Stevia: the benefits and harms of a unique herb for human health. Where to buy and how much does stevia cost?

Stevia- bushy grass from the Asteraceae family. It grows naturally in Latin America. The plant is grown on plantations to produce sweet substances that replace traditional sugar. Stevia raw materials and preparations have low energy value and do not contain a glucose group. Therefore, regular use does not increase blood sugar levels. Recommended for use for diabetes and those who want to lose excess weight. 50-300 times sweeter than sugar. Does not harm health. Plant extracts have good culinary qualities; they are used in the food industry and at home, for making baked goods and confectionery. It is known that stevia is unpretentious and can be grown at home. Regular consumption of honey herb strengthens the body and improves tone. For health - this is the No. 1 sweetener in the world!

Stevia - what is it?

Stevia is only called an herb. In fact, it is a perennial shrub. Its height reaches 120 cm. The accepted classification classifies the genus “Stevia” in the large Asteraceae family, the Astroflower order, and the Dicotyledonous class.

Rice. 1. Stevia plant inflorescences

Stevia has a stem up to 1.5 cm thick. The bush is well pubescent, its shape varies depending on the place of growth and method of cultivation. The paired leaves are deep green in color and have rounded, jagged edges. During the flowering period, stevia is covered with small white, sometimes with a pinkish tint, inflorescences (Fig. 1). Ripe seeds are small, brownish or grayish in color.

The Stevia genus includes 241 species, but only one of them - Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni or honey stevia - is grown and processed on an industrial scale. Only the leaves of the bush are processed; they are collected immediately before flowering, when the concentration of sweet substances is highest.

Where does it grow?

Stevia comes from Latin America. Stevia prefers light soils with low salinity, semi-arid climates and plenty of sun. The natural habitat is the elevated plateaus and foothills of the South American continent. The largest amount of wild stevia is found in Paraguay. These same countries grow raw materials on plantations that are considered to be of the best quality (Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. Honey bush plantation in Brazil

Stevia has taken root well in Southeast Asia. Since the 90s of the last century, it has been actively cultivated in many countries in this region. Today, the main supplier of stevia to the world market is China.

Chemical composition of stevia

The leaves of this shrub contain many useful elements.

Table 1. Stevia. Chemical composition

Components
Plant polyphenols (flavonoids)
Green and yellow pigment
Glycosides
Free sugars
Hydroxycinnamic acids
Amino acids
Microelements (zinc, potassium, magnesium, iodine, selenium, etc.)
B vitamins, also A, C, D, E, K, P

Glycosides give stevia its sweetness (https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycosides). Organic origin, belong to the class of essential sugars. They are found in many plants. Usually the highest concentrations are achieved in flowers and leaves. The main difference from regular refined sugar is the fact that these organic compounds do not have a glucose group in their chemical structure. As a result - Stevia consumption does not lead to a sharp increase in blood glucose.

Essential sugars constitute a large group of substances with various characteristics. Some compounds are extremely bitter, while others are very sweet. Stevia leaves accumulate glycosides of 11 types, which have a sweet taste, but with the presence of a bitter note. That is why fresh and dried leaves have a bitter, licorice taste. The dry and liquid extracts obtained as a result of deep processing are free from this drawback. Since they fully correspond to the taste of ordinary refined sugar, and do not harm the body.

Each of the 11 glycosides received its own name.

Table 2. Stevia: characteristics of glycosides

Glycoside		Sweetness (the glycoside is so many times sweeter than regular sugar)
Stevioside
Rebaudoside A
Rebaudoside B
Rebaudoside C
Rebaudoside D
Rebaudoside E
Rebaudoside F		No data
Rubusoside
Stviolmonozid		No data
Steviol bioside H
Steviol bioside b - Gic

Glycosides are united by a common industrial name - “ Steviol" The table shows that the bulk of essential sugars are stevioside and rebaudoside A. These components are the basis for the production of dry concentrated extracts.

Calorie content of honey grass

Its leaves are low in calories. Of course, fiber and other carbohydrate elements provide energy value. However, the sweet components - steviols - are characterized strong chemical bond sugar and carbohydrate (non-sugar) groups. Therefore, in the digestive system, the breakdown of this bond occurs very slowly. In addition, essential sugars and sucrose have different natures. Unlike sucrose, steviol in the process of absorption does not form the main source of energy - glucose. As a result, the calorie content of “honey grass” is only 18 Kcal per 100 g.

Products of deep processing of raw materials consist of almost pure glycosides. Therefore, their calorie content can be ignored.

Release forms

Manufacturers offer stevia in different states of aggregation, and with varying degrees of processing. First of all, this is dried foliage (Fig. 3) and powder from it. Then, extracts and concentrates of the bush. Stevia is used as a primary sweetener in a range of foods or is available separately.

Rice. 3. Dried sweetener leaves

Dry

This refers, first of all, to products of deep processing of raw materials. These are crystalline, powdery substances with a high percentage of steviol. Stevia REB 97A powder, consisting of 97% rebaudoside A, is considered the purest dry extract. Due to its extreme sweetness, it finds major use in mass production.

Often used in a mixture with other sweeteners - sucralose, sorbitol, fructose. This allows you to maintain the usual dosage and, at the same time, reduce calorie content.

Liquid

Steviols are highly soluble in water. This allows you to achieve the required sweetness of the solution. To do this, it is enough to mix the active substance with liquid in the required proportion. Mixtures with other sweeteners are also used here. convenient for packaging and practical to use.

Extract in tablets

The difference between tablets with the extract (Fig. 4) and their medicinal “brothers” is that they should not be swallowed and washed down with water, but, on the contrary, thrown into a hot drink and then drunk with liquid. This form of release of the drug is convenient for selecting an individual dose. This feature is especially useful for people with diabetes.

Rice. 4. Stevia tablets

Stevia - benefits and harm. What are the contraindications?

The benefits and harms of honey herb for human health have been studied extremely deeply. Laboratory studies and practice show that for most people stevia is an absolutely safe product. At the same time, ill-considered use of a herbal preparation can cause an unpleasant reaction. Here are the cases in which stevia can cause harm to health:

there is always the possibility of individual intolerance to the drug; if you feel unwell, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor;
excessive overdose, in some cases, leads to nausea and even vomiting;
combination with dairy products (causes diarrhea);
if a person suffers from a blood disease, hormonal disorders or a mental disorder, admission is possible strictly as prescribed by a doctor;
diabetic patients should Necessarily consult with an endocrinologist about the admissibility of taking the drug;
Blood pressure may decrease; hypotensive patients should take this into account;
Although very rare, allergic reactions do occur.

Did you know that...?

Until recently, stevia was suspected of being mutagenic and causing cancer. Only the intervention of the World Health Organization, which initiated additional thorough research, allowed the accusations against the sweet bush to be dropped. Proven to be completely safe Stevia. As for neoplasms, it turned out that stevioside, on the contrary, blocks the development of cancer cells.

In general, it has been proven that even a significant overdose does not lead to serious consequences.

What are the benefits of stevia? Medicinal and beneficial properties

The list of positive qualities is so extensive and diverse that it will be more convenient to divide the beneficial properties into thematic groups.

Nutritional Benefits

Pleasant sweet taste. Despite the bitter taste, many people like tea brewed with stevia leaves. It is enough to throw a couple of leaves into a glass of boiling water and in a minute you will get a pleasant-colored, tasty drink. Most often, dry leaves of the bush or their extract are found on sale. You can make a tea leaves out of this and add it to hot water or put a teaspoon of powder directly into a glass. Not everyone likes particles floating on the surface. In this case, you can use paper bags (sachets) with powder.
High temperature resistance. The plant's raw materials and preparations have excellent temperature characteristics. Stevia does not lose its inherent properties when heated to 200 0 C. This allows you to add liquid or dry extracts to hot drinks, baked goods, and confectionery products.
Good product for preservation. The herb is increasingly used in home and industrial canning. It has bactericidal properties. This has been scientifically proven. Replacing sucrose in twists and canned foods reduces the risk of product spoilage by mold and other biological pests.
Long shelf life. Raw materials and preparations are stored for up to 10 years without any changes in quality. Low consumption allows you to free up space for other products.

Preventive and therapeutic beneficial properties

The healing properties of the miracle bush were noted by the Indians of Latin America. The following treatment was popular: chewing the leaves to cleanse the mouth and strengthen tooth enamel, using an infusion of the plant to disinfect and speed up the healing process of scratches and wounds.

Did you know that...?

In Paraguay, residents consume an average of 10 kg of sweet grass leaves per year. The country has one of the lowest rates of diabetes and a low percentage of people who are obese. Since stevia leaves contain all the medicinal properties necessary for the body.

It is necessary to especially emphasize the positive effects that appear due to two main qualities of the plant extract - low calorie content and the inability to significantly influence blood sugar. Stevia has a good effect on:

There is a variety of stevia on the market and has varying degrees of sweetness. An inexperienced person can easily get confused about the dosage. To prevent this from happening, the table shows the proportional correspondence of stevia preparations to the sugar equivalent.

Table 3. Dosage ratios of stevia and regular sugar

Regular sugar	Stevioside	Liquid extract
1 teaspoon	On the tip of a knife	2 - 6 drops	1/4 teaspoon
1 tablespoon	On the tip of a knife	1/8 teaspoon	3/4 teaspoon
	1/2 - 1/3 teaspoon	1/2 teaspoon	2 tablespoons

Honey herb for dieting and weight loss

Stevia, whose benefits for digestion are undeniable, is included in special diets. A special diet is prescribed for the treatment of certain diseases, such as diabetes. All ingredients included in the dietary menu pursue a single therapeutic goal. The role of a sweetener is to reduce the total calorie intake and stabilize blood sugar levels.

The extract fits well into the list of products that help you lose excess weight. Those who want to lose weight should give up sweets, which not everyone can do. Sweet grass compensates for this need. At the same time, it contains many useful elements and a minimum of calories. Its action improves general condition and does not affect weight.

Another important advantage is that preparations with steviosides do not provoke increased appetite. Studies have shown that stevia is as satiating as eating sugar.

Did you know that...?

Stevia is easy to grow at home, on the windowsill. To do this, you need to observe the temperature regime - not lower than 15 0 C, place the pot on the south side and water regularly. The shrub does not sprout well from seeds, it is better to take seedlings.

Stevia - benefits for diabetes

Stevia helps solve a number of problems that inevitably arise for every diabetic.

Diabetes patients experience discomfort from the ban on sweets. Stevia fills this flavor gap. It is 50-300 times sweeter than sugar. Diabetics can use the plant to sweeten drinks and food without the risk of a spike in blood sugar.
In addition to the usual products - leaves, powders, liquid and dry extracts - the market offers a wide range of products where refined sugar is replaced by stevia. Low-calorie bars, confectionery, baked goods, and drinks allow patients to lead a normal lifestyle without feeling deprived of anything.
The problem of weight loss is being solved. A complete rejection of refined sugar greatly reduces the total calorie content of the diet and helps normalize body weight. Sweetener does not increase appetite. Thus, the problem of hunger attacks is eliminated.
Microcirculation of blood vessels improves, which eliminates cramps in the limbs. The most important thing is that Stevia normalizes glucose levels in the body, and even contributes to its reduction.

Honey herb during pregnancy

Doctors do not prohibit taking stevia during pregnancy. During this period, women's sugar levels increase. This worries many people because it is accompanied by dry mouth, increased blood pressure and appetite. Honey grass will help normalize blood pressure in pregnant women and relieve unpleasant symptoms.

No special studies have been conducted on the effects of plant preparations on the health of pregnant women. But it is known for certain that stevia does not have a negative effect on fetal development.

Can stevioside be used for children?

Pediatricians have no complaints about stevia, and nutrition experts recommend including it in children's diets. In the children's menu, replacing refined sugar with “honey grass” provides a number of advantages:

This is an excellent prevention of diabetes, the child’s pancreas is freed from excessive sugar load;
low calorie content helps maintain normal weight;
honey grass protects against such a sugar scourge as caries; on the contrary, it strengthens tooth enamel;
Stevia extracts for the body (unlike regular sugar) are not addictive, children do not require more and more sweets;
People report cases of allergy to stevia extremely rarely..

Stevia in cooking

The sweet components of the herb are characterized by high chemical stability. They do not disintegrate at high temperatures. If we add to this good solubility in liquids, then the conclusion follows - stevia can completely replace refined sugar in cooking. Here are a few recipes:

Tea

Dry leaves or Stevia powder - 1 teaspoon - pour boiling water and leave for 20-30 minutes. You can drink. If the drink is cold, reheat it in the microwave. It is more practical to make a concentrated tea leaves from the leaves in a small teapot, and then add it to a glass or mug of boiling water as needed. The tea (Fig. 5) has a slightly unusual but pleasant taste.

Rice. 5. Tea with stevia

Bakery

Cookies

Take: a teaspoon of liquid extract, 1 egg, two glasses of flour, half a glass of milk, 50 g of butter, salt, soda;
Add the ingredients into one container and knead the dough;
Roll out the mass to the desired thickness and cut into shape;
Place in the oven, temperature 200 0 C, until done.

Cookie

You will need: flour - 2 cups; water - 1 glass; butter - 250 g; stevioside - 4 tablespoons; 1 egg; salt;
Knead the dough;
Roll out the dough, form cookies and place in the oven, heated to 200 0 C.

Jam and compotes

Strawberry compote

take a liter jar and pour washed strawberries into it, to the top;
prepare the solution; add 5 tbsp to 250 ml of water. spoons of stevia infusion; boil;
Pour the hot solution over the strawberries and pasteurize for 10 minutes.

Preparation of honey herb infusion and syrup

Infusion. Place 100 g of leaves in a gauze bag. Place it in a container and pour half a liter of boiling water into it. We stand for a day. Drain the resulting liquid into a separate container. Add another half liter of water to the leaves and boil again for 50 minutes. Mix both liquids and filter from the leaves. The resulting infusion can be added to any dish. It improves health well.

Syrup. It is necessary to take the infusion and evaporate it in a water bath until it acquires a viscous consistency. Readiness can be determined by the degree to which a drop of liquid spreads on a solid surface.

Syrup is added to hot or cold drinks and confectionery products.

02.02.2018

Here you will learn all the details about the sweetener called stevia: what it is, the benefits and possible health risks of its use, how it is used in cooking, and much more. It has been used as a sweetener and as a medicinal herb in various cultures around the world for centuries, but has gained particular popularity in recent decades as a sugar substitute for diabetics and weight loss. Stevia has been further studied and research has been conducted to identify its medicinal properties and contraindications for use.

What is stevia?

Stevia is a South American herb whose leaves, due to their intense sweetness, are used to produce a natural sweetener in powder or liquid form.

Stevia leaves are approximately 10-15 times sweeter and the leaf extract is 200-350 times sweeter than regular sugar. Stevia has almost zero calories and contains no carbohydrates. This has made it a popular option for sweetening a variety of foods and drinks for those looking to lose weight or on a low-carb diet.

What does stevia look like - photo

general description

Stevia is a small perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family and the genus Stevia. Its scientific name is Stevia rebaudiana.

Some other names for stevia are honey grass, sweet biennial.

There are 150 species of this plant, all of them native to North and South America.

Stevia grows 60-120 cm in height and has thin, branched stems. It grows well in temperate climates and parts of tropical regions. Stevia is grown commercially in Japan, China, Thailand, Paraguay and Brazil. Today China is the leading exporter of these products.

Almost all parts of the plant are sweet, but most of the sweetness is concentrated in the dark green, toothed leaves.

How to get stevia

Stevia plants usually start their life in a greenhouse. When they reach 8-10 cm, they are planted in the field.

When small white flowers appear, the stevia is ready for harvesting.

After harvesting, the leaves are dried. The sweetness is extracted from the leaves through a process that involves soaking them in water, filtering and purifying them, and drying them, resulting in crystallized stevia leaf extract.

The sweet compounds stevioside and rebaudioside are isolated and extracted from stevia leaves and further processed into powder, capsule or liquid form.

What does stevia smell and taste like?

Raw, unprocessed stevia often has a bitter taste and unpleasant odor. Once processed, bleached or bleached, it develops a mild, licorice-like flavor.

Many who have tried stevia sweetener cannot help but agree that it has a bitter aftertaste. Some even believe that the bitterness increases when stevia is added to hot drinks. It's a little difficult to get used to, but it's possible.

Depending on the manufacturer and form of stevia, this taste may be less pronounced or absent altogether.

How to choose and where to buy good stevia

Stevia-based sugar substitutes are sold in several forms:

powder;
granules;
pills;
liquid.

The price of stevia varies greatly depending on the type and brand.

When purchasing stevia, read the ingredients on the package and make sure it is 100 percent pure. Many manufacturers supplement it with artificial sweeteners based on chemicals, which can significantly reduce the benefits of stevia. Brands that contain dextrose (glucose) or maltodextrin (starch) should be used with caution.

Some of the products labeled as "Stevia" are not actually a pure extract and may contain only a small percentage of it. Always read labels if you care about health benefits and want to buy quality products.

Stevia extract in powder and liquid form is 200 times sweeter than sugar than its whole or dried crushed leaves, which are somewhere between 10 and 40 times sweeter.

Liquid stevia may contain alcohol and often comes in vanilla or hazelnut flavors.

Some powdered stevia products contain inulin, a natural plant fiber.

A good version of stevia can be purchased at a pharmacy, health store, or this online store.

How and for how long is stevia stored?

The shelf life of stevia sweeteners usually depends on the product form: powder, tablets or liquid.

Each brand of stevia sweetener independently determines the recommended shelf life of their products, which can range from three years from the date of manufacture. Check the label for more details.

Chemical composition of stevia

The herb stevia is very low in calories, contains less than five grams of carbohydrates and is considered to have almost 0 calories. Moreover, its dry leaves are about 40 times sweeter than sugar. This sweetness is due to the content of several glycosidic compounds:

stevioside;
steviol bioside;
rebaudiosides A and E;
Dulcoside

Two compounds are primarily responsible for the sweet taste:

Rebaudioside A is what is most often extracted and used in stevia powders and sweeteners, but it is usually not the only ingredient. Most commercial stevia sweeteners contain additives: erythritol from corn, dextrose or other artificial sweeteners.
Stevioside makes up about 10% of the sweetness in stevia, but gives it an unusual bitter aftertaste that many people don't like. It also contains most of the benefits attributed to and best studied by stevia.

Stevioside is a non-carbohydrate glycosidic compound. Therefore, it does not have the same properties as sucrose and other carbohydrates. Stevia extract, like rebaudioside A, turned out to be 300 times sweeter than sugar. In addition, it has several unique properties, such as long shelf life, high temperature resistance.

The stevia plant contains many sterols and antioxidant compounds such as triterpenes, flavonoids and tannins.

Here are some of the flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidant phytochemicals present in stevia:

kaempferol;
quercetin;
chlorogenic acid;
caffeic acid;
isoquercetin;
isosteviol.

Stevia contains many vital minerals and vitamins that are usually missing from artificial sweeteners.

Studies have shown that kaempferol contained in stevia can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 23% (American Journal of Epidemiology).

Chlorogenic acid reduces the enzymatic conversion of glycogen to glucose in addition to reducing glucose absorption in the intestine. Thus, it helps reduce blood sugar levels. Laboratory studies also confirm a decrease in blood glucose levels and an increase in liver glucose-6-phosphate and glycogen concentrations.

Certain glycosides in stevia extract have been found to dilate blood vessels and increase sodium excretion and urine output. In fact, stevia, at slightly higher doses than used as a sweetener, may lower blood pressure.

As a non-carbohydrate sweetener, stevia did not promote the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, which has been linked to tooth decay.

Stevia as a sweetener - benefits and harms

What makes stevia so popular among people with type 2 diabetes is that it sweetens foods without raising blood glucose levels. This sugar substitute has virtually no calories and carbohydrates, so not only diabetics, but also healthy people are not averse to introducing it into their daily diet.

Can stevia be used for diabetes and healthy people?

Stevia can be used by diabetics as an alternative to sugar. It is better than any other substitute as it is obtained from a natural plant extract and does not contain any carcinogenic or any other harmful substances. However, endocrinologists recommend that their patients try to reduce their intake of sweeteners or avoid them altogether.

For healthy people, stevia is not required, since the body itself is able to limit sugar and produce insulin. In this case, the best option would be to limit your sugar intake rather than using other sweeteners.

Stevia in diet pills - negative review

In the 1980s, animal studies concluded that stevia may be carcinogenic and cause fertility problems, but the evidence remained inconclusive. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined purified stevia extract (specifically rebaudioside A) to be safe.

However, whole leaves or crude stevia extract have not been approved for use in foods and beverages due to a lack of research. However, numerous reviews from people claim that whole leaf stevia is a safe alternative to sugar or its artificial analogues. The experience of using this herb for centuries in Japan and South America as a natural sweetener and health supplement confirms this.

And although leaf stevia is not approved for commercial distribution, it is still grown for home use and is actively used in cooking.

Comparison of which is better: stevia, xylitol or fructose

Stevia	Xylitol	Fructose
Stevia is the only natural, zero-calorie, zero-glycemic alternative to sugar.	Xylitol is found in mushrooms, fruits and vegetables. For commercial production, it is extracted from birch and corn.	Fructose is a natural sweetener found in honey, fruits, berries and vegetables.
Does not raise blood sugar levels or cause an increase in triglycerides or cholesterol.	The glycemic index is low and slightly increases blood sugar levels when consumed.	It has a low glycemic index, but it is quickly converted into lipids, increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Unlike artificial sweeteners, it does not contain harmful chemicals.		May increase blood pressure.
Stevia can help with weight loss because it contains no calories.		When consumed in excess of foods containing fructose, obesity, heart and liver problems occur.

Health Benefits of Stevia

As a result of studying stevia, its medicinal properties were revealed:

For diabetes

Studies have shown that the sweetener stevia does not add calories or carbohydrates to the diet. It has a glycemic index of zero (meaning stevia does not affect blood sugar levels). This allows diabetics to eat a wider variety of foods and still maintain a healthy diet.

For weight loss

There are many causes of overweight and obesity: physical inactivity and increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in fat and sugar. Stevia contains no sugar and is very low in calories. It can be part of a balanced weight loss diet to reduce energy intake without sacrificing taste.

For cancer

Stevia contains many sterols and antioxidant compounds, including kaempferol, which has been shown to reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 23%.

For hypertension

Glycosides contained in stevia can dilate blood vessels. They also increase sodium excretion and act as a diuretic. A 2003 study showed that stevia could potentially help lower blood pressure. But further research is needed to confirm this beneficial property.

So, the health benefits of stevia require further study before they can be confirmed. However, rest assured that stevia is safe for diabetics when consumed as a sugar alternative.

Contraindications (harm) and side effects of stevia

The benefits and possible harms of stevia depend on which form you prefer to consume and its quantity. There is a huge difference between pure extract and chemically processed products with a small percentage of stevia added.

But even if you choose high-quality stevia, it is not recommended to consume more than 3-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Here are the main side effects that can cause harm to health due to excess dosage:

If you have low blood pressure, stevia may cause it to drop even further.
Some liquid forms of stevia contain alcohol, and people with sensitivity to it may experience bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
Anyone who is allergic to ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums and daisies may have a similar allergic reaction to stevia since this herb is from the same family.

One animal study found that excessive consumption of stevia reduced the fertility of male rats. But since this only occurs when it is consumed in high doses, similar effects may not be observed in humans.

Stevia during pregnancy

Adding an occasional drop of stevia to a cup of tea is unlikely to cause harm, but it is best not used during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to a lack of research in this area. In cases where pregnant women need sugar substitutes, it is recommended to use them without exceeding the dosage.

Use of stevia in cooking

Worldwide, more than 5,000 food and beverage products now contain stevia as an ingredient:

ice cream;
Dessert;
sauces;
yoghurts;
pickled products;
bread;
soft drinks;
chewing gum;
candies;
seafood.

Stevia is good for cooking and baking, unlike some artificial and chemical sweeteners that break down at high temperatures. It not only sweetens, but also enhances the taste of foods.

Stevia is heat-resistant up to 200 C, making it an ideal sugar substitute for many recipes:

In powder form, it is ideal for baking as it has a similar texture to sugar.
Liquid stevia concentrate is ideal for liquid dishes such as soups, stews and sauces.

How to use stevia as a sugar substitute

Stevia can be used instead of regular sugar in foods and drinks.

1 teaspoon sugar = 1/8 teaspoon powdered stevia = 5 drops liquid;
1 tablespoon sugar = 1/3 teaspoon powdered stevia = 15 drops liquid stevia;
1 cup sugar = 2 tablespoons stevia powder = 2 teaspoons liquid stevia.

The sugar to stevia ratio may vary between brands, so read the packaging before adding sweetener. Using too much of this sweetener can result in a noticeably bitter taste.

General instructions for using stevia

You can use stevia in almost any recipe, for example, making jam or jam, baking cookies. To do this, use universal tips on how to replace sugar with stevia:

Step 1 . Combine ingredients as directed in recipe until you reach sugar. Replace sugar with stevia according to the form you have. Since stevia is much sweeter than sugar, an equivalent substitute is not possible. For measurements, see previous section.
Step 2. Since the amount of stevia replaced is much less than sugar, you will need to add more other ingredients to make up for the weight loss and balance the dish. For every cup of sugar you replace, add 1/3 cup of liquid, such as applesauce, yogurt, fruit juice, egg whites, or water (whatever is included in the recipe ingredients).
Step 3. Mix all other ingredients and follow the rest of the recipe.

An important caveat: if you intend to make jam or puree with stevia, they will have a fairly short shelf life (maximum one week in the refrigerator). For long-term storage, you need to freeze them.

To get a thick consistency of the product you will also need a gelling agent - pectin.

Sugar is one of the most dangerous ingredients in food. That is why alternative natural sweeteners such as stevia, which are not harmful to health, are becoming increasingly popular.

Stevia rebaudiana
Taxon: Aster family ( Asteraceae) or Compositae ( Compositae)
Other names: honey grass, sweet biennial
English: Stevia, Sweet Leaf of Paraguay, Azucacaa, Capim Doce, Erva Doce, Sweet-herb, Honey Yerba, Honeyleaf, Candy Leaf

Description

Stevia is a perennial herbaceous shrub that grows up to 1 m in height and has leaves 2-3 cm long.
Stevia is a subtropical plant that requires a semi-humid climate with an average temperature of 24°C. To grow and flourish, it needs about 140 mm of precipitation per year. Prefers sandy or loamy, acidic, constantly moist but not flooded soils. Stevia does not tolerate saline soils. Stevia is propagated by seeds, root division and stem cuttings. This wonderful plant is also known as honey leaf, sweet leaf and sweet grass.

Spreading

It is assumed that stevia is native to the northern regions of South America. Stevia is also found growing wild in the highlands of Amambay and Iguazu (the border between Brazil and Paraguay).
It is grown commercially in many parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America, Israel, Thailand and China.
There are about 80 wild species of stevia in North America and another 200 or so species in South America. However, Stevia Rebaudiana is the only species that has a naturally intense sweetness and can replace artificial sweeteners.

From the history

That just one leaf can sweeten an entire pumpkin filled with bitter Yerba mate tea.
Stevia was discovered in 1887 by the South American naturalist Antonio Bertoni. Some of the earliest articles on stevia were published in the early 1900s.

Chemical composition of stevia

More than 100 phytochemicals have been discovered in stevia. It is rich in terpenes and flavonoids. In 1931, a glycoside called stevioside, which is contained in an amount of 6-18% in stevia leaves and is 300 times sweeter than sugar. Raw stevia leaves and herbal powder (green) have been found to be 10-15 times sweeter than sugar.
Other sweet diterpene glycosides found in stevia: steviol bioside, rebaudioside A-E, dulcoside A

The main chemicals contained in stevia: apigenin, austroinulin, avicularin, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, campesterol, caryophyllene, centaureidine, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, cosmosiin, cynaroside, daucosterol, diterpene glycosides, dulcoside AB, phoeniculin, formic acid, humic acids, gibberellin, indole-3 -acetonitrile, isoquercitrin, isosteviol, jhanol, kaempferol, kaurin, lupeol, luteolin, polystachoside, quercetin, quercitrin, rebaudioside A-E, scopoletin, sterebine AG, steviol, steviol bioside, steviomonoside, stevioside, stevioside-3, stigmaster ol, umbelliferon, and xanthophyll.
Mineral salts (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, cobalt, manganese).

Pharmacological properties of stevia

Hypoglycemic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), cardiotonic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiyeast, antifungal, antiviral, wound healing, tonic, sweetener,

Application in medicine

There are many medicinal uses of stevia ( Stevia rebaudiana):
.
.
Stevia helps you lose weight and reduce cravings for fatty foods (the body does not absorb the sweetening components of stevia, and therefore calorie consumption is zero).
Adding stevia to mouthwash and toothpaste has been shown to improve oral health.
Stevia-induced drinks lead to gastrointestinal functions.
Stevia's antibacterial properties help prevent minor illnesses and are used to treat minor wounds.
Stevia helps with various skin diseases.

Stevia is recommended and approved as a dietary supplement by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA).
In the US, stevia is primarily used as a sugar substitute. About 1/4 teaspoon of leaves (or a whole leaf) is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Biological activity and clinical studies

The natural, calorie-free sweetener has generated a lot of interest and research.

Toxicological studies conducted on rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds have confirmed the non-toxicity of stevioside. In addition, it has been shown that stevioside does not provoke mutagenic changes at the cellular level or in any way affect fertility. It has been established that natural stevia leaves are non-toxic and do not have mutagenic activity.
Most clinical studies on fertility show that stevia leaves do not affect the fertility of men and women. However, one study found that an aqueous extract of stevia leaves reduced sperm levels in male rats.

Brazilian scientists noted the ability of stevioside to lower systolic blood pressure in rats in 1991. Then in 2000, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study was undertaken in which 106 Chinese hypertensive patients (men and women) took part. Subjects received capsules containing stevioside (250 mg) or placebo (drug illusion) three times daily. After three months, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the stevioside group decreased significantly, and the effect was maintained throughout the year. The researchers concluded that stevioside is well tolerated and is an effective treatment that can be considered as an alternative or adjunctive therapy for patients with hypertension.
Somewhat earlier studies of stevia extract, as well as isolated glycosides, demonstrated hypotensive and. In hypertensive rats, stevia leaf extract increased renal plasma flow, urine flow, sodium excretion and filtration rate.

Another group of scientists from Denmark in 200 tested the hypoglycemic properties of glycosides, individual chemicals contained in stevia. They concluded that stevioside and steviol are able to stimulate insulin secretion through a direct effect on beta cells. "The results indicate that stevioside and steviol have potential as hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes."
A Brazilian team of researchers noted that aqueous extracts of stevia leaves caused a hypoglycemic effect and increased glucose tolerance in humans, reporting that "plasma glucose levels were significantly reduced during the trial and after an overnight fast in all volunteers."
In another study, a person's blood sugar levels were reduced by 35% 6-8 hours after taking stevia leaf extract orally.

In another study, stevia demonstrated antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-yeast properties.
A study showed that an aqueous extract of stevia helps prevent dental caries by inhibiting the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which stimulates plaque formation. In addition, a US patent application was filed in 1993, which claims that stevia extract has properties and is effective for various skin diseases (acne, rashes, itching) and diseases caused by circulatory failure.

Contraindications

Stevia leaves (at doses higher than needed for sweetening purposes) have hypoglycemic effects. Diabetics should use large amounts of stevia with caution and monitor their blood sugar levels; medications taken may need adjustment.
Also, stevia leaves (at doses higher than needed for sweetening purposes) have a hypotensive effect (lowers blood pressure). People with low blood pressure and those taking antihypertensive medications should avoid using large amounts of stevia and monitor their blood pressure levels.

Using stevia on the farm

For nearly 20 years, millions of consumers in Japan and Brazil, where stevia is approved as a dietary supplement, have used stevia extracts as a safe, natural, and calorie-free sweetener. Japan is the largest consumer of stevia leaves and extracts in the world. In Japan, stevia is used to sweeten soy sauce, pickles, confectionery and soft drinks. Even multinational giants like Coca-Cola (beverages), Wrigley's (chewing gum) and Beatrice Foods (yogurts) in Japan, Brazil and other countries where stevia is approved as a dietary supplement use stevia extracts to sweeten products (in as a replacement for artificial sweeteners and saccharin).

Stevia medicines

Stevia extract(“Steviasan”, Ukraine) is a complex herbal medicine based on the herb stevia ( Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni) is a greenish-brown, sweet liquid, made using a unique technology patented in Ukraine, which allows you to preserve all the properties of the biologically active substances of the fresh plant.
The product is 100% natural, does not contain chemical additives or preservatives. Stevia extract is a whole storehouse of useful biologically active substances: diterpene glycosides - stevioside, dulcoside, stelcobioside, rebadiuside - there are only 8 substances in this group. Diterpene glycosides - phytosteroids are close in structure to human hormones and are building materials for the synthesis of one’s own hormones, as well as for strengthening the cell membrane. Stevia extract contains flavonoids, saponins, amino acids, especially a large amount of the anti-stress amino acid proline, trace elements Ca, K, Mg, Mn, vitamins B, C, P.
It has been proven that systematic use of stevia extract has a positive effect on all types of metabolism, normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and restores energy and mineral metabolism.
The mechanism of action is to restore enzyme systems, improve the functioning of the cell membrane, in particular, the transmembrane transfer of glucose is improved, gluconeogenesis is enhanced, and the adaptive synthesis of RNA and some enzymes is optimized. It has been proven that the use of stevia extract leads to a stable restoration of all enzymes involved in energy metabolism. The processes of lipid peroxidation, which play a significant role in the development of pathological conditions due to the formation of a large number of free radicals, have also been studied. The use of stevia extract made it possible to normalize the processes of lipid peroxidation and significantly increase the level of coenzyme Q10.
The use of stevia extract manifests itself in the form of:
hypoglycemic effect;
normalization of cholesterol levels in the blood;
restoration of macroorganic compounds ATP, NADP as a consequence of normalization of protein metabolism;
reducing the number of free radicals due to the normalization of lipid peroxidation processes;
restoration of cellular and humoral immunity;
restoration of transcapillary exchange (restoration of microcirculation);
normalization of the endocrine system (hormone levels in the blood).

Thus, stevia extract is indicated in the complex treatment of diseases associated with metabolic disorders in the body. Stevia extract is an effective means of preserving human health, regardless of age, in environmentally unfavorable regions, and is used for:
diabetes mellitus;
diseases of the liver and biliary tract (dyskinesia, cholecystitis, cholangitis);
diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis, dyspancreatism);
atherosclerosis, hypertension of various origins;
obesity of nutritional origin;
reduced immunity;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastroduodenitis, dysbacteriosis);
diseases of the female and male reproductive system;
diseases of the oral cavity (caries, stomatitis);
blood diseases of various origins;
dysfunctions of the nervous system (neuroses,

Stevia is made from a medicinal plant of the same name, which has numerous beneficial properties and is considered the sweetest plant in the whole world. It contains a unique molecular component called stevioside, which gives the plant its extraordinary sweetness.

Stevia is also popularly called honey herb. All this time, the medicinal herb was used to normalize glucose levels in human blood and prevent diabetes. Today, stevia has gained not only popularity, but also widespread use in the food industry.

Features of Stevia sweetener

Stevia is fifteen times sweeter than regular refined sugar, and the extract itself, which contains stevioside, can be 100-300 times sweeter. This feature is used by science to create a natural sweetener.

However, this is not the only thing that makes natural sweetener an ideal option for diabetics. Most sweeteners made from natural and synthetic ingredients have significant disadvantages.

The main disadvantage of many sweeteners is the high calorie content of the product, which is harmful to health. Stevia, having stevioside in its composition, is considered a non-calorie sweetener.
Many low-calorie synthetic sweeteners have an unpleasant feature. By changing the metabolism of blood sugar, a significant increase in body weight occurs. The natural substitute Stevia does not have such disadvantages, unlike its analogues. Studies have shown that stevioside does not affect glucose metabolism, and even, on the contrary, reduces sugar levels in human blood.

The sweetener in some cases has a pronounced taste of leech grass. However, today there are sweeteners that use stevioside extract.

Stevioside has no taste, is widely used in the food industry, is available as a food additive and is referred to as E960. At the pharmacy, a similar sweetener can be purchased in the form of small brown tablets.

The benefits and harms of the sweetener Stevia

The natural substitute Stevia is now widely used in most countries and has excellent reviews. The sweetener has become especially popular in Japan, where Stevia has been used for more than thirty years, and during all this time no side effects have been identified. Scientists from a sunny country have proven that sweetener does not harm human health. At the same time, Stevia is used here not only as a food additive, but is also added instead of sugar to diet drinks.

Meanwhile, in such countries the USA, Canada and the EU do not officially recognize the sweetener as a sweetener. Here Stevia is sold in the form of dietary supplements. The sweetener is not used in the food industry, despite the fact that it is not harmful to human health. The main reason for this is the lack of research that confirms the safety of Stevia as a natural sweetener. At the same time, these countries are primarily interested in selling synthetic low-calorie substitutes, around which, despite the proven harm of these products, a lot of money is circulating.

The Japanese, in turn, have proven through their research that Stevia does not harm human health. Experts say that today there are few sweeteners with such low toxicity levels. Stevioside extract has undergone numerous toxicity tests, and all studies have shown no adverse effects on the body. As reviews show, the drug does not harm the digestive system, does not increase body weight, and does not change cells and chromosomes.

Stevioside has antibacterial functions, so it can be used to treat small wounds in the form of burns, scratches and bruises. It promotes rapid healing of wounds, rapid blood clotting and getting rid of infection. Stevioside extract is often used in the treatment of acne and fungal infections. Stevioside helps babies get rid of pain when their first teeth erupt, which is confirmed by numerous reviews.

Stevia is used to prevent colds, strengthens the immune system, and serves as an excellent remedy for treating diseased teeth. Stevioside extract is used to prepare Stevia tincture, which is mixed with an antiseptic decoction of calendula and horseradish tincture in a ratio of 1 to 1. The resulting drug is used to rinse the mouth to relieve pain and possible suppuration.

Also, Stevia, in addition to stevioside extract, contains useful minerals, antioxidants, vitamins A, E and C, and essential oils.

With long-term use of dietary supplements, vitamin complexes, or significant consumption of fruits and vegetables, hypervitaminosis or an excess of vitamins in the body can be observed. If a rash develops on the skin or peeling begins, you should consult a doctor.

Sometimes Stevia may not be tolerated by some people due to the individual characteristics of the body. In particular, the sweetener is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And yet, there is simply the most real and natural one, which is considered the best sugar substitute.

Healthy people do not need to use Stevia as a primary dietary supplement. Due to the abundance of sweets in the body, insulin is released. If this condition is maintained continuously, the sensitivity to increases in sugar in the body may decrease. The main thing in this case is to adhere to the norm and not to overdo it with a sweetener.

Use of Stevia in food

The natural sweetener has positive reviews and is widely used in the preparation of drinks and fruit salads where sweetening of the taste is required. Stevia is added to brews instead of sugar and used in baked goods.

In some cases, stevioside may taste bitter. This reason is primarily due to the excess of Stevia, which was added to the product. To get rid of the bitter taste, you need to use less sweetener when cooking. Some types of the stevia plant also have a bitter taste.

To reduce body weight, drinks with the addition of stevioside extract are used, which are drunk on the eve of lunch and dinner in order to reduce appetite and eat less food. Also, drinks with sweetener can be consumed after meals, half an hour after eating.

When losing weight, many people use the following recipe. In the morning, you need to drink a portion of mate tea with the addition of Stevia on an empty stomach, after which you should not eat for about four hours. During lunch and dinner, you must eat exclusively healthy and natural food without flavorings, preservatives or white flour.

Stevia and diabetes

Ten years ago, the sweetener Stevia was recognized as safe for human health and health care allowed the use of the sweetener in food. Stevioside extract has also been recommended as a sugar substitute for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. Including the sweetener is very useful for hypertensive patients.

Studies have shown that Stevia improves the effects of insulin and affects the metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. In this regard, the sweetener is an excellent sugar replacement option for diabetics, as well as.

When using Stevia, it is important to ensure that the product you purchase does not contain sugar or fructose. It is necessary to use bread units to accurately calculate the required dose of sweets. It must be remembered that even a natural sugar substitute, if used in excess and improperly, can harm human health and increase blood glucose levels.

Purchasing a sweetener

Today you can purchase a natural substitute for Stevia at any pharmacy or online store. The sweetener is sold as stevioside extract in powder, liquid or dried leaves of the medicinal plant.

White powder is added to tea and other types of liquid. However, some disadvantage is that it takes a long time to dissolve in water, so you need to constantly stir the drink.

Let's figure out what stevia is, whether it has great health benefits, whether it is harmful, and how its use relates to a healthy lifestyle.

Before we begin to find out the truth, I suggest we remember that earlier in the “sweet” series of articles we talked in detail about the benefits and harms of sugar itself.

Stevia is a tropical plant with a wide range of uses, which is popularly called “honey grass”. One gram of stevia leaves is equivalent to 30 g of sugar, i.e. Stevia leaf is 30 times sweeter than sugar.

The pleasant sweetish taste is due to a complex molecule - stevioside, which is a natural source of glucose, sophorose and sucrose. It is this complex structure and a number of other related substances that are responsible for the amazing sweetness of the plant.

Distribution history

This plant appeared in the everyday life of various nationalities relatively recently, despite the fact that, for example, the Guarani Indians have been using it for several centuries. They used stevia both as a sweetener and as a remedy for many ailments. The Spanish conquistadors drew attention to this in the 18th century.

On the territory of the former Union, the plant appeared only in 1934. It was brought from Latin America by the famous scientist and researcher N.I. Vavilov, who visited those parts with an expedition.

Before this, in 1931, an extract was isolated from the leaves of the plant, which was a crystalline substance, white in color. It turned out to be 300 times sweeter than sugar. The French chemists who made this discovery named it stevioside.

And in 1941, special attention was paid to stevia in the British Isles. This was caused by the blockade of England by German submarines. As a result of these events, there was a shortage of products, including a number of sweeteners. Research conducted by scientists has shown that this plant can serve as an excellent alternative to any sweetener.

A little later, the Japanese also took a closer look at stevia, and today they are considered the main consumer of “honey grass,” as it is also called. In 1954, they began to thoroughly study the properties of the plant, and by 1988, 41% of the Japanese sweetener market was occupied by stevia extract.

Since 1986, the plant began to be cultivated in Ukraine. Uzbekistan became the next to adopt planting material and agricultural technology on the territory of the former Union. In 1991 the materials were transferred to Russia.

Stevia is now grown and used in many countries around the world. These are Korea and Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan. In South America you can find it in Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay. The plant is also cultivated in Israel. But the largest supplier of “honey grass” extract on the world market is, perhaps, China.

Medicinal properties of the herb stevia.

o Stevia is called the “honey grass” for its sickly sweet taste.

o Stevia helps cope with obesity, diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, and diabetes.

o Stevia helps prevent the formation and growth of cancer.

o Stevia can slow down the aging of cells in a living organism, strengthen the immune system, this honey herb has antiseptic and antifungal properties, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and digestive system.

o When consumed as food, stevia is a low-calorie sugar substitute.

o Diseases of the liver and gall bladder are cured much faster when consuming stevia.

o The herb Stevia is used as an active stimulant in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and patients with metabolic disorders.

o Many sugar substitutes should not be consumed for a long time - they can cause serious human illnesses, and even cancer. Long-term scientific studies of the properties of stevia have established that this plant is suitable for consumption for a long time, even throughout life, without any consequences on human health.

o The medicinal properties of stevia help to use it even for arthritis and osteochondrosis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, nephritis, and thyroid diseases.

o If you use stevia extract simultaneously with anti-inflammatory drugs - non-steroids, then the gastric mucosa does not suffer from the effects of these drugs.

o When stevia is consumed regularly in the blood of a patient with diabetes, the amount of glucose in the blood is significantly reduced, the elasticity of the vascular wall is improved, and the growth of cancerous tumors is prevented.

o Stevosides found in the plant treat oral diseases - periodontal disease, gingivitis, strengthen the gums and protect teeth from the development of caries.

o Essential oil is made from stevia, and it contains more than 53 active substances. Stevia essential oil has an anti-inflammatory, healing effect.

o A wound that is washed with a stevia solution will stop festering and will heal very quickly, without leaving scars. Stevia solution is also used to treat burns and trophic ulcers.

o The tannins in stevia convert the proteins of the mucous membranes and skin into insoluble, strong compounds, and bacteria can no longer exist on them. That’s why stevia’s anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties are so pronounced.

o For bites from mosquitoes, mosquitoes, bees and other blood-sucking insects, stevia preparations will help avoid intoxication and local tissue swelling.

o For burns, stevia reduces pain and promotes rapid skin regeneration without scarring.

o By adding stevia to the food of a small child, allergic diathesis can be cured.

o Stevia, nourishing the pancreas, restores the function of even a damaged organ.

o Herbal tea from stevia leaves normalizes the intestinal microflora after long-term use of antibiotics, improves the enzymatic activity of the digestive organs.

o Many women suffer from thrush and vaginal dysbiosis, especially if they had to be treated with antibiotics. The harmful candida is right there. Stevia and chamomile will help you get rid of this scourge.

o In addition, the plant is widely known as a good tonic. Herbal tea prepared on its basis quickly and effectively restores strength after nervous and physical exhaustion.

Contraindications to the use of stevia

Relatively recently, steviosides were accused of allegedly causing mutations, that is, cancer. They even presented the results of some experiments, which were subsequently subjected to sharp criticism.

In 2006, based on irrefutable data, the World Health Organization concluded that steviosides and rebaudiosides are non-carcinogenic and noted a positive effect in the treatment of hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Nowadays, there are several contraindications to the use of the natural sweetener stevia:

o Contraindications to the use of stevia are individual intolerance and predisposition to allergic reactions to the plant. The leaves of the plant have a hypotensive effect, so stevia is contraindicated for use by people with low blood pressure.

o Stevia in large quantities is harmful to people with diabetes and fat metabolism disorders.

o Stevia may be harmful (due to the content of essential oils, tannins, etc.) to people with carbohydrate metabolism disorders and severe diseases of the respiratory system.

o Stevia is contraindicated in severe diseases of the digestive system, serious circulatory disorders, hormonal imbalances, mental disorders and in the postoperative period.

Sweetener based on stevia (stevioside)

Stevioside– the only natural plant sweetener. It contains virtually no calories, while being many times sweeter than regular sugar.

There are also free-flowing white powders like sugar and fructose on sale. Its only difference from other “sweet without sugar” is a more complex process of dissolution in water. So tea with the addition of stevioside will have to be stirred considerably.

Liquid stevioside is added to homemade baked goods, jams, desserts, jellies, and drinks.

Typically, the manufacturer writes on the packaging the ratio of their product “to a spoonful of sugar” and, depending on this, you have to determine how much stevioside to use in your dishes.

With the high sweetness factor of stevia, the calorie content of stevioside is negligible.

Uses of stevia leaves

Stevia leaves used in the form of extracts, decoctions or herbal tea. They combine well with other herbs, so very often the collections are a mixture of several useful plants.

Fresh stevia leaves can be used to sweeten any drinks: tea, compote, herbal infusions.

If you grind the dried leaves in a mortar or coffee grinder, you get green stevia powder, which is about 10 times sweeter than sugar. 2 tablespoons of dry leaf powder replace 1 cup of regular sugar.

Recipes for using stevia

o Stevia tea in bags. Brew a bag of crushed leaves (2 grams) with one liter of boiling water, leave for 15-20 minutes. Tea has a specific, pleasant sweet taste and smell. The color of the infusion is initially light brown, but after several hours it changes to dark green.

o Stevia tea. Pour one tablespoon of dry stevia leaf into a glass of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for half an hour. This tea treats obesity and diabetes of both types 1 and 2, hypertension. If you lubricate age spots on your face with this tea, they will become noticeably lighter, and the skin will gain elasticity and firmness. Cooled tea can be rubbed into the scalp for hair growth and shine, and against dandruff.

o Stevia decoction, option 1. Brew one teaspoon of leaf with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for 10-15 minutes. Add the decoction to all dishes where sugar is used; it can be stored in the refrigerator for two days.

o Stevia decoction, option 2. Tie two tablespoons of stevia leaves into a double-layer gauze napkin, pour a glass of boiling water and cook over low heat for half an hour. Pour into a bottle. Pour half a glass of boiling water over the napkin with stevia again, let stand for 30 minutes, pour the infusion into the bottle. Leaves from the napkin can be put into tea or drinks instead of sugar, and the broth can be placed in the refrigerator - it does not last long.

o Stevia infusion. 20 gr. pour a glass of boiling water in a thermos, leave for 12 hours, pour the resulting infusion into a sterilized jar, pour the leaves again into 0.5 cups of boiling water in a thermos. Leave for 8 hours, then strain. Combine both infusions.

o Stevia syrup. Evaporate the stevia infusion (prepared according to the previous recipe) over low heat until a syrup forms, until a drop applied to a dry plate holds a rounded shape. The syrup is 100 times sweeter than sugar; add 4-5 drops of syrup to a glass of tea. Herbal tea with the addition of stevia syrup is especially tasty. The syrup can be stored at home for several years.

o Stevia extract. Take 20 grams of dry stevia leaf, pour a glass of alcohol and leave for a day in a warm place. Strain. Can be used to sweeten tea or confectionery.

o For injuries, burns, ulcers, boils. Apply fresh, washed stevia leaves to the damaged skin, slightly crushing them with your hands. To wash damaged skin, you can use a decoction or infusion of the herb stevia.

o Infusion of stevia and chamomile, in the fight against thrush and vaginal dysbiosis. 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of chamomile and 1 teaspoon of stevia into 1 cup of boiling water. Cool to 36 °C, filter and use completely for one procedure. You should douche in the morning for 10 days. At this time, you need to reduce the consumption of sugar and meat products to a minimum. It is very good to drink stevia tea at the same time.

o The same infusion, diluted 2 times, is good to use for enemas in the treatment of dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation.

application in cosmetology

o To use stevia for cosmetic purposes, you can use stevia leaf powder, tincture, aqueous extract or herbal tea.

o Stevia slows down the aging process in the body.

o Prevents the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation.

o Effectively fights dermatitis and eczema.

o Stevia-based masks get rid of acne, make the skin soft, silky and elastic.

o Stevia prevents the appearance of age-related wrinkles.

o Nourishes the skin at the cellular level.

o Improves hair condition, used to combat dandruff and seborrhea. Accelerates hair growth.

o Strengthens nails.

o Is an effective assistant in the fight for the health of teeth and gums.

o Protects teeth from caries and gums from periodontal disease.

o Tincture of stevia leaves quickly and painlessly heals postoperative scars. Treats burns, cuts, abrasions, animal and insect bites.

Stevia where to buy?

Currently, stevia can be found in any city. In large supermarkets and hypermarkets, the sweetener stevia is in the section for people with diabetes, in the sugar section, tea with stevia in the herbal tea section. And also in the pharmacy.

o When introducing stevia and its extracts into your diet, carefully monitor your body’s reaction to these products. Individual intolerance may occur, expressed in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and an allergic reaction.

o Consuming stevia with fresh milk can also cause diarrhea.

o You should not abuse stevia, using it in most dishes, especially for people suffering from obesity and diabetes. In such cases, it is better to combine this plant with protein products.

o It is useful to mix stevia with the usual black or green tea. It is better to make tea leaves in a one to one ratio. Such teas will help resist many diseases and will not cause harm if you drink them once or twice a day. The herbaceous taste of stevia, if this bothers you, can be dampened with lemon or mint.

Stevia can be grown as an indoor flower

In addition, a unique feature of the stevia herb is that you can grow it yourself at home. But since this grass is southern, it will require a number of necessary conditions: maintaining air humidity, maintaining temperature conditions. There are video tutorials on growing stevia on the Internet. But you can grow it yourself through trial and error, or you can buy finished products, it’s up to you.

The given data on the properties of stevia confirm the repeated predominance of positive qualities over negative ones. What is stevia, if not just a sweetener, but also a valuable dietary supplement that regulates metabolism.

When introducing a medicinal plant into your diet, even the most useful and, at first glance, harmless, expert advice will not hurt.

And one more thing... No matter how valuable a food product stevia is, moderation is needed in everything.

Be healthy!