Can Stevia Help My Sweet Cravings?

I’m a total sugarholic. I can’t walk by the office candy bowl without grabbing a handful. And forget about the days we have birthday cake! I’m starting to feel a little paranoid that people are looking at me and thinking, ‘She sure can’t control herself.’ Is there a way to tame my sweet tooth?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Sugar cravings are primarily genetically predetermined. To fulfill yours-without filling out-try Stevia, an herbal sugar substitute that is calorie-free and nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar. Stevia is popular worldwide, especially in Japan, where only 2.9 percent of women are obese (compared to 34 percent of U.S. women). Plus, it’s actually good for you. A Purdue University study found that Stevia inhibits the formation of cavity-causing plaque, while others confirm its ability to lower blood pressure and kill bacteria. A little goes a long way, so use just a pinch of the powdered herb or a drop of the liquid concentrate