Stevia

The other day I posted a question about aspartame. Someone suggested using Stevia instead. I went to GNC today and the person there gave me a box of 100 packets of "NuNaturals NuStevia (White Stevia Powder). I asked her if this 'NuStevia' was the same as 'Stevia' and she said "Yes."

The Supplement Facts on back of box read: "Other ingredients: Maltodextrin and natural flavors. Suggested use: Add 1 packet directly to food or beverage. NuNaturals uses our special, highly concentrated Stevia EXTRACT, NuStevia, from which the bitterness of the EXTRACT has been removed. Be assured that this is a true Stevia EXTRACT, consistent in the quality that you expect from NuNaturals. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from corn, added to make measuring easier. NuNaturals uses plant-based natural flavors that help to make our Stevia products the best-tasting ones available. NuStevia is a natural plant EXTRACT. Contains no soy, yeast, gluten, wheat, milk, synthetics, artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, or artificial sweeteners."

#1- What I am questioning is - is ths box that I bought, NuNaturals NuStevia (White Stevia Powder), the same as the Stevia that was recommended to me to use in place of the Equal? Is there a difference between the "Stevia" recommended to me the other day and the box I bought today of "NuStevia?"

On the side of the box it mentions: "NuStevia White Stevia Pure EXTRACT Powder and Quick Dissolve Tabs both without maltodextrin.'

The box I bought of NuStevia (White Stevia Powder) states that it DOES contain Maltodextrin.

#2- Does this make a difference? That the NuStevia White Pure EXTRACT Powder does not contain maltodextrin and that the NuStevia (White Stevia Powder) that I bought, does contain maltodextrin?

Do I have to return the box I bought? Thank you.

Thank you for your response. I decided to return the NuStevia for a refund. I was using one packet of Equal with my Quaker Puffed Rice cereal and one packet of Equal with my coffee. I am now using 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda in my All Bran and 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda in my coffee (which I have about 2-3 times a week).

It is so hard trying to find a suitable sugar substitute (they all say approved for Diabetics). I just noticed that the Ricola throat drops I like also contain aspartane.

Someone told me that it is not unusual to get a BG reading of 180 if you test too soon after a meal. Does that sound right?

Warren - Thank you for your reply. I have been looking at a few glycemic index lists on the web. As a matter of fact, that is why I stopped using Quaker Puffed Rice and switched to All Bran. Also, I stopped using one packet of Equal in the Quaker Puffed Rice (now All Bran) and use 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda. Also have given up the one packet of Equal in coffee (which I have about 2-3 times a week) and substituted 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda.

I know now about waiting 2 hours after eating to do a test, but how long should one wait after walking, say, 2 1/2 miles? Should you wait 2 hours also? No food involved, just the walking! Would you or someone else know? Thanks.

Sunday I had fairly large lunch at 12 noon and then went to a movie, got out about 2:15 pm and then went for a 2 mile walk. At about 3:30 pm I did BG test and it was 105. (As I said in previous posts, I consider myself pre-diabetic and want to do things now to possibly prevent onset of II or I.)

Bob

Thanks for the info. I have sent for "Stevia Liquid Concentrate @ 4.84 Dark 1 fl oz from" and intend to use it in my coffee. (Practically everything else I look at has aspartane in it.)

Any suggestions as what to use with All Bran cereal (besides 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda), or should I make a seperate post for this question?

Bob

Thank you very much. I will try it with my All Bran (yes, I use 'Lactose Free - Fat Free' milk. I read the post by the person who tried the Stevia and said it taste "horrible." I guess it might be an acquired taste, but I am very willing to give it a try.

Bob

Robert2 said...
Warren -

Thanks for the info. I have sent for "Stevia Liquid Concentrate @ 4.84 Dark 1 fl oz from" and intend to use it in my coffee. (Practically everything else I look at has aspartane in it.)

Any suggestions as what to use with All Bran cereal (besides 1/2 teaspoon of Splenda), or should I make a seperate post for this question?

Bob

Post Edited (desertdiabetic) : 12/26/2005 11:56:58 AM (GMT-7)

HOWEVER, Maltodextrin's glycemic index should be considered metabolically equivalent to glucose (dextrose).   With this as a postcript, if you are using the GI index for your diet, you should exercise appropriate caution when using maltodextrin.

 Warren

Robert2 said: Someone told me that it is not unusual to get a BG reading of 180 if you test too soon after a meal. Does that sound right?    Posted 11/21/2005 3:59 PM (GMT -5)   

Warren said: Absolutely!  Especially if you have any appreciable carbs in your meal they can spike your BS right up there in fairly short order.  If you are skeptical try eating a really ripe banana and then 20 mins later taking your BS reading!!

A few of the members have writen in other places in this forum about the "glycemic" index and briefly how it works.  This is something you might be interested in.  It shows a "value" for different foods and represents how fast they will convert and be absorbed as sugar in your blood.

In any event, my Docs have consistantly told me that 160 or less 2 hours after eating is a normal thing.  Typically you would like to keep your spikes under 200 and see your postprandials (that 2 hour after thingy) below that 160 mark. (and realize that most of us don't know what our spikes are in that we only measure for that 2hr after reading).   Posted 11/21/2005 5:09 PM (GMT -5)

That got me thinking about my original question on 11/21/05 (above) and I looked on the internet and saw this posting ""Normal (non-diabetic) people can go up to 180 depending on the food intake, how well they are and also what they are doing. The main thing is how fast it comes down again. A non-diabetic will usually return to normal within 1/2 to 1 hour - depending on circumstances."

Can a non-diabetic ever have a reading of 180? Would someone please clarify?

( I believe my original question should have read "Someone told me that it is not unusual for a non-diabetic to get a BG reading of 180 if they test 90 minutes after a meal, depending on what was eaten. Does that sound right? Posted 11/21/2005 3:59 PM")

Post Edited (Robert2) : 1/3/2006 8:00:52 PM (GMT-7)

Hi Sharer (Im not sure which Warren you were addressing so I'll answer this)

FDA Consumer Magazine said...
Another product, stevia, is derived from a South American shrub. Though it can impart a sweet taste to foods, it cannot be sold as a sweetener because FDA considers it an unapproved food additive. "The safety of stevia has been questioned by published studies," says Martha Peiperl, a consumer safety officer in FDA's Office of Premarket Approval. "And no one has ever provided FDA with adequate evidence that the substance is safe." Under provisions of 1994 legislation, however, stevia can be sold as a "dietary supplement," though it cannot be promoted as a sweetener.

This is taken directly from the official FDA consumer magazine as of December 2004.  I haven't heard anything about any type of approval in 2005.