Quick Links: Stevia, Xylitol, Himalayan Crystal Salt
Stevia FAQ
Q. Where does Nirvana Stevia® come from?
A. Nirvana Stevia® is extracted from the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni plant. The leaves of the stevia plant have been used for centuries in Brazil and Paraguay to sweeten food and drink. Stevia has been embraced as a sugar substitute and food additive in many countries around the world. Steviol Glycosides, which are the sweetening properties extracted from the Stevia plant, are now an approved intense tale top sweetener by FSANZ (Foods Standards Australia and New Zealand) in Australia and New Zealand.
Q. Does Nirvana Stevia® products contain any harmful additives?
A. NO. There are no harmful additives. Nirvana Stevia® uses only the highest quality, best tasting Certified Organic Stevia. Nirvana Stevia has NO: calories, sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat, wheat, yeast, soy, milk derivatives, artificial flavours, artificial colourings and no toxic chemicals.
Q. Does Nirvana Stevia® taste good?
A. Yes. Most people love the taste of good quality Stevia. High quality Stevia, like that used in Nirvana Stevia® does NOT have the grassy or slightly bitter after taste that has been reported in some other Stevia products on the market.
Q. Is Nirvana Stevia® allergy-friendly?
A. YES! Our Stevia is free of tree nuts, peanuts, egg, dairy, gluten and soy and the facility where our product is packaged does not process, package or manufacture any of these ingredients, so there are no trace elements. As a result, our products are very popular with those who suffer from a wide variety of allergies. As with all allergies, however, if in any doubt please consult your doctor.
Q. How much Nirvana Stevia® should I use?
A. In it natural extract form, Stevia is many times sweeter than sugar – so you need far less to get to your preferred level of sweetness. To help you use the correct amount, Nirvana Stevia® is available in powder, tablet and liquid form so you don’t have to worry about using too much. Our Stevia powder comes with a convenient mini scoop, approximately equalling one teaspoon of sugar, so now using the perfect amount of Stevia is easier than ever before! We even have convenient pocket size containers that are easy to carry in your handbag or pocket, so you never have to worry about being without your favourite Nirvana Stevia® product.
Q. Is Nirvana Stevia® suitable for people who need to monitor and manage blood sugar levels?
A. Yes. Unlike sugar, Stevia does not trigger a rise in blood sugar levels. You do not get a sudden burst of energy followed by fatigue and the subsequent need for another “fix”. Studies suggest that Stevia has a regulatory effect on the pancreas and could help stabilize blood sugar levels in the body. If in any doubt please consult your doctor.
Q. I am a diabetic, can I use Stevia?
A. Stevia is renowned as an excellent sugar-replacement for diabetics. The main goals of diabetes management are to control blood glucose, lipids and weight. Xylitol is a low Glycaemic sweetener (Zero GI), and is slowly absorbed and metabolized independently of insulin. Stevia does not cause a dramatic increase in blood-sugar levels or serum-insulin responses, and therefore many health practitioners suggest Stevia as a sugar-free sweetener for their diabetic clients. Stevia also Zero calories and has been suggested as a valuable aid in assisting diabetics with weight control. A word of warning, however, - some Stevia on the market is not 100% pure, and may be blended with other ingredients that may be higher in calories and carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for diabetics. Nirvana Stevia® on the other hand, is pure and natural and has a Zero GI. As with any serious medical conditions, however, if in doubt please consult your health practitioner before incorporating Stevia into your daily diet, and be sure to continually monitor your blood-sugar levels
Q. I am following a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Is Nirvana Stevia® suitable?
A. Yes! With Zero Fat, Zero Carbs, Zero GI and Zero Calories, our Stevia is a perfect, naturally derived sweetener. With far fewer calories than sugar, Stevia is a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, or for anyone following weight management programs. Enjoy the delicious, sweet taste, without the worries!
Q. Can Nirvana Stevia® replace sugar in the diet?
A. Yes. Refined sugar is virtually devoid of nutritional benefits and, at best, represents empty calories in the diet. At worst, sugar has been implicated in some degenerative disease. For example, we are all aware of the dramatic increase in the incidence of excess body fat – in adults and children.
Q. I am following a strict low-carb diet. How many grams of carbohydrates does Stevia have?
A. You are in luck. Unlike sugar and other high-carbohydrate sweeteners, Stevia contains Zero net carbs per teaspoon, making it an ideal choice for followers of low-carb programs. So now you can enjoy a sweet, delicious and natural sweetener, with far carbohydrates and a GI of Zero!
Q. I follow an anti-Candida meal plan, can I use Nirvana Stevia®?
A. While sugars promote and feed the growth of oral yeast infections and thrush, it has been suggested in many studies that sugar-free Stevia may actually have anti-fungal properties, thereby reducing both the incidence and severity of thrush. As with all medical problems and for those following strict meal plans, however, please consult your health practitioner for more information.
Q. Has Stevia been used in cooking and baking?
A. Yes. Stevia has been used in cooking in South America for centuries. Whilst Stevia has grown in popularity in many countries around the world, it is Japan that represents and interesting example. Apparently artificial sweetners, such as aspartame, have been banned in Japan for over 30 years. Natural Stevia is being used in over 30% of the country’s food products. Stevia has been used in Japan in several major packaged-goods brands.
Q. Can I use Nirvana Stevia® in my cooking and baking at home?
A. Yes! One of the unique benefits of Nirvana Stevia®is that it behaves quite similarly to sugar when using it as a substitute in your favourite recipes, and it is remarkably simple to substitute Stevia in your favourite recipes. Now you can make delicious foods like cookies, ice-cream, sauces and beverages without sugar!
Unlike some other sweeteners, Stevia is heat stable and mixes and dissolves in a remarkably similar fashion to sugar. Stevia does not, however, caramelize as sugar does and desserts like meringues may also be difficult to achieve as Stevia does not brown or crystallize as sugar does. Foods baked with Stevia may not rise as much as those cooked with sugar, and it cannot ferment yeast as sugar does. As Stevia does not weigh the same as sugar, you may need to add some bulking agents to your recipes, such as yogurt, apple sauce, fruit juice, fruit puree, egg whites, or water, to give your desserts the same density as their sugar-filled counterparts. Please see our recipe page for some great ideas.
Q. What is the best Nirvana Stevia® product to use for cooking and baking?
A. For easy measuring and cooking with Stevia, we have introduced our new Stevia Slim Spoonable Powder™. Blended with Erythritol (the most superior naturally derived sugar substitute that looks and tastes very much like sugar), one teaspoon of our Stevia Spoonable™ equals the sweetness of two teaspoons of sugar - making it ideal of cooking delicious treats, including pastries, cakes, biscuits, muffins and pancakes or for flavouring desserts like ice-cream and custard. You can even create your own natural, sugar-free drinks and health shakes. Our Powdered and Liquid Extracts are also fantastic and easy to use for all your cooking needs. Please see our recipe page
Q. How much Nirvana Stevia® should I use in my cooking and baking?
A.Generally speaking, one cup of sugar is approximately equal to one teaspoon of Stevia, as Stevia is much sweeter than sugar. Some customers have commented that they use slightly less Stevia in certain recipes, but this is mostly up to individual tastes. We suggest that you use slightly less of the equivalent amount of Stevia, and then adjust to find your perfect level of sweetness. Desserts made with sour fruits, such as cranberries or lemons may need more Stevia, compared with pies, for example, cooked with apples and pears. With our many packaging and dispensing options, however, finding that perfect measure or Nirvana Stevia®is now easier than ever – and you’ll be cooking and baking delicious (and Zero calorie and Zero GI!) treats like a seasoned baker!
Xylitol FAQ
Q. Where does Nirvana Xylitol™ come from?
A. Xylitol [pronounced zy-li-tol] is a substance that occurs naturally in fibrous fruits like plums and strawberries. It also occurs in vegetables like corncobs and mushrooms and hardwood trees like birch. Nirvana Xylitol™ is derived from non-GMO, non -allergenic corn cob (core) - an environmentally sustainable source of the natural ingredients. It is good for you and good for the environment!
Q. Where was Xylitol discovered?
A. Xylitol was almost simultaneously discovered by Emil Fischer, a German chemist, in 1891, and by French chemist M. G. Bertrand. It was first really used in Finland during World War II, as a severe sugar shortage left them looking for a substitute. Following this, Xylitol became a popular naturally-derived sugar substitute in Germany, Switzerland, the Soviet Union and Japan. In 1963, the FDA in the USA approved Xylitol for use as a special dietary and nutritional additive, and it is now used in over 40 countries as a safe, healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Q, How is Xylitol different from other sweeteners?
AXylitol has a very low GI of 7 unlike other natural sweeteners like sugar which has a GI of 64, and honey which has a GI of 62. Also, unlike artificial and chemically-derived sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose, Xylitol is 100% natural and is found in some fruits, vegetables and hardwood trees. Xylitol also differs from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and glucose because its molecule has five, instead of six, carbon atoms meaning that most bacteria and yeast in the mouth are unable to make use of xylitol, and therefore it is renowned to be beneficial in fighting tooth decay, as opposed to promoting it, like some other sweeteners. It is also sweeter than some other sweeteners, like sorbitol for example, meaning that it is far more economical as you use much less to achieve a sweet, refreshing taste.
Q. Does Nirvana Xylitol™ taste good?
A. Yes. Nirvana Xylitol™ has a delicious, refreshing taste. Children love the natural sweet taste too – not like some artificial sweeteners. Nirvana Xylitol™ tastes good and is good for you too.
Q. Does Nirvana Xylitol™ contain any additives I need to know about?
A. No. However you may want to know what Nirvana Xylitol™ does NOT contain. There is no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, 40% less calories than sugar, no fat, no protein, no artificial flavours, no artificial colourings and no preservatives. It has a low GI of just 7
Q. Is Nirvana Xylitol™ safe for all the family?
A. Yes it is. Xylitol is not a drug, nor is it habit forming. In 1983 the JECFA, a joint, expert committee of WHO (World Health Organization) and FAO, confirmed that Xylitol is a safe sweetener for foods. It is approved for use in Australia by the FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand), and Xylitol has been the subject of over 1500 research studies.
Q. Is Nirvana Xylitol™GMO free?
A. Yes! Unlike some other brands on the market, you can be assured that Nirvana Xylitol™is the highest quality Xylitol available, and it is derived for non-GMO corncob, an environmentally sustainable source.
Q. Can my family use it every day?
A. Yes of course. One spoonful of Nirvana Xylitol™ is approximately equivalent in sweetness to one spoonful of sugar. It is easy to use in the home – in your favourite recipes, on cereal, in hot & cold beverages…anywhere that you would normally use sugar. The big plus with Nirvana Xylitol™ is that you are helping your family to stay healthy – 40% less calories and helping to prevent tooth decay. your health practitioner.
Q. I have heard that Xylitol actually helps to prevent tooth decay. Is that right?
A. In studies over more than 30 years, dental researches have pointed to Xylitol as a key ingredient in helping to protect against tooth decay. In fact it is extensively used in many oral hygiene products. Many health professionals in Europe have been using Xylitol since the 1970’s - in particular the Finnish government is thought to have saved millions of dollars by using Xylitol in its health programs.
Q.I have heard Xylitol can prevent ear infections – how does that work?
A. In well controlled studies, doctors in Finland found that 8 grams of xylitol, taken orally every day, prevented about 40% of ear infections. Before bacteria can cause an infection they have to be able to attach to our body and in many studies Xylitol prevented the germs from sticking to the tissue, meaning that if taken daily, it may be a useful tool in fighting ear infections
Q. Are there any side-effects to Xylitol use?
A. Xylitol is rapidly growing in popularity as users discover this great tasting sweetener that clinical studies have proven has no major or long-term side effects, even in doses up to 200g a day. In fact, a very positive side effect is the very effective role Xylitol plays in the prevention of tooth decay. Sudden, excessive usage of Xylitol has been known to cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some sensitive users, so as with everything in life, moderation is the key, especially when you first start using this delicious, natural sweetener. With continued use and as the body adapts to Xylitol, however, these symptoms usually tend to pass.
Q. Can the body metabolise Xylitol?
A. Yes, but in a very different way to sugar as Xylitol’s unique five-carbon molecular structure, unlike six-carbon sugars, actually inhibits the ability of our bodies to fully metabolise it. The direct result is that Xylitol is metabolised by the body very slowly, meaning it does not require insulin and it releases energy steadily, rather than with highs and lows. It is for this reason that it has a low GI of just seven, making it an option for those looking to monitor their blood-sugar levels.
Q. Is Nirvana Xylitol™ suitable for people who need to monitor and manage blood sugar levels?
A. Yes. Xylitol is metabolized independently of insulin and should be considered a low Glycaemic ingredient. Following ingestion of Xylitol, the blood-glucose and serum insulin responses are significantly lower than for glucose or sugar. However, if in any doubt please consult your health care practitioner
Q. I am a diabetic, can I use Xylitol?
A. Xylitol is renowned as an excellent sugar-replacement for diabetics. The main goals of diabetes management are to control blood glucose, lipids and weight. Xylitol is a low Glycaemic sweetener (GI of just 7), and is slowly absorbed and metabolized independently of insulin. Xylitol does not cause a dramatic increase in blood-sugar levels or serum-insulin responses, and therefore many health practitioners suggest Xylitol as a sugar-free sweetener for their diabetic clients. Xylitol also has low calories per gram (2.4) and has been suggested as a valuable aid in assisting diabetics with weight control. A word of warning, however, - some Xylitol on the market is not 100% pure, and may be blended with other ingredients that may be higher in calories and carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for diabetics. Nirvana Xylitol™, on the other hand, is pure and natural and has a GI of just 7. As with any serious medical conditions, however, if in doubt please consult your health practitioner before incorporating Xylitol into your daily diet, and be sure to continually monitor your blood-sugar levels.
Q. I am following a low-fat, low-calorie diet. Is Nirvana Xylitol™ suitable?
A. Yes! With 0g of fat, and only 2.4 kcal per gram, our Xylitol is a perfect, low calorie, low GI naturally derived sweetener. With 40% fewer calories than sugar, Xylitol is a valuable tool in the fight against obesity, or for anyone following weight management programs. Enjoy the delicious, refreshing taste, without the worries!
Q. I am following a strict low-carb diet. How many grams of carbohydrates does Xylitol have?
A. You are in luck. Unlike sugar and other high-carbohydrate sweeteners, Xylitol contains a mere 4g of carbs per teaspoon, making it an ideal choice for followers of low-carb programs. So now you can enjoy a sweet, refreshing and natural sweetener, with 75% less carbohydrates and a GI of just 7!
Q. I follow an anti-Candida meal plan, can I use Nirvana Xylitol™?
A. While sugars promote and feed the growth of oral yeast infections and thrush, it has been suggested in many studies that sugar-free Xylitol may actually have anti-fungal properties, thereby reducing both the incidence and severity of thrush. It is also renowned to have a pre-biotic effect on the digestive system, promoting the growth of good bacteria. As with all medical problems and for those following strict meal plans, however, please consult your health practitioner for more information.
Q. I have an allergy to corn, does this mean I can’t use Nirvana Xylitol™?
A. Not necessarily. Although our Xylitol is derived from non-GMO corncob, by the end of the extraction process there are no proteins left over to provide allergens that may be the cause of your corn-based reactions. Also, most people are actually allergic to corn kernels, as opposed to the cob, so there is a chance that our Xylitol may be suitable for your needs. As with all allergies, however, please consult your health practitioner for more information.
Q. How can I use Xylitol in the kitchen?
A.Xylitol is extremely versatile. It can be used to make sugar-free cordials, lemonades and hot beverages; it can be sprinkled over cereals, porridge and fruits and can be mixed with natural yogurts to make delicious and healthy sweet treats. It can also be used as a sugar and artificial sweetener substitute in a wide range of recipes. Please see our Xylitol recipe page.
Q.How much Xylitol should I use in my hot drinks?
A. One teaspoon of Nirvana Xylitol™is approximately equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar. Some of our customers have suggested that the natural, refreshing and sweet taste of our product means they actually use slightly less than they would sugar, but with our various easy-measure packaging options, finding your preferred level of sweetness is now easier than ever. A perfect cup of tea or coffee sweetened with Nirvana Xylitol™is a great start to any day!
Q. Can I use Xylitol in my cooking and baking?
A. Yes! One of the unique benefits of Nirvana Xylitol™ is that it behaves almost exactly like sugar when using it as a substitute in your favourite recipes, and it is remarkably simple to substitute Xylitol in your favourite recipes. Now you can make delicious treats like cookies, home-made protein bars, muffins and custard with 40% less calories! Unlike some other sweeteners, Xylitol is heat stable and mixes and dissolves in a remarkably similar fashion to sugar. There are only two instances where Xylitol is not suitable, however, with the first being breads or recipes that require yeast to make the dough rise, as Xylitol cannot be metabolised by yeast. The other exception is hard candy and other recipes that require sugar to be caramelised, as Xylitol does not caramelise like sugar. Also, some users have commented that Xylitol absorbs more liquid than sugar, so you may need to compensate with a little extra liquid in some recipes.
Q. How much Xylitol should I use in my cooking and baking?
A.Generally speaking, one cup of Xylitol is approximately equal to one cup of sugar. Some customers have commented that they use slightly less Xylitol in certain recipes, but this is mostly up to individual tastes. We suggest that you use slightly less Xylitol than sugar, and then adjust to find your perfect level of sweetness. With our many packaging and dispensing options, however, finding that perfect measure or Nirvana Xylitol™ is now easier than ever – and you’ll be cooking and baking delicious (and low calorie and low GI!) treats like a master chef in no time!
Q. Is it okay if my dog eats some of my treats made with Xylitol?
A.While Xylitol is completely safe for humans, just like chocolate, grapes or raisins; Xylitol is not intended to be ingested by our loving canine friends. Dogs metabolise some substances differently than humans; therefore if your dog consumes any product containing Xylitol, please consult your vet immediately.
Himalayan Crystal Salt FAQ
Q. Where does Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® come from?
A. Our Crystal Salt comes from an area high in the Kalabagh region of the Himalayan foothills, in a mine near the village of Wanda Kukranwala. The salt was actually formed about 250 million years ago when the sun dried a primal ocean and the mighty Himalaya took shape, locking the salt crystals inside. Our products are selected from one of the few regions in the world where salt is still hand-mined, hand-picked and stone ground. It takes time, but with the crystals intact, you are assured of the most beneficial, mineral-rich salt available.
Q. Why does my Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® look pink?
A. It is meant to! Genuine, pure Himalayan Crystal Salt is found in veins that may vary in colour from "pure white" to "white with a pinkish hue" to peach. On rare occasions it may even contain red or black specks. This is perfectly natural and simply reflects the mineral and trace element content. Nirvana Organics® select salt for your table that tends to be "pure white" or "white with a pinkish hue" and it is always of the highest quality
Q. Is it true that Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® contains minerals?
A. Yes, Himalayan Crystal Salt is renowned to contain 84 minerals and trace elements. Due to the salt’s remarkable crystalline structure, the minerals and trace elements are available in minute particles (colloidal size) and can easily be absorbed by human cells and metabolized. A typical analysis of Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® includes elements Sodium, Chloride, Sulphur, Calcium, Potassium, Oxygen, Lithium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Selenium and Chromium and many additional trace elements, which is identical to elements originally found existing in the primal ocean. Our body fluids, which make up approximately 70% of our weight, contain almost the same ratio of elements as seawater.
Q. Does Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® contain any additives?
A. No, Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® contains NO additives or free-flowing agents of any kind. Our Himalayan Crystal Salt is 100% pure, unrefined, wholesome and holistic and tastes great too!
Q. Can I use Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt® for cooking?
A. Of course! We suggest using ‘Fine Ground’ salt to pour into water while cooking pasta and rice or sprinkling it on your steamed vegetables or crunchy garden salad. Poached, scrambled, boiled or fried eggs taste great with our flavour-enhancing mineral-rich salt. Rub or sprinkle on to roast chicken, meat, fish or your favourite potato chips.
Sprinkle the ‘Medium Ground’ salt onto your favourite vegetables, salads, chicken, meat, fish, or tofu and experience the mouth watering difference. For added flavour, try Nirvana Organics® Himalayan Crystal Salt Grinder range with a wide selection of herb and spice blends. A salt for the food connoisseur!
Q. What is Solé and how do I make a Solé Solution from Nirvana Himalayan Crystal Salt®?
A. A Solé (So-lay) solution is a therapeutic salt brine that is the fundamental mineral infusion for your body. Solé is an excellent product for balancing the pH factor of your body and has many other special properties that are attributed to Himalayan Crystal Salt, with some referring to Solé as ‘liquid sunlight’ or ‘liquid light-energy’. To make your Solé simply add a small handful of our Solé chunks to pure, good quality water and allow 24 -36 hours for the salt crystals to dissolve and reach saturation point.
website designed & developed by atomix