STEVIA – A SWEET MEDICINE

Stevia plant is best known as a source of natural sweeteners. It is mainly found in South America. Native people in South America have used stevia as a sweetener for hundreds of years. Apart from a sweetener it is also an herbal medicine. 

Properties of Stevia –

1.   Antibacterial

2.   Antifungal

3.   Anti-inflammatory

4.   Anti-microbial

5.   Anti-viral

6.   Cardio tonic

7.   Diuretic

8.   Hypoglycemic

Due to its extraordinary properties stevia is a boon to the people who are suffering from diabetes. The leaves of stevia plant contain diterpene glucosides with a sweet taste but which are not metabolized and contain no calories.

Uses of Stevia Plant –

1.   It is a natural sweetener.

2.    Stevia can also be used as a flavoring to sweeten recipes, and it will not caramelize, brown or crystallize as sugar will. So the recipe will be more perfect.

3.   In the fresh state stevia leaves can be directly used for making tea and coffee.

4.   Their extract and powder can be used in various recipes.

5.   Stevia plants are a healthy sweetening agent for diabetics and other people who are very concerned about the sugar intake.

6.   It is helpful in improving dental health, treating bleeding gums and other teeth problems.

7.   As stevia plants are enriched with various nutrients it is beneficial for the skin and hair.

8.   Stevia has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, so application of fresh leaves or extracts of stevia plants helps in quick healing of cuts and wounds.

9.   As stevia contains 0 calories it will be very effective in weight control.

More Advantages of Stevia –

·         It is a non synthetic product.

·         It can be used in its natural state.

·         Due to its more power, a very less quantity is required.

·         It is non – toxic in nature

·         It enhances the flavor of any recipe.

·         It is non-fermentative in nature.

·         It does not have any bitterness.

·         It is clinically tested and do not have many side effects.

Side Effects of Stevia –

1.   Allergy - Stevia might cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae /Compositae family of plants.

2.   Lowers the blood sugar - Some of the chemicals contained in stevia might lower blood sugar levels and could interfere with blood sugar control. So it is very important to regularly monitor the sugar level if you are using stevia plant.

3.   Lowers the blood pressure – Some of the chemicals that are present in stevia might cause blood pressure to drop too low in people who have low blood pressure. So if you are having a low blood pressure problem consult your doctor before using stevia.

Accurate dose of Stevia –

The appropriate dose of stevia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. Always keep one thing in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and so the dosage is very important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Short Description- Stevia is an extraordinary sweet herb, obtained by a natural selective breeding process of the sweetest Stevia parent plants. It is interesting to note that the dried leaves of Stevia are about 40 times sweeter than sugar.