Stevia plant is a small, sweet-leaf herb of South American origin used by native Guarani tribes of Paraguay since centuries. Is stevia safe alternative to common sugar in carbohydrate-controlled diets? Does it have healthy nutrient profile safe enough for human consumption as in other herbs such as basil, mint, thyme etc?
Recent scientific trials firmly establish that this sweet-leaf herb has, in fact, many health benefiting plant-derived phyto-chemical compounds that help control blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure in addition to its use as natural sweetener. Together with the rise in demand for low-calorie food alternatives, stevia has drawn the attention of health conscious fitness lovers all over the planet.
Stevia plant grows 2-4 feet in height with slender, branched stems and flourishes well all over temperate and some parts of tropical regions. It is being cultivated as commercial crop in Japan, China, Thailand, Paraguay, and Brazil. Today, China is the leading exporter of stevia products.
Almost all the parts of the plant taste sweet; however, the sweet glycosides are typically concentrated in its dark-green serrated leaves. The Guarani Indians of Paraguay have used its leaves to sweeten drinks and foods and in various traditional medicines. In the modern times, it is widely used in foods in many parts India, East Asian region and South American countries.
Health benefits of stevia
Dandruff and Hair Health
Stevia concentrate is believed to be beneficial for dandruff, dry scalp, and dull, dry and thin hair. People have noticed stronger, dandruff-free and rejuvenated hair after the regular use of Stevia. Simply mix 3-4 drops of Stevia concentrate into your regular shampoo and wash as normal. Also, after shampooing, using stevia tea as a conditioner and rinsing it out after 5 minutes can help retain natural hair colour and strength.
Diabetes
Studies and researches show that Stevia may stabilize blood sugar
levels, increase insulin resistance, may even promote insulin production
by promoting the pancreas health, discourage glucose absorption in the
blood, and inhibit candidiasis - a yeast infection that flourish with
sugar. Stevia is a great low carb, low sugar and low calorie sugar
alternative and the steviol glycosides are not metabolized by the body
and are excreted in the urine without getting accumulated in the body. A
Study also suggests that Stevia may inhibit the craving for sweet and
oily or fatty foods. Drinking tea made with crushed raw Stevia leaves,
or with its extract or tea bags two to three times daily may help with
hyperglycemia. To make Stevia tea, heat - not boil one cup of water and
let a tea bag or 1teaspoon of its leaves steep in it for 5 -7 minutes.
Drink it hot or cold. Or 3-4 drops of Stevia extract can be added to
warm or cold cup of water. Also stevia can be used as a natural
alternative to any other artificial sweetener being used.
Gingivitis
Study shows that antibacterial properties of Stevia may help with gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay and mouth sores. It may suppress the development and reproduction of infectious organisms in the gums and teeth, inhibit the growth of plaque and may improve overall oral health. People who have used Stevia as a mouthwash has reported significant decrease in gingivitis and other mouth infections. Simply gargling with Stevia mouthwash and brushing with Stevia added toothpaste may be beneficial. To make Stevia mouthwash, add 3-4 drops of Stevia extract in half a cup of lukewarm water or steep half a cup of tea with its leaves or teabag and gargle three to four times daily especially in the morning and at night. For toothpaste, mix 2 drops of Stevia extract to the regular toothpaste.Heartburn and Indigestion
People in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia have been using Stevia tea to soothe upset stomach, heartburn, and to improve indigestion and gastrointestinal function. Drinking Stevia tea after every meal may serve as a digestive aid and relieve heartburn and stomach pain.High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
A few longer term studies done over a period of 1 and 2 years show that stevia may lower elevated blood pressure levels. Simply drinking Stevia tea twice daily may help stabilize the blood pressure levels.Osteoporosis
A study performed on chickens shows that by adding Stevia leaf powder to chicken feed it significantly increased calcium metabolism in the chickens and had 75% decreased eggshell breakage. A patent application for possible Osteoporosis treatment with Stevia suggests that stevia may help promote absorption of calcium in the body and help improve bone density. Suggested remedy is to make Alfalfa and stevia tea by steeping Alfalfa herb and Stevia half teaspoon each for 5-7 minutes. Drink it two to three times daily. Adding vitamin D powder to the tea or taking its supplements can be beneficial too.
Weight Loss
Recent medical research suggests that low at carbohydrates, calories
and sugar Stevia may be beneficial in weight management. One preliminary
research suggests that Stevia may interfere with the functions of
hypothalamus and may aid weight loss by curbing the hunger sensation.
Hypothalamus is a part of the brain which controls hunger, thirst and
fatigue along with its other functions. Anti-glycemic activity of Stevia
may also control blood glucose levels which is one of the major causes
of weight gain. Stevia works as a tonic to increase energy levels in
people battling for weight loss. Suggested remedy is to drink one cup of
Stevia tea or mix 10-15 drops of Stevia concentrate in one cup of cold
or warm water. Drink it 15 minutes before every meal.
Wrinkles and Other Skin Conditions
Stevia is believed to be a remarkable healing agent for skin disorders. Its antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic activity may help with wrinkles, skin blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, acne outbreaks, scarring, rashes, itchiness and chapped lips. A small amount of Stevia concentrate applied directly onto the affected skin may promote the healing process. To smooth out the wrinkles, before going to bed, apply a paste made by crushed Stevia leaves or its liquid concentrate evenly all over the face and let it dry for fifteen to twenty minutes. Wash and pat dry your face and apply a few drops of extra virgin coconut oil on the face and leave it on over night to benefit from its antioxidant effects.What are the Side Effects of Stevia?
There are not any reported side effects of Stevia when taken in moderation. Based on intensive global researches and scientific reports, The World Health Organisation (WHO) of the UN and Food and Drug Administration of the US had approved the use of Steviol glycosides as safe and has established an acceptable daily intake of 4mg per kg of body weight. However, if you are taking any medication for diabetes or hypertension, due to its anti-glycemic and anti-hypertensive activity supervised Stevia consumption is advised. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your physician before using Stevia therapeutically.Here are some serving tips:
- In Japan and in many East Asian regions, stevia plant parts are being used to sweeten tea, sweets, sauce, confectionary, and soft drinks.
- Stevia extracts are further refined for use as table sugar. It can then be added in jam, yoghurt, ice creams, smoothies, deserts, chewing gum, and sorbets and also to sweeten bitter medicines.
- In Brazil, it is used as a remedy to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, stress conditions…etc.
XOXO
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