STEVIA (Stevia Rebaudiana)



Stevia, formally known as Stevia Rebaudiana or Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni, is one of the most health restoring herbs on the Earth. It is a small green plant bearing leaves which have a delicious and refreshing natural sweet taste that can be 10 to 15 times sweeter than common table sugar, Stevia is a fairly unassuming perennial shrub of the aster family.

Asteraceae is native to the northern regions of South America. It has now been grown commercially in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America, United States, Israel, Thailand and China. Stevia leaves contains several chemicals called glycosides, which taste sweet, but do not provide calories. The major glycoside is called Stevioside.



The Stevioside that is extracted from the plant comes from the leaves of Stevia. In supplemental form stevioside comes as green or white powder, or brown liquid. The sweetness of Stevia leaves is largely due to its complex molecule called stevioside and the second compound called Rebaudioside. A Stevia leaf has a taste that is unique and very sweet with a slight licorice. The sweetness of Stevia leaves is much different from the sweetness of other natural sweeteners, sugar, or artificial sweeteners, but it is delicious.



"A plant with leaves so sweet that a part of one would sweeten a whole gourd full of mate."



Stevia is used widely as a sweetener, in place of artificial sweeteners like aspartame. It has been used for thousands of years. Stevia is about 300 times sweeter than sugar in its natural state, and much more so when processed. Its medicinal uses include regulating blood sugar, preventing hypertension, treatment of skin disorders, and prevention of tooth decay. Other studies show that it is a natural antiviral agent and antibacterial as well. Stevia is actually "good" for you, and above all it is calorie and carbohydrate free. Stevia is a great sweetener choice for diabetics, those watching their weight and want to loose their weight, and anyone interested in the maintainance of their health. Due to its almost zero calorie nature, Stevia is extremely useful to bodybuilders or obese persons that are attempting to lose body fat. Because Stevia is sweet, it reduces cravings for sugary foods. Stevia essentially fools the body into a state of satiation. This will result in less food being craved and thus consumed, and in the result reduces caloric intake. Stevia will help with the reduction of cravings, and the suppression of the appetite, without having to resort to products containing stimulants.



Typical proportions, on a dry weight basis, for the four major glycosides found in the leaves of wild Stevia plants is 0.3 % Dulcoside, 3.8 % Rebaudioside A, 0.6% Rebaudioside C and 9.1 % stevioside.

ADVANTAGES OF STEVIA

Stevia has many favorable and exciting health benefits and it is completely non-toxic. The Stevia herb is nutrient rich, containing substantial amounts of Protein, Calcium, Phosphorous, Sodium, Magnesium, Zinc, Rutin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and other nutrients, yet has no caloric value. Stevia has proven beneficial for many when used as a dietary supplement. Studies have shown the following benefits from using Stevia in one's diet.

Stevia is Sugarless with no calories

Stevia Will not affect blood sugar levels like normal sugar does.

Stevia is a 100% Natural Sweetener

Stevia in the form of pure extract, can be 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar

Stevia stable heat up to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit)

Stevia is Non-fermentable

Stevia is a natural Flavor enhancer

Stevia acts as Plaque retardant Anti-caries and prevents cavities

Stevia is safely recommended for diabetics

Stevia is Non-toxic extensively tested and used by humans with no adverse effects.

Stevia is not toxic but, on the contrary, it is healthful, as shown by long experience and according to the studies of Dr. Rebaudi.

Stevia is a sweetening agent of great power.

The body obtains no calories from Stevia. The human body does not metabolize the sweet glycosides - they pass right through the normal elimination channels - ; therefore the body obtains no calories from Stevia, and the body obtains no calories from Stevia is safe for diabetics and hypoglycemic in its pure, unadulterated form.

According to scientific research, Stevia may actually lower blood sugar levels.

Stevia can enhance the effect of other sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup, so adding it to recipes can help reduce the amount of sweetener needed.



Stevia has been thoroughly tested around the world and found to be completely non-toxic. It has also been consumed safely in massive quantities (thousands of tons annually) for the past twenty years.

USES OF STEVIA

Stevia is also able to perform a number of other beneficial tasks.

Stevia may enhance moods and increase energy levels and mental alertness.

Stevia may help individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia, nicotine cravings, weight loss and as a sugar substitute.

Stevia is the most desirable sweetener for people with blood sugar, blood pressure or weight problems.

Stevia is the most desirable sweetener. is a helpful aid in weight loss due to the fact that it contains no sugar.

Stevia has excellent healing capabilities. If placed on a cut or scrape, it stings initially followed by a significant reduction in pain and accelerated healing with no scarring.

Stevia impedes the growth of bacteria.

Stevia is a natural herb against yeast known as Candadasis.

Stevia may also help reduce blood pressure

EFFECTS OF STEVIA

Although there is no evidence of harm to people, laboratory studies of Stevia have found potential cancer and reproductive-health problems.Several studies have also raised concerns about the effect of very large amounts of Stevia on carbohydrate metabolism. And that troubles some toxicologist.

Stevia

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Research Work On Herbs, Nutrition & ALternative Medicine