glycosides are extracted from the stevia leaves and turned into an intensely sweet powder."

Stevia is sold as a dietary supplement that is safe for everyone, including those with diabetes. SweetLeaf manufactures and markets a full line of stevia products available in convenient single serving packets, liquid, powder, tabs and concentrate, including their best selling (in the United States) SweetLeaf SteviaPlus in packets. Because it is so sweet, a little stevia goes a long way, and since it's stable in hot and cold foods, stevia can be used in most recipes that call for sugar.

Here are some recipes people with diabetes can enjoy using SweetLeaf SteviaPlus:

* French Toast

Ingredients:

4 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

Pinch of salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon)

1/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

6 slices whole wheat or whole spelt bread, frozen

Cooking oil (canola preferred)

Butter

Directions: In a shallow dish, combine the eggs, milk, salt, SteviaPlus and cinnamon, mixing well. Warm about 1 tablespoon butter plus 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Dunk the slices of bread into the egg mixture, coating well. Carefully transfer them to a hot frying pan. Cook them until they are golden brown on each side, adding oil as necessary to keep them from sticking to the pan.

Serve hot with butter or Nut Butter and sugar free pancake syrup. Serves 3.

(Source: Sharron Long's Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place. Sugar Free Recipes Featuring SteviaPlus.)

* Pleasing Almond Macadamia Dessert

Ingredients:

1 cup ground almonds

1/2 cup ground macadamia nuts

3/4 teaspoon SteviaPlus

1/3 cup sugar-free flavored specialty syrup

3/4 cup Almond Milk or 1/2 cup heavy cream thinned with water to make 3/4 cup (but not if you have Candida)

1/3 cup butter (room temperature)

2 eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

Cooking oil spray

Directions: Place all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. On the lowest speed of a mixer, blend all ingredients until thoroughly combined. Turn the speed to medium, and beat the batter for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl often. It should become light and fluffy. Spray a 9 inch square cake pan with cooking oil spray. Pour the batter into the pan. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until the dessert tests clean with a tooth pick. Be careful not to open the oven too soon or it will fall! Place the dessert on a wire rack to cool. Serve it plain, or spread with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. Makes 9 servings.

(Source: Sharron Long's Low Carb Cooking at Sharron's Place. Sugar Free Recipes Featuring SteviaPlus.)

For more stevia specific recipes, visit www.sweetleaf.com. Stevia can be found in most local natural food and health food stores. In grocery stores, stevia products are typically found in the health food aisle with other supplements. For a free sample call (800) 899-9908 or go to www.sweetleaf.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content


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Courtesy of ARA Content