Stevia is an herb that is 30 times sweeter than sugar, and hence can be used as a sugar alternative (sweetener). This indicates that Stevia has a potential application to be used as a natural sugar substitute against the artificial sweeteners currently used in the edible products like Aspartame, Saccharine etc.

Stevia is also believed to have so many other benefits. What are those benefits?

Here is everything that you need to know about the Stevia plant.

Stevia, known as Stevia rebaudiana bertoni, is an herb which is totally calorie-free and comprises of other nutrients like minerals, vitamins, phyto-nutrients, volatile oils, proteins and fibre.

Here is some fact-check on Stevia and its health benefits:

• Stevia’s usage is approved by WHO/FAO and US-FDA
• For diabetic people its use is proven safe and leads to stimulation of pancreatic cells to produce insulin
• It is helpful in improving digestion and preventing acidity
• It is known as cardiac tonic
• Possesses anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
• Prevents tooth cavities and plaque formation
• It is known to have anti-ageing properties as it is rich in anti-oxidants
• Application of stevia on cuts and wounds can relieve pain almost instantly
• A facial mask made of stevia leaf powder helps in smoothing and rejuvenating the skin.
• It is very beneficial for people with high blood pressure or hypertension
• It is known to be wonderful in weight loss

Directions for consumption:

• Take dried stevia leaves available in market, place them in grinder and crush into a fine powder form and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Consume this fine powder directly and drink a glass of water after that.
•  The portion of stevia powder to be consumed should be a little pinch sized weighing approximately 200 mg. You can consume it in exact measure by using labeled volume spoon.
• Ideally, it should be consumed in morning at empty stomach and should be daily continued after this.

References:

• Stevioside acts directly on pancreatic β cells to secrete insulin: Actions independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and adenosine triphosphate—sensitivity K+ channel activity
• Metabolism, Volume 49, Issue 2, Pages 208-214 (P.B. Jeppesen, S. Gregersen, C.R. Poulsen, K. Hermansen)
• Stevia rebaudiana – A Functional Component for Food Industry; S.M. Savita, K. Sheela, Sharan Sunanda, A.G. Shankar and Parama Ramakrishna
• Cuti-1986)
• Boeck-Haeluisch- 1992
• Liu et al 2003
• Chan et al-2000
• Das et al 1992

A popular cola company recently announced that it will launch its new brand flavored partly with sugar and partly with STEVIA, a zero calorie plant- based sweetener. This cola will have 36% less calories than a full sugar cola. The new brand with a “green” packaging is currently being tested in Argentinian market and will further expand bigger markets like Britain.