Friday, April 4, 2025

Is stevia healthier than cane sugar

Yes, there are cookies and ice creams sweetened with stevia available for those seeking sugar-free or low-sugar alternatives.

### **Cookies Sweetened with Stevia**
1. **Homemade Recipes:**
- Sugar-free sugar cookies can be made using powdered stevia or liquid stevia, offering a low-calorie option without compromising flavor. Recipes often include ingredients like butter, eggs, and gluten-free flour[1][3].
- Chocolate chip cookies sweetened with stevia are another popular choice, combining cashew butter, stevia-sweetened chocolate chips, and other natural ingredients for a keto-friendly treat[6].

2. **Store-Bought Options:**
- Catalina Crunch offers sandwich cookies sweetened with stevia extract in flavors like Chocolate Vanilla, Vanilla Creme, and Chocolate Mint. These cookies also contain plant-based proteins and fibers for added nutritional benefits[7].

### **Ice Cream Sweetened with Stevia**
1. **Homemade Recipes:**
- Vanilla ice cream sweetened with stevia can be prepared at home using full-fat milk, heavy cream, stevia extract powder, and vanilla extract. This recipe is gluten-free and avoids fillers or additives commonly found in commercial products[4].

2. **Commercial Brands:**
- Brands like Enlightened and Halo Top offer ice creams sweetened with stevia in their keto-friendly lines. These products are low in sugar and carbs while maintaining creamy textures and indulgent flavors such as Chocolate Cheesecake and Red Velvet[5].

Both cookies and ice creams sweetened with stevia provide healthier alternatives to traditional sugar-sweetened desserts, catering to dietary needs such as low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly options.

Citations:
[1] https://www.splenda.com/recipe/sugar-cookies/
[2] https://www.splenda.com/recipe-category/cookies/
[3] https://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/sugarless-low-calorie-sugar-cookies/
[4] https://feastforfreedom.com/recipes/item/159-stevia-sweetened-vanilla-ice-cream
[5] https://pyureorganic.com/blogs/news/sugar-free-and-lower-sugar-ice-cream-brands
[6] https://healyeatsreal.com/keto-chocolate-chip-cookies-paleo/
[7] https://us.catalinacrunch.com/products/cookies-buy-with-prime
[8] https://www.cuisinart.com/recipes/desserts/vanilla-ice-cream-with-stevia-recipe.html
[9] https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2019/08/20/PureCircle-launches-branded-line-of-stevia-sweetened-ice-cream/
[10] https://www.dairyfoods.com/articles/93882-pure-circles-introduces-branded-stevia-sweetened-ice-cream
[11] https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/257834/sugar-free-sugar-cookies-with-sugar-free-sugar-icing/
[12] https://www.truvia.com/recipes/easy-chocolate-chip-cookies
[13] https://powerofthealmond.com/products/double-chocolate-cookies
[14] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskBaking/comments/1fcee0i/sugar_free_cookies/
[15] https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/256473/chocolate-chip-cookies-from-in-the-raw-sweeteners/
[16] https://sweetlaurel.com
[17] https://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/3-ingredient-sugar-free-peanut-butter-cookies/
[18] https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/comments/7h7snl/tried_making_cookies_with_stevia_and_they_were/
[19] https://www.walmart.com/c/kp/stevia-oatmeal-cookies
[20] https://www.reddit.com/r/AskBaking/comments/bw76sk/stevia_substitute_makes_for_distasteful_cookies/
[21] https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store-bought-cookie-guide-the-healthiest-cookies-we-found/
[22] https://hyugalife.com/product/lo-foods-keto-coconut-cookies-stevia-sweetened-sugar-free-keto-cookies-authentic-flavor-and-taste-keto-biscuits-2-8g-net-carb-keto-snacks-with-zero-sugar-low-carb-diabetic-snacks
[23] https://ketofoods.com/collections/ice-cream-bars
[24] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krc-cwRWl6g
[25] https://rebelcreamery.com
[26] https://www.icecreamscience.com/blog/stevia-ice-cream
[27] https://sodeliciousdairyfree.com/dairy-free-foods/dairy-free-frozen-desserts/coconutmilk/no-sugar-added-vanilla-bean/
[28] http://www.papafilipou.com/ice-cream/individual/fat-free-vanilla-with-stevia
[29] https://www.thelittlepine.com/sugar-free-ice-cream-brands/
[30] https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/comments/2gf3zw/full_fat_stevia_sweetened_ice_cream_does_it_exist/
[31] https://www.truvia.com/recipes/sugar-cookies-recipe-with-truvia-sweet-complete-all-purpose-sweetener
[32] https://www.healthygutfx.com/recipe/stevia-chocolate-chip-cookies/
[33] https://www.lilys.com/products/lilys-dark-chocolate-style-baking-chips-9-oz-bag.html
[34] https://www.reddit.com/r/icecreamery/comments/1fs1co4/sugar_free_ice_cream/
[35] https://sugarfreelondoner.com/sugar-free-ice-cream/
[36] https://traditionalcookingschool.com/food-preparation/thms-stevia-sweetened-blackberry-cheesecake-ice-cream/

---
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-stevia-healthier-than-cane-ooEYV2mbQtmNoB8NKGhGaw

Pete
at 7:14 AM 0 comments

Is stevia healthier than cane sugar

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/is-stevia-healthier-than-cane-ooEYV2mbQtmNoB8NKGhGaw

Stevia is generally considered healthier than cane sugar for several reasons, particularly in terms of its impact on calorie intake, blood sugar levels, and overall health.

### **Key Health Comparisons**

1. **Caloric Content:**
- Cane sugar is energy-dense, providing about 15 calories per teaspoon (4 grams), which can contribute to weight gain when consumed excessively[1][2][4].
- Stevia, on the other hand, is virtually calorie-free, making it a suitable choice for those aiming to manage weight or reduce calorie intake[1][2][5].

2. **Blood Sugar Impact:**
- Cane sugar has a high glycemic index (GI of 65), meaning it can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which is problematic for individuals with diabetes or insulin sensitivity[2][4].
- Stevia has a glycemic index of 0 and does not cause blood sugar spikes, making it a safer option for diabetics and those monitoring blood sugar levels[1][4][5].

3. **Sweetness Intensity:**
- Stevia is 200–400 times sweeter than cane sugar, requiring much smaller quantities to achieve the same level of sweetness. This reduces overall caloric and carbohydrate consumption[1][5][6].

4. **Nutritional Profile:**
- Cane sugar provides quick energy but lacks essential nutrients and can lead to inflammation and metabolic issues if overconsumed[1][2].
- Stevia is non-nutritive and does not contribute calories or carbohydrates. However, most of its natural vitamins and minerals are lost during processing[2][5].

5. **Health Benefits:**
- Stevia has been linked to potential benefits such as improved insulin sensitivity, reduced triglycerides, and increased HDL (good cholesterol) levels in animal studies[2]. It may also aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake[5].
- Conversely, excessive consumption of cane sugar is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental cavities[2][4].

### **Drawbacks to Consider**
- **Cane Sugar:** While it has a familiar taste and texture that works well in cooking and baking (e.g., caramelization), its high caloric content and potential for blood sugar crashes make it less ideal for health-conscious individuals[1].
- **Stevia:** Some people find stevia's taste slightly bitter or detect an aftertaste. Additionally, recipes using stevia may lack the bulk or texture provided by cane sugar[1][4].

### **Conclusion**
Stevia is healthier than cane sugar for individuals aiming to manage weight, control blood sugar levels, or reduce calorie intake. However, personal preferences regarding taste and cooking applications may influence the choice between the two. Moderation remains key with all sweeteners to avoid potential side effects or overconsumption.

Citations:
[1] https://chewwies.com/blogs/blog/cane-sugar-vs-stevia
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/stevia-vs-sugar
[3] https://www.iconfoods.com/stevia-vs-cane-sugar-whats-the-best-choice/
[4] https://thrivemarket.com/blog/stevia-vs-sugar
[5] https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/what-is-stevia
[6] https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/diet-nutrition/natural-sweeteners
[7] https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/08/are-natural-sweeteners-healthier-than-sugar
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/nutrition/comments/yfi1b9/stevia_vs_fructose_vs_pure_unrefined_cane_sugar/
[9] https://healthmatters.nyp.org/is-sugar-better-for-you-than-artificial-sweeteners/

---
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

Pete
at 7:11 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Fwd: Friends of Ecusta Trail April 2025 Newsletter


Pete

Begin forwarded message:

From: Friends of Ecusta Trail <friendsoftheecustatrail@mailman.bloomerang-mail.com>
Date: April 1, 2025 at 6:19:32 AM EDT
To: Peter and Tess Tintle <peteandtess@gmail.com>
Subject: Friends of Ecusta Trail April 2025 Newsletter


at 6:16 AM 0 comments

Fwd: The Morning: Cutting off NPR and PBS


Pete

Begin forwarded message:

From: The New York Times <nytdirect@nytimes.com>
Date: April 1, 2025 at 6:45:14 AM EDT
To: peteandtess@gmail.com
Subject: The Morning: Cutting off NPR and PBS

Public airwaves

Author Headshot

By Benjamin Mullin

I cover the media.

There is no reason, Republicans say, for the government to fund NPR and PBS.

Last week, G.O.P. members of Congress, led by Marjorie Taylor Greene, flayed the leaders of both organizations for what they said was partisan programming. "You all can hate us on your own dime," Greene said. The next day, a Republican introduced a bill to end all government support.

What would happen to public broadcasting if Republicans succeeded? In today's newsletter, I'll explain.

NPR

The specter of government abandonment has haunted public radio for so long that executives drafted a secret plan for the worst.

In February 2011, NPR assembled a 36-page document that detailed exactly what would happen if the Treasury stopped cutting checks to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the government-backed company that supports NPR and PBS. The document, which has not previously been reported, is bleak. It describes a precarious radio system that will bear the blow poorly, with consequences for listeners across the nation.

"Most NPR member stations operate at, or barely above, break-even," it begins. A cutoff would cause up to $240 million to vanish and up to 18 percent of roughly 1,000 member stations to close. The Midwest, the South and the West would be affected the most. Nationwide, up to 30 percent of listeners would lose access to NPR programming.

NPR provides national coverage, but the independent member stations across the country get most of the money devoted to public radio. That makes them more vulnerable than the national headquarters, which says it gets only 1 percent of its budget from Congress. (It gets a bit more from local stations that pay for its programming).

The exterior of NPR's building in Washington. It has a news ticker on its facade.
NPR's headquarters in Washington, D.C. Eric Lee/The New York Times

What are these local stations doing? Take WEKU, a constellation of 10 FM stations with headquarters in Richmond, Ky., that broadcast to nearly 1.5 million residents. For people who don't have access to broadband internet, WEKU is one of the few reliable sources of information when emergencies happen.

Floods swept through the state earlier this year. "Our transmitters stayed on the air, and we were broadcasting information to residents in Pikeville on where they could get fresh water, how they could deal with FEMA," said Mike Savage, the station's director and general manager. NPR's audience has fallen by about 28 percent since 2020. But many of the residents who still tune in really need the information.

After the floods, someone from Hazard, Ky., emailed Savage to say that public radio was her only source of vital information. "We were her lifeline because they had no power, they had no cell service, they had nothing except for listening to our public radio station and getting information every day," Savage said.

NPR can weather the funding cut, its document predicts, thanks in part to aggrieved listeners: Executives predict a sudden boom in donations if Congress defunds it, as listeners rush to defend their favorite programs. But they will likely give more in big-city markets.

PBS

A control room where workers seated in front of computers are looking at many screens on a wall during a broadcast of
A taping of "PBS NewsHour."  Jared Soares for The New York Times

Public television in the United States would likely be in worse shape because PBS receives much more of its budget — about 15 percent of $373 million — from the federal government.

There's something quirky about PBS: Many of the shows operate their own businesses. So marquee programs like "PBS NewsHour" and "Nature" would need to find money elsewhere, such as from donations or syndication.

But again, the member stations, which rely more on public funding than the national organization does, would bear the brunt. Those stations use the money to cover local affairs, often in a news desert. Alaska Public Media, for instance, is a PBS and NPR member station with several local affiliates in rural areas. Those team up with newspapers, including The Daily News-Miner in Fairbanks and The Juneau Empire, to cover state and local governments.

That's crucial, in part, because reliable sources of information are disappearing from smaller towns across America, said Paula Kerger, the chief executive of PBS. "There isn't an economic model that would compel commercial broadcasters to have outlets strewn across the state where the population is so sparse," she said.

Public and broadcasting

It's not an issue that moves large voting majorities. About a quarter of American adults believe that public media should be defunded, and 43 disagree, according to the Pew Research Center.

In the past, members of Congress have been persuadable. In 1969, as Congress contemplated reducing funding for public media, members invited Fred Rogers, the creator of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," to testify. Lawmakers sat rapt as he quoted a song he'd written about keeping anger under control.

One legislator said that Mister Rogers had given him "goose bumps" and acknowledged that the testimony had saved the day. "Looks like you just earned the $20 million."

A half-century later, the party that controls Congress is tuning those arguments out. When Mister Rogers's testimony came up at the hearing last week, one witness said that Congress shouldn't have listened to him.

THE LATEST NEWS

Trump Tariffs

  • President Trump is set to reveal the details of his global tariff plan tomorrow, a date he has called "Liberation Day." Advisers have not yet decided whether the White House will raise or lower tariffs.
  • At the core of Trump's tariff plan is a risky bet: that Americans will accept higher prices if it helps bring back manufacturing.
  • The administration released a list of foreign trade barriers that could influence the planned tariffs.
  • Uncertainty over tariffs caused S&P 500 index's worst month in more than two years.
  • The Fed is speaking with companies to figure out to what extent Trump's policies will create inflation.

Government Overhaul

Immigration

More on Politics

A view into the windows and doorway of an office. Several people near the doorway are holding signs that say
Supporters of Brad Schimel, the conservative candidate in Wisconsin. Jim Vondruska for The New York Times
  • An election in Wisconsin today will decide whether conservatives or liberals control the state Supreme Court. Voters say the race is a referendum on Trump's second term. Read what to know.
  • A special election for a House seat in a deep-red Florida district has become surprisingly competitive after the Democratic candidate raised nearly $10 million.
  • Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House leader, accused Texas' governor of delaying a special election in a blue district to cushion the House Republicans' slim majority.
  • A federal judge ruled that Alabama cannot prosecute doctors for helping patients travel out of the state to obtain abortions.

China

More International News

Marine Le Pen, center, surrounded by people.
Marine Le Pen Thomas Samson/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Other Big Stories

Opinions

It's not up to law firms or universities to free themselves from government coercion. Voters should demand a government with less power to coerce, Robert Smith argues.

With Trump back, Taiwan must begin an immediate and serious conversation about how to secure peace with China, Yingtai Lung, a former culture minister of Taiwan, writes.

Here are columns by Thomas Edsall on what Democrats need to do and Carlos Lozada on Trump's first 100 orders.

A subscription to match the variety of your interests.

News. Games. Recipes. Product reviews. Sports reporting. A New York Times All Access subscription covers all of it and more. Subscribe today.

MORNING READS

Soldiers in fatigues eat at long tables in a crowded dining hall.
At Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Sean Rayford for The New York Times

Mess hall menus: Can the Army make food that soldiers will actually enjoy? A TV chef wants to help.

Fossils: It was a hole in the ground behind a New Jersey home improvement store. Now it's a state-of-the-art dinosaur museum.

Most clicked yesterday: For the second day in a row, the most clicked link was the story of a scandalous hot yoga class.

Lives Lived: Hank Steinbrecher was a top official in U.S. soccer who helped usher the sport into the American mainstream. He died at 77.

SPORTS

Women's college basketball: The women's Final Four is set after victories for UConn, led by Paige Bueckers, and Texas.

M.L.B.: The Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar will miss the next 80 games after testing positive for a fertility drug often taken after steroids.

ARTS AND IDEAS

Actors in different stagings of
Sara Krulwich/The New York Times; Martha Swope/NY Public Library; Johan Persson; Library of Congress

Since "Othello" was first performed in the 17th century, one question has plagued audiences: Who owns the production, Othello or Iago? "Othello" is the only major Shakespeare work that gives the hero and the antihero equal weight, which means the contest between the actors playing them has always been fierce. As one scholar put it: It is Othello's tragedy, but Iago's play. Read about famous stagings.

More on culture

  • Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco are in the middle of a sappy press tour for their new album, The Cut reports. You may have seen videos online.
  • Joost Klein was thrown out of the Eurovision Song Contest last year after being accused of threatening a camerawoman. He's not over it.
  • "Are you trying to order off-menu from the Constitution?": Jon Stewart joked about Trump's comments about a possible third term.

THE MORNING RECOMMENDS …

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Bake even if you forgot to soften the butter. Try this simple, lemon-scented olive oil cake.

See how to do a better burpee.

Add these items to a wedding registry.

Go key-free with a smart lock.

GAMES

Here is today's Spelling Bee. Yesterday's pangram was comeback.

And here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle, Sudoku, Connections, Sports Connections and Strands.

Thanks for spending part of your morning with The Times. See you tomorrow.

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at 6:03 AM 0 comments