Benefit of Stevia

by BHUPENDRA KOTAK CULTIVATOR, MERCHANDISER, OF STEVIA

Medical Properties Of STEVIA

Stevia contains Stevioside, Rebaudioside A and the sweet compounds in the leaf called glycosides

Sugarless
Contains no calories, no fat, no carbohydrates
Highly recommended for weight loss programs
Contains natural trace elements (iron, mangan, calcium, etc.)
Antibacterial effect it impedes the growth of bacteria’s
Antifungal properties make it useful in treatment with yeast infections (candidacies) as a natural sweetener it is used in healthy diets, diabetes, neurodermitis, children (prevents plaque) etc.

Stevia and Diabetes

It can be safely used by diabetics since it does not produce significant glycolic effects. Stevia substitution can be a good alternative in diabetics. Its leaves have been used as herbal teas by diabetic patients in Asian countries for years. No side effects have been observed in these patients after many years of continued consumption (Suttajit, 1993). Furthermore, studies have shown that Stevia can actually improve blood sugar levels (Alvarez, 1981, Curie, 1986). In 1986, Brazilian researchers from the Universities of Maringa and Sao Paolo evaluated the role of Stevia in blood sugar (Curie, 1986). Sixteen healthy volunteers were given extracts of 5 grams of Stevia leaves every six hours for three days. The extracts from the leaves were prepared by immersing them in boiling water for 20 minutes. A glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed before and after the administration of the extract and the results were compared to another group who did not receive the Stevia extracts. During a GTT, patients are given a glass of water with glucose and their blood sugar levels are evaluated over the next few hours. Those who have a predisposition to diabetes will have a marked rise in blood sugar levels. The volunteers on Stevia were found to have significantly lower blood sugar levels after ingestion of Stevia. This is a positive indication that Stevia can potentially be beneficial to diabetics who substitute Stevia in order to decrease their sugar consumption. Even if Stevia by itself is not able to lower blood sugar levels, just the fact that a diabetic would consume less sugar is of significant importance in maintaining better blood sugar control.

If you're diabetic, chances are you consume a large amount of artificial sweeteners and you may be concerned about switching to Stevia since long-term human studies have not been done with this herb. This is more or less due to the fact the sugar lobby blocks the active marketing of Stevia. You may also be accustomed in your use of these artificial sweeteners and would not be willing to completely stop them. One option is to gradually use less of them while substituting Stevia. For instance, you can initially use Stevia in some of your drinks, like coffee or tea. After a few weeks, if your comfort level with Stevia increases, you can gradually use more of the herbal extract. Over the next few weeks and months you can either switch completely to Stevia or you can continue using it in combination with artificial sweeteners. Based on the results, you can determine to continue using in a larger amount. It's also quite possible that artificial sweeteners may be safe in low amounts, but problems could arise when they are used in excessive quantities. By partially or mostly substituting Stevia, you can reduce any potential risk (by Dr. Ray Sahelian)

Benefits of Stevia

: As a Sweetener :

Stevia plant has very sweet tasting leaves. This sweetener (Steviol Glycosides) when extracted can be utilized for sweetening variety of foods, beverages, confectionaries and pharmaceutical products. The word 'STEVIA' is the short common name for Steviol Glycosides.

Most importantly, it should be made very clear that stevia sweetener is a 'Sugar Replacement Solution' andnot just a mere 'Substitute' of sugar or any other sweetener.

Difference between replacement and substitute? Well, replacement is what makes Stevia the Star! Which means anyone and everyone can consume Stevia sweetener with the advantage and benefits of not loading their body with the extra baggage of large amount of calories which otherwise comes free and compulsory with Sugar! On the contrary, stevia sweetener benefits in calorie control health programs.

Sugar substitutes (such as aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, etc) are all chemically and artificially synthesized compounds and therefore come with loads of side effects that harm our body in the long run. Stevia on the other hand, does not come with any side effects. In other words "you don't have to pay a price in terms of other health problems, which is the case with sugar or any artificial sweeteners".

All this sound great and highly ideal! And there are no drawbacks?? There are minor [yes, minor compared to the goodies :)]. Stevia does not behave absolutely like sugar when handled in foods or cooking. The main difference is its highly concentric nature. 98% pure stevia sweetener compares to 1:300 ratio to sugar. Which means 1KG of it is equivalent to 300KG of sugar. So now, how much to add in a cup of tea?? This is what is to be ascertained. There is being various developments with regards to adding 'volume' to stevia so as to make it comparable to using sugar. Another drawback is, stevia sweetener does not caramelize and therefore has limitations in certain food preparations. GreenRev Agro Pvt Ltd is one of the pioneers in India to have done extensive investments and taken efforts in the fields of propagation, development and usage of Stevia Sweetener.

Stevia taste is 'close to' sugar and not SAME. One has to adapt to the taste of stevia sweetness but it is anyway better and easier than to adapt to health hazards & diseases such as blood sugar, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, etc that are caused by sugar consumption. The choice should be fairly simple to make between the options mentioned above.

Stevia is the most favorite with Health Drink and Low Calorie beverage Industry. As per certain WHOmandates, it is mandatory for all soft drinks and beverages to reduce calorie content within a stipulated time period. This however, seems to be so far ONLY possible with help of Stevia sweetener. the world has so far seen few 100s of stevia sweetened products ranging from chewing gums, chocolates, beverages, cakes, health bars & snacks, beauty skin care products, table top sweetener tablets & powders.

: Stevia for Hair Care :

Stevia Plant's extract are enriched with numerous nutrients that are highly beneficial for Hair Care. Therefore stevia can well incorporated in daily hair care practices. PureSati 'Everyday Damage Control Shampoo' is one of its kind which is made using Stevia extract as one of the main active ingredients in it. One can notice improvement in the texture of the hair and also the skin of the scalp after using Stevia based hair care products. The anti microbial characteristic of Stevia extract makes it a perfect ingredient which helps in reducing, eliminating and preventing dandruff. Being also anti bacterial, it especially benefits in preventing further skin allergies, ailments and dandruff in the hair.

Stevia is also said to provide Luster to your hair. It is beneficial for people having dandruff, dry scalp, dull – dry and thin hair problems. It has been noticed that with regular use of stevia based hair care products, one experiences stronger, dandruff free and rejuvenated hair.

As a home remedy, simply mix few drops of Stevia concentrate into your regular shampoo and wash as normal. Stevia extract could also be used as a hair conditioner by applying the concentrate on the hair after shampoo and then rinsing it out after 5 minutes.

In certain experiments when stevia was added to natural soap resulted in slowing the hair graying process and helped retain natural color of the hair, eliminating dandruff and various scalp problems and improved the health and luster of the hair.

: Stevia Dental Care :

Stevia Herb is a highly effective anti bacterial and therefore is an excellent ingredient for Dental care products. When used in mouth wash and tooth paste, it is observed that dental decay and bleeding gums are cured over a certain period of time. This is primarily due to Stevia's characteristics to eliminate conditions that are conducive for breeding germs and bacteria.

Over the time, we humans have been accustomed to 'sweet taste' in our tooth paste. Using Stevia can be multi advantageous since it can provide both sweetness as well as good health to our teeth and gums. Moreover being a 'zero calorie' herbal sweetener, it will not add the extra calories like our conventional toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Unrefined Stevia powder (dried green stevia leaf powder) has the capability of killing bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum diseases. These two are the most common problems faced by diabetic patients. Using stevia as an ingredient in dental products for diabetics can serve a dual benefit since stevia extract is said to be beneficial for diabetics.

: Stevia Medicinal Benefits :

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION 1 cup of white sugar = 1/4 teaspoon of refined Stevia.

Calories: ZERO

Fats: ZERO

Cholesterol: ZERO

Carbohydrates: ZERO

Sugars: ZERO

Fiber: ZERO

Proteins: ZERO

THERAPEUTIC USE

Diabetes: Stevia can be part of a healthy diet for those who have diabetes. Stevia contains nutrients that help the body to regulate the blood's glucose level. It also aids the pancreas. Stevia can also lower blood glucose levels by as much as 35%. Stevia is thus a good natural substitute and is completely safe for diabetics to use.

Obese and Overweight Individuals: Stevia helps those who would like to lose weight. It lowers one's caloric intake and reduces one's appetite for sweet foods.

Dental Care: Unrefined Stevia can be used as a natural bacteria killer, especially that bacteria that cause cavities and gum problems, both of which are two of the most common problems related to diabetes.

Others: Several studies affirm Stevia's antibiotic properties, especially against e.Coli bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, and Corynebacterium difteriae as well as against the Cándida Albicans fungus.

INTERESTING FACTS

When Stevia gets to your pancreas; it does not raise your blood glucose levels. This not only makes it safe for diabetics, but, given that Stevia does not contain any calories or carbohydrates, it is also good for diabetics as well.

Stevia is an excellent tool to help you lose weight. There are no negative side effects that can occur unlike other sugar substitutes including aspartame.

If you make Stevia a regular part of your diet, you can also reduce your appetite and any sugar cravings or fatty foods. It has been proven that Stevia helps digestion, lowers hypertension and without affecting blood pressure itself, shortens flu and cold recovery times as well as helps stops alcohol and tobacco dependence. When Stevia is used in toothpaste or mouthwash, it helps prevent cavities and tartar due to its antibacterial qualities.

Stevia has been used for more than 30 years in Japan. Stevia can be used as a natural sweetener when cooking or baking. Children can now enjoy dessert without risking weight gain, cavities or becoming hyperactive.