Stevia is making a lot of noise these days! And for all the right reasons! People who care about their health are increasingly turning towards this sweetener for its health benefits.
Stevoside is the major component of stevia that makes it a powerful medicinal herb. Stevia is a member of the sunflower family and is also known as rebaudioside A. It also goes by several different names like sugar leaf, sweet leaf and honey leaf. Stevia is available as a dry powder that can be used in the form of liquid, tea formula, pills and also capsules.
Stevia Rebaudiana, or just stevia, is a new herbal supplement that is fast gaining popularity among health conscious individuals. If you are diabetic or are trying to lose weight, you should switch to stevia. It is low in terms of calories and can be used as a substitute of sugar, thanks to its sweet taste. Stevia has been approved by the FDA and is effective as well as safe for consumption.
Apart from providing sweetness to your dishes, stevia can also help your body in a number of other ways. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of stevia that you would love to know about:
The leaves of stevia can be used on wounds and cuts on the body to alleviate pain. Stevia enhances the healing process and promotes smoother and rejuvenated skin. The leaves of stevia can also be used for the treatment of dermatitis and eczema.
Stevia is considered as a natural food since it has a sweet taste and is not like other synthetic sweeteners. There are no major side effects of stevia and it is safe for consumption by one and all, even children.
Stevia is known to secrete insulin and is a great way to treat diabetes. Stevia has steviosides, which produces insulin in the body, although it is 40 times sweeter than sugar.
Stevia is well known across the world as a dietary supplement, which aids in weight loss. Stevia is known to reduce the cravings for sweet food. It is definitely a must for people with a sweet tooth!
Stevia is not only used as a natural sweetener, but it can also be cooked and served as a dessert dish along with pastries and cakes.
Stevia contains chlorogenic acid and can reduce the conversion rate of the glycogen to glucose by the active enzymes in the body. Stevia is also known to lower the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract. It is obvious that such a positive characteristic of stevia helps in controlling the blood sugar levels.
Since Stevia contains no carbohydrate and yet is a sweetener, it inhibits the growth of bacteria like streptococcus mutants, which grow in the mouth. This bacterium is known to cause orthodental cavities. So, this natural sweetener, if used regularly, can also prevent cavities and gingivitis.
Stevia is rich in vitamins and minerals along with various other nutrients like zinc, magnesium, calcium and sodium. So, not only does it help control weight gain, but also provides the body with vital nutrients needed for its proper functioning.
Stevia is especially good for children and menopausal women. Stevia contains calcium and can enhance the growth of strong bones. It can also prevent osteoporosis and related diseases.
Stevia contains several antioxidants and sterols like flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, polyphenols, phyto chemicals like quercetin, caffeic acid, kaempferol and isoquercitrin, etc., which are all useful in preventing the attacks of free radicals in the body.
Now that you know about the Stevia benefits, you can be sure that it will make your life sweeter minus the calories and the diseases! Give it a try!
Do you use artificial sweeteners? Have you tried stevia? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.