What kind of herb is stevia and how is it useful? Stevia: medicinal properties and contraindications

Nature gives people so many useful medicinal plants, which in many cases could not be used at all medications, which, in addition to being beneficial, also cause harm. It is a pity that many have never learned to accept these gifts. People who know about the benefits medicinal herbs, are happy to use them not only to strengthen immune system and supplying the body with vitamins, but also for prevention and treatment various kinds ailments.

One of these miraculous gifts of nature is stevia, the benefits and harms of which have been known to people since ancient times. For many hundreds of years, this plant has been used by healers and healers to treat many pathologies. Nothing has changed in modern world. People still continue to use this plant to cure diseases.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

Stevia is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. This is a highly branched bush with simple paired leaves and small white flowers. Reaches a height of sixty or more centimeters. Root system honey grass (another name for the plant) is well developed.

It is recommended to harvest the plant immediately after it blooms. IN medicinal purposes Stevia leaves and stems are mainly used. This is not to say that the plant is too whimsical and requires constant care. But in order to get all the expected benefits from it, you need to know how to grow honey grass and how to care for it.

A few tips regarding growing, harvesting and storing stevia:

1. The place where you plan to plant the plant should be sunny and protected from the wind.
2. It is not recommended to plant stevia on heavy clay soil; in such conditions it will not take root. The soil should be light sandy.
3. It is advisable to sow seeds in soil prepared in advance (dug up, cleared of weeds) in March-April.
4. Plant seedlings in open ground recommended after frost.
5. Raw materials must be harvested during the flowering period.
6. The stem with leaves is cut off and then dried outdoors under the sun or in special dryers.
7. It is necessary to separate the leaves from the stem after drying.

Do not grind the plant too much before drying. The fact is that such raw materials will dry out for a very long time, and during this time they will lose most of their beneficial properties.

Compound

The plant has a rich chemical composition. It contains a large number of:

• stevioside;
• rebaudioside;
• dulcoside;
• vitamins of groups A, B1, B2, C, PP;
• beta-carotene;
• flavonoids: quercetin, rutin, quercitron;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• zinc;
• silicon;
• copper;
• Selena;
• chromium;
• linolenic, arachidonic acid.

The benefits of stevia

The main medicinal substances of the plant are stevioside and rebaudioside. These substances are not capable of causing the slightest harm to the human body, they do not contain calories, but they are several times more “sweet” than regular sugar. It is for this reason that stevia has been recognized as an ideal and, importantly, harmless sugar substitute. For example, the drug “Stevioside” is very popular and effective.

This herb can have antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-cold, hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory effects. The substances that make up stevia give the plant truly healing properties. Honey grass promotes:

• treatment of obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases;
• preventing the formation and subsequent development of oncology;
• slowing down the aging process of body cells;
• strengthening the immune system;
• normalization of the functioning of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system;
• normalization carbohydrate metabolism;
• lowering blood pressure;
• eliminating irritation;
• slowing down the process of wrinkles;
• removal of toxins and wastes.

• burns;
• furunculosis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• gastrointestinal diseases;
• liver ailments;
• gastritis;
• atherosclerosis;
• dysbacteriosis;
• arthritis;
• colds.

Folk recipes

Herbal tea

This remedy will help people not only in getting rid of extra pounds, but also in the treatment of gastritis, liver and pancreas diseases. One spoon of powder from stevia leaves is poured into one liter of boiled water, after which it is infused for half an hour. Use this remedy several times a day instead of tea.

Decoction for burns, boils and ulcers

Take two spoons of fresh leaves of the plant, wrap them in gauze, pour boiled water and place on the stove. Simmer over low heat for half an hour. Pour the finished broth into a jar. Fill the gauze with leaves again with boiled water and leave to infuse for 40 minutes, then pour the product into the same jar. Use this decoction to wash wounds. Take the leaves out of the gauze and put them in your tea instead of sugar.

Hypertonic tea

Take a spoonful of crushed leaves of the plant and pour a glass of boiled water. Cover with a lid and leave to steep for thirty minutes. Drink this tea several times a day for hypertension.

Decoction for insomnia

To prepare the product you will need honey herb leaves and hazelnut flowers. Combine the ingredients and add boiled water, then simmer over low heat for ten minutes. Take the medicine several times a day, a third of a glass, to get rid of insomnia.

Infusion to reduce fever

You will need dried stevia, sage and mint leaves. Mix all the ingredients and pour a glass of boiled water. Infuse the product for half an hour. It is recommended to drink the infusion in small sips.

Infusion for inflammatory diseases of the throat

Mix stevia leaves with raspberry leaves, elderberry flowers and thyme. Pour boiled water over the raw material and let it brew. Drink the infusion warm, in small sips.

Infusion to normalize heart rhythm

Take a spoonful of honey herb powder and a couple of tablespoons of lemon balm, add boiled water and leave to steep for an hour. Take one spoon of the product at least five times a day.

Contraindications

Stevia is absolutely harmless plant, and, therefore, drugs based on it are not capable of causing harm. But in any case, before taking honey herb medications, you should consult your doctor.

If after consuming stevia you experience muscle pain, dizziness, or numbness in your limbs, then such symptoms are evidence individual intolerance components of the product. Therefore, it will be better to stop taking such medications.

Stevia is considered to be native to South and Central America. This plant is external signs resembles mint. Its dimensions can reach one meter. Stevia herb is often called “honey” because it contains stevioside, a natural analogue of sugar. This substance is rich in many beneficial properties, and its taste is much sweeter and more pleasant than traditional sugar.

Stevia is used in various industries - medicine, pharmaceuticals and cooking. It can be used as dry or fresh leaves, powder or tablets. Fresh shoots can be added to various dishes- salads, soups and drinks.

Let’s look further at how useful this plant is and how to use it at home.

What is stevia?

Stevia is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. More than 500 varieties of this flower are known. Only one species is used industrially - Stevia rebaudiana.

The beneficial properties of stevia have been known since ancient times. But the natural sugar substitute became widely popular only in the 50s. During this period, scientists became interested in the rich healing composition of this plant.

Today, the herb stevia is recognized as the best natural sugar substitute. Its use does not lead to gaining extra pounds, which makes it especially popular among those losing weight. Calorie content this healthy sweetener is only 20 calories per 100 grams of product.

Also “honey” grass - great option for those with a sweet tooth. Stevia hundreds of times sweeter and tastier than regular sugar, and its use, unlike the latter, is absolutely safe for health.

What are the benefits of the herb stevia?

As already mentioned, the herb stevia has a lot of healing properties. It contains whole line useful vitamins (A, D, F), ascorbic acid, as well as microelements - potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. The plant is different high content fiber and essential oils.

Consuming stevia leaves in dry or fresh promotes boost immunity, and also has a beneficial effect on work cardiovascular and endocrine system . They use grass for hypertension, obesity and other diseases.

This natural sweetener does not cause allergies at all. This makes it especially useful to use.

What is the secret of such natural sweetness? The leaves of this plant contain two substances - stevioside and rebaudioside, which give stevia sweetish, honey taste. Due to this, the leaves of this plant are used to create various powders, tablets and herbal teas.

Stevioside has an anti-inflammatory effect, promotes lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar. Also this natural antiseptic has a beneficial effect on blood circulation.

The leaves of this herb have a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. Scientists have also proven anti-cancer properties stevia. Kaempferol, which is part of the herb, allows you to slow down growth and division cancer cells.

Application

As already mentioned, stevia leaves were found wide application in industry. Modern market offers us products in the form of dry raw materials, powders, teas, extracts and aromatic oils.

Pharmacological properties this plant made it possible to develop various drugs and natural supplements. Pharmaceutical companies tablets, pastes, and various teas and powders.

Today the most popular are Tablet sweeteners based on stevia, as well as drugs in the form of dietary supplements. You can buy them at any pharmacy. It is important to note that their consumption is beneficial and safe for health. Some world organizations They claim that consuming stevia is harmful to the body, but this is not true. The plant is rich useful microelements and vitamins, unlike simple sugar.

Use in folk medicine

In folk medicine, stevia is used to treat throat diseases (bronchitis, sore throat), and for allergic skin rashes, as well as for diseases digestive system.

For example, effective treatment for bronchitis and a dry cough is the following recipe: dilute stevia extract in 200 ml of water. Drink three times a day.

For stomach ulcers, the following remedy is recommended: take 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort herb and mix them with 1 tsp. stevia powder. Boil in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink 1/3 cup of the decoction three times a day (half an hour before meals). This recipe is also suitable for the treatment of duodenum.

For gastritis, a remedy based on mint and stevia is useful: The ingredients must be mixed in a 2:1 ratio, pour two glasses of boiling water. Leave for 20-30 minutes, then strain. Drink half a glass twice a day (30 minutes before meals). Course - 14 days.

An effective remedy for psoriasis. For this recipe you will need to make special lotions: take 3 large, chopped garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of stevia. Stir and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 8-10 hours. Apply to problem areas 1-2 times a day.

Recipe for eczema. Special lotions are used to treat eczema. To prepare them, you need to take 5 chopped fresh blackberry leaves and mix them with 1 tbsp. l. stevia powder, pour 200 ml of warm water. Let it brew for 2-3 minutes. After this, you need to apply warm lotions to the damaged areas of the skin for 20-30 minutes.

Folk remedy for bronchial asthma : take 2 tbsp. l. chopped strawberry leaves, mix with 2 tsp. stevia and pour it all with two glasses of boiling water. Let it brew for 4 hours, then strain well. Drink the drink three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Recipe for hypertension: For preparation you will need motherwort herb (2 tbsp) and stevia herb (1 tbsp). The ingredients are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 12 hours. The resulting infusion is consumed 50 ml three times a day, 40-50 minutes before meals.

In the treatment of atherosclerosis: you will need 1 spoon of seed buckwheat and 2 liters. stevia. The ingredients must be brewed in 0.5 liters of boiling water in an enamel vessel, first cover with a lid. Leave for 2-3 hours. Drink half a glass three times a day.

For caries and periodontal disease. This plant is known to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria and pathogens. ethnoscience recommends using it for rinsing the mouth to avoid caries and others unpleasant diseases. To do this, you need to dilute one spoon of plant extract in a glass of water. rinse your teeth with the resulting solution 3-4 times a day. It is also recommended to chew stevia leaves by rubbing them into the gums.

In cosmetology

Stevia leaves are also used in cosmetology. This plant is used for treatment problem skin, burns and various inflammatory reactions. This miraculous herb is also used to prepare various masks and shampoos.

You can prepare it at home great masks, which allow you to rejuvenate and improve your facial skin.

Recipe for dry skin

• Take fresh stevia leaves and grind them in a blender or mortar until a creamy mass is formed. Add a spoon to the resulting mixture olive oil and 1 yolk. Mix and apply to skin for 15 minutes. This mask based on the herb stevia contains a lot of beneficial properties. It nourishes the skin, makes it firm and soft.

For oily skin The ingredients need to be changed: add the protein and a spoonful of lemon juice to the stevia. Mix thoroughly. Apply to skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with cool water. The procedure is recommended to be used 2 times a week.

The properties of stevia make it possible to use the herb as a decoction to strengthen hair. For thin, weakened and dull suitable for hair special recipe for daily use.

Recipe for thicker and healthier hair

• Take dry herb and infuse it for three hours. The ratio is two tablespoons of broth per liter of water. First wash your hair and then rinse it with a healthy miracle infusion.

How to use stevia for diabetes?

The stevia plant is especially popular among diabetics. Leaves of this herb (in tablet, powder or raw form) Recommended for use in diabetes types 1 and 2. Consuming stevia helps lower blood sugar levels, as well as a natural decrease in diabetics' insulin resistance (resistance).

The herb is especially beneficial for type 2 diabetes. This type of disease leads to obesity and high blood cholesterol. Consumption of the herb stevia allows you to avoid a dangerous stage of the disease. Plant reduces recruitment risk excess weight , as it prevents fat from accumulating in the body, and also removes excess cholesterol.

In the treatment of diabetes, the herb stevia is used in the form of:

• teas and infusions;
• powder and tablets;
• liquid extract.

Infusion recipe:

• Take stevia powder (2 tbsp) and 3 tbsp. l. dried St. John's wort. Mix the ingredients and place in a container. Next, pour boiling water over everything, cover and wrap with a towel. Leave for at least two hours. Filter through a sieve. Drink 1/3 cup before meals three times a day.

Stevia in cooking: healthy recipes

Due to its low calorie content and its beneficial properties, the plant can be used as a substitute for sugar even during weight loss.

Honey grass is often used in baking. As an introduction, we present to your attention a delicious and healthy recipe pirogue.

Pies with stevia

Ingredients:

• flour - 3 tbsp;
• butter - 200 g;
• eggs - 3 pcs;
• stevia powder - 1.5 liters per 1 liter of water;
• berries to taste (raspberries, currants) - 200 g.

Preparing shortbread dough:

1. Beat the eggs well. Add stevia powder to the resulting mixture and mix. Next, add flour to the resulting mass and mix well. Melt the butter in a water bath and mix it with the previously obtained mass. Knead the resulting consistency into a dough.
2. Roll it out and place it in a baking dish. Place the filling on top in the form of any fruit or berries. Then sprinkle with stevia solution. The edges of the dough can be folded inward. Bake the pie at 180 degrees for 30 minutes.

Compote with stevia

Any fruits and berries are suitable for preparing compotes - pears, apples, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. Stevia herb is added to compotes in the following quantities:

• 1/3 tsp. per glass (or 15 g of dry herb leaves) for apple compote;
• 60-70 g for strawberry;
• 40-50 g for raspberry.

• It is recommended to add 1.5 grams of stevia herb infusion to jelly per 1 glass.

Stevia syrup

• Pour 20 grams of stevia leaves in a gauze bag with a glass of boiling water and cook over low heat until thickened. The indicator of syrup readiness is a viscous consistency that does not spread. This natural sweetener is an excellent replacement for sugar syrup.

Contraindications

The dangers of the stevia plant are discussed quite contradictorily. Honey grass is in particular demand among people, as it has long been famous for its beneficial properties.

Studies have shown that this plant is absolutely safe for health. However, there are a number of contraindications that are worth paying attention to.

• individual intolerance to substances contained in the herb;
• hypotension (the plant helps lower blood pressure);
• pregnancy and lactation;
• tendency to allergic reactions;
• blood diseases;
• hormonal disorders.

However, the myth about the dangers of stevia is ambiguous. In some countries, this plant is one of the main sugar substitutes, while in others, for example in the USA, it is banned due to its harmful effects.

The American Food and Drug Safety Organization (FDA) has classified the herb stevia as a “product of uncertain safety.” What could this be connected with? One of the main “hidden” reasons is competition and financial factor.

In Russia and some European countries, various natural supplements are produced in the form of tablets and powders, the use of which is recommended by national health organizations.

The stevia plant was used for more than one and a half thousand years by a group of Guarani Indian peoples in South America (Brazil and Paraguay), who called stevia “ka’a he’ê”, which means “ sweet grass" These native South Americans love to use this non-caloric natural sweetener, adding it to yerba mate tea, using it as a medicinal remedy, and using it as a sweetener ().

In these South American countries, stevia was also used as traditional remedy to treat burns, stomach problems, colic, and was even used as contraception.

There are approximately 200 species of stevia in South America. Stevia is herbaceous plant, a member of the Asteraceae family, so it is related to ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds. Stevia honey ( Stevia rebaudiana) is the most valuable variety of stevia.

In 1931, chemists M. Bridel and R. Laviel isolated two glycosides that make stevia leaves sweet: stevioside and rebaudioside. Stevioside is sweet but also has the bitter aftertaste that many people complain about when using stevia, while rebaudioside tastes better, sweet and less bitter.

Most unprocessed and less processed stevia sweeteners contain both sweeteners, while most highly processed forms of stevia, such as Truvia, contain only rebaudioside, the sweetest part of the stevia leaf. Rebiana or rebaudioside A found safe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is used as an artificial sweetener in food products and drinks ().

Researchers have shown that using the whole stevia leaf, which also contains stevioside, has some health benefits. However, using certain brands of stevia that have been processed and contain certain additives is not a good or healthy option.

Composition of stevia

Stevia contains eight glycosides. These are sweet components obtained from stevia leaves. These glycosides include:

• stevioside
• rebaudiosides A, C, D, E and F
• steviol bioside
• Dulcoside A

Stevioside and rebaudioside A are found in the greatest number in stevia.

The term "stevia" will be used to refer to steviol glycosides and rebaudioside A throughout this article.

They are extracted by collecting the leaves, then drying, extracting with water and purifying. Unrefined stevia often has a bitter taste and bad smell until it is bleached or bleached. To obtain stevia extract, it goes through 40 stages of purification.

Stevia leaves contain stevioside in concentrations of up to approximately 18%.

The benefits of stevia for the body

At the time of writing, there have been 477 studies evaluating beneficial features stevia and possible side effects, and this number is constantly increasing. The plant itself has medicinal properties that can not only prevent the development of diseases, but also treat some of them.

1. Anti-cancer effect

In 2012 in the magazine Nutrition and Cancer A landmark study was published that was the first to link stevia consumption to a reduction in breast cancer. Stevioside has been noted to increase cancer apoptosis (the death of cancer cells) and reduce certain stress pathways in the body that promote cancer growth ().

Stevia contains many sterols and antioxidant compounds, including kaempferol. Research has shown that kaempferol can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 23% ().

Together, these studies show stevia's potential as a natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of cancer.

2. The benefits of stevia for diabetes

Using stevia instead of white sugar can be extremely beneficial for diabetics who need to avoid consuming regular sugar as much as possible in terms of diabetic diet. But they are also highly discouraged from using artificial chemical sweeteners. Human and animal studies have shown that artificial sweeteners can raise your blood sugar levels even more than if you consumed real table sugar ().

Article published in the magazine Journal of Dietary Supplements, assessed how stevia affected diabetic rats. It was found that rats given 250 and 500 milligrams of stevia each day had significantly lower fasting blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance, levels and alkaline phosphatase, which are produced in cancer patients ().

Another study of women and men found that taking stevia before meals reduced blood glucose levels and insulin levels after meals. These effects appear to be independent of reduced calorie intake. This study demonstrates how stevia may help regulate glucose ().

3. Helps you lose weight

It has been found that the average person gets 16% of their calories from sugar and sugar-sweetened foods (). This high consumption sugar has been associated with weight gain and adverse effects on blood sugar levels, which can have serious Negative consequences for good health.

Stevia is a sweetener plant origin with zero calories. If you decide to replace unhealthy table sugar with high quality stevia extract and use it in in moderation, this will help you reduce not only your total sugar intake per day, but also your calorie intake. By keeping your sugar and calorie intake within a healthy range, you can avoid developing obesity, as well as many obesity-related health problems such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

4. Improves cholesterol levels

The results of a 2009 study showed that stevia extract has a positive effect on overall lipid profile. It's important to note that the researchers also found that the side effects of stevia did not affect the health of the subjects in this study. The researchers concluded that stevia extract effectively reduces increased level serum cholesterol, including triglycerides and LDL "bad" cholesterol, while increasing the level of "good" cholesterol HDL cholesterol ().

5. Reduces High Blood Pressure

According to Natural Standard Research Collaboration, the results of existing studies are encouraging regarding the prospects for the use of stevia for hypertension. Natural Standard assigned stevia a degree of effectiveness in lowering blood pressure “class B” ().

Certain glycosides in stevia extract have been found to enhance blood vessels and increase sodium excretion, which is very useful for maintaining blood pressure in normal range. An evaluation of two long-term studies (lasting one and two years, respectively) gives hope that stevia may be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, data from shorter studies (one to three months) did not confirm these results ().

Types of stevia

There are several types of stevia sweeteners:

1. Green stevia leaves

• The least processed of all stevia sweeteners.
• Unique in that most natural sweeteners contain calories and sugar (such as ), but green stevia leaves contain no calories or sugar.
• Used in Japan and South America for centuries as a natural sweetener and health booster.
• The taste is sweet, slightly bitter and not as concentrated as stevia sweeteners.
• 30-40 times sweeter than sugar.
• The inclusion of stevia leaves in the diet has been found to help regulate blood sugar levels, prevent and treat cancer, reduce cholesterol, high blood pressure and in reducing body weight.
• The best option, but should still be used in moderation.

2. Stevia extracts

• Most brands extract the sweetest and least bitter part of the stevia leaf (rebaudioside), which does not have the health benefits found in stevioside.
• No calories or sugar.
• Tastes sweeter than green stevia leaves.
• About 200 times sweeter than sugar.

3. Sweetener Truvia and the like

• Significant processing and added ingredients make the final product barely resemble stevia.
• Contains GMO ingredients.
• No calories or sugar.
• Truvia (Truvía®) or stevia rebaudioside is approximately 200-400 times sweeter than sugar.
• Avoid adding this product to food and drinks.
• Causes side effects such as gastrointestinal problems.

Organic and inorganic stevia

Here are the main differences between organic and non-organic stevia.

Organic stevia

• Made from organically grown stevia.
• Usually non-GMO.
• Does not contain .

Unfortunately, even some organic stevia sugar substitutes contain fillers. Some of these products are not truly pure stevia, so you always need to read the labels if you are looking for a 100% stevia product. For example, one brand of organic stevia is actually a blend of organic stevia and blue agave inulin. Agave inulin is a highly processed derivative from the blue agave plant. Although this filler is not a GMO ingredient, it is still a filler.

Inorganic stevia

• The most a big difference: It is made from non-organically grown stevia.
• Also, as a rule, it is not GMO.
• No glycemic impact.
• Highly processed product.
• Typically gluten free.

Stevia Leaf Powder and Liquid Extract

• Products vary, but in general, stevia leaf extracts are 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar.
• Powdered and liquid stevia extracts are much sweeter than the leaf or green herbal powder stevia, which is about 10-40 times sweeter than table sugar.
• Extract from whole leaves or from raw stevia is not FDA approved.
• Liquid stevia may contain alcohol, so look for alcohol-free extracts.
• Liquid stevia extracts can be flavored (flavors: vanilla and).
• Some powdered stevia products contain inulin fiber, which is a naturally occurring plant fiber.

Stevia, table sugar and sucralose: differences

Here are the main characteristics of stevia, table sugar and sucralose + recommendations.

Stevia

• Zero calories and sugar.
• No common side effects.
• Try to buy dried organic stevia leaves from online health stores and grind them using a coffee grinder (or mortar and pestle).
• Stevia leaves are only 30-40 times sweeter than sugar, and the extract is 200 times sweeter.

Sugar

• One teaspoon of typical table sugar contains 16 calories and 4.2 grams of sugar ().
• Typical table sugar is highly refined.
• Excess sugar consumption can also lead to dangerous accumulation internal fat which we cannot see.
• Fat that builds up around vital organs can cause serious illnesses in the future, for example, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer ().

Sucralose

• Sucralose is obtained from regular sugar.
• She in to a large extent processed.
• It was originally going to be used as a pesticide.
• Zero calories and zero grams of sugar per serving.
• 600 times sweeter than sugar ().
• It is heat resistant - does not collapse during cooking or baking.
• Used in many dietary products and drinks, chewing gum, frozen dairy desserts, fruit juices and gelatins.
• Causes many common side effects such as migraines, dizziness, intestinal cramps, rashes, acne, headaches, bloating, chest pain, tinnitus, bleeding gums and much more.

Harm of Stevia: Side Effects and Precautions

Stevia is generally safe when consumed internally, but if you are allergic to ragweed, it is possible that you may have an allergic reaction to stevia and products containing it. Signs of an oral allergic reaction include:

• swelling and itching of the lips, mouth, tongue and throat;
• hives;
• abdominal pain;
• nausea;
• vomit;
• tingling sensation in the mouth and throat.

Stop using this sweetener if you experience any of the above signs of a stevia allergy, and if symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.

Some people find that stevia may have a metallic aftertaste. None general contraindications stevia or adverse reactions not found. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there is unfortunately no information available about the safety of stevia. You can consult your doctor, but it's probably best to avoid stevia, especially since whole stevia leaves are traditionally used as contraceptives.

If you have any medical condition or are taking any medications, you should consult your physician before using this herbal sweetener.

Surely many of our readers are familiar with stevia. What is this? Some will say that this is a high-quality vegetable sweetener, and they will be partly right. Actually it's medicinal herb. Today we will try to tell you more about this plant. For what diseases and how to take it, does it have contraindications?

Stevia: what is it?

A perennial plant, more precisely, small bush with erect stems, from sixty to eighty centimeters high, from the Asteraceae family, which includes about two hundred and sixty species . Stevia, benefits and harm which was known to healers one and a half thousand years ago South America, has become known in the modern world quite recently.

Thanks to the efforts of Professor Vavilov, the territory of the former Soviet Union Stevia was imported. No one in our country yet knew what kind of plant this was. For a long time, products based on it were part of rations for cosmonauts and senior officials in the USSR. Stevia has also been studied in other countries. The benefits of this plant have found more and more evidence every year. Scientists from all over the world have talked about this.

Stevia is a herb whose stems die off every year, and their place is taken by new shoots on which small leaves are located. One bush can have from six hundred to twelve thousand sweet leaves. Based on numerous studies, modern scientists have identified unique properties, which this plant possesses.

Spreading

In the northeast of Paraguay and the neighboring part of Brazil, on a tributary of the Parana River, stevia is widespread. Even children here know that this sweet plant has medicinal properties. Over time, the whole world learned about this herb. IN natural conditions It grows in high mountains, so stevia has adapted to fairly sharp temperature changes. Now it's being grown in almost all countries of Southeast Asia.

Today it is grown for industrial purposes in the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea. stevia. The benefits and harms of this plant well studied, which allows its use in Food Industry, cosmetology, but this herb is most in demand in medicine.

Compound

The most big amount useful substances possess the leaves of the plant. They include:

• cellulose;
• polysaccharides;
• glycosides;
• plant lipids;
• vitamins C, A, P, E and microelements;
• pectin substances;
• essential oils.

Glycosides - steviiodes - give the plant its sweetness. They are several hundred times sweeter than sugar. But besides this, they are phytosteroids that are involved in the synthesis of hormones in our body.

Natural sweetener

The taste of stevia is most pronounced when consuming young leaves. The sweetest leaves are those grown in natural climatic conditions and at sufficient quantity solar lighting. The plant has a pleasant and slightly sweet aroma. The taste has shades of sweetness, accompanied by a bitter aftertaste.

Despite the increased sweetness that stevia has, it cannot cause harm to the body, but the benefits of its use are obvious. More than twenty amino acids and vitamins contained in its leaves allow you to combine excellent taste with healing properties. The plant has antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects on the human body, thanks to which it is successfully used traditional healers for colds and viral infections.

Taste qualities plants have allowed it to be called the best natural sweetener in the world. Not every plant is characterized by such rapid solubility, complete absence side effects, a huge number of medicinal properties and at the same time pleasant taste. What else is attractive about stevia?

1. This plant does not cause insulin release and helps normalize blood sugar levels.
2. Stevia, the harm of which has not been identified even with long-term use, is resistant to high temperatures, which allows it to be used in baked goods and hot drinks.

Healing properties

Honey herb (stevia) has the following beneficial properties:

• thins and removes mucus;
• increases gastric secretion;
• has a mild diuretic effect;
• prevents rheumatism;
• relieves swelling;
• reduces “bad” cholesterol levels and blood sugar;
• strengthens blood vessels and normalizes arterial pressure;
• normalizes metabolism;
• prevents diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, pancreatitis;
• helps in the treatment of bronchitis.

Stevia has become a salvation for people suffering from diabetes and tired of constant restrictions on sweets. Today many manufacturers add it to special products for such patients - cookies, yoghurts, chocolate. Natural sweetness does not harm diabetics; their body accepts this sweetener.

As you can see, a truly unique plant is stevia. Its benefits for the human body have been confirmed by numerous studies by Russian and foreign scientists.

Release forms

Many people are interested in the sweetener stevia. Its price depends on the release form and volume. Today, stevia-based preparations are produced in different forms, but first we should talk about the indicators that are inherent in all types of these products: carbohydrates, fats and calories are absent. The glycemic index is equal to zero.

Sachets

The composition includes: stevia extract, which has a sweet, pleasant taste and no foreign flavors; erythrol is a natural filler obtained from starch and used for ease of dosage: 1 sachet corresponds to the level of sweetness two teaspoons of sugar. Packages come in 25, 50 and 100 bags.

Price - from 100 rubles.

Powders

Price for 20 grams - 525 rubles.

Pills

1 tablet corresponds to 1 teaspoon of sugar. Available in packs of 100, 150 and 200 pieces.

Price - from 140 rubles.

Liquid extract

It has the taste of strawberry, raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, mint, etc. Four to five drops are enough to add sweetness to a glass of drink. Stevia extract is packaged in thirty-gram plastic or glass bottles.

Price - from 295 rubles.

Are there any contraindications to the use of stevia?

Scientists at this moment not identified harmful properties this plant. However, individual restrictions still exist. First of all, this is intolerance to stevia, which can be expressed as allergic reactions. In this case, its use must be stopped.

At the very beginning of the reception there may be others negative reactions body: digestive disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness. As a rule, they pass very quickly.

We should not forget that stevia significantly reduces blood sugar, so this indicator must be monitored while taking this sweetener.

People with hypotension ( low blood pressure) Stevia should be taken with caution to avoid low blood pressure. When purchasing stevia in powder or tablet form, pay attention to the composition. It should not contain methanol and ethanol, which are sometimes used to reduce the sweetness of the drug. Their toxicity can harm your body.

Stevia: reviews

This amazing natural sweetener has no strict contraindications. For many of our compatriots, stevia became a discovery. What kind of plant this is, many did not know before. Judging by the reviews, acquaintance with it most often occurs after the doctor records an increase in blood sugar levels. People who started using this sweetener note that after a month of regular use, the rise in blood sugar levels slows down, and with more long-term use- decreases.

Patients with high blood pressure also leave reviews. They note that when regular use With stevia, blood pressure normalizes; there are no sudden changes.

Women who are watching their figure have not ignored this herb. Having given up sugar and switched to stevia, many people boast about their weight loss achievements. Reviews about this plant are mostly positive, although some did not like its pronounced bitter taste.

For adherents healthy image life, diabetics, people counting calories, sugar substitute is an important part of the diet. Desserts are prepared with it, added to tea, cocoa or coffee. And if previously sweeteners were only of synthetic origin, now natural ones are very popular. But you don’t need to mindlessly consume this product; you must first study the benefits and harms of stevia.

History and purpose

This herb is native to South and Central America. Since ancient times, Indians have brewed tea with it, called mate. Europeans began to use it much later, as they did not attach importance to the customs of the Indian tribes. Only from the beginning of the twentieth century did residents of Europe appreciate the plant and began to use stevia, the benefits and harms of which are being studied to this day.

For industrial needs, the plant is grown in Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory. But for your own needs, it can be grown in any part Russian Federation. The seeds are publicly available and anyone can buy them. The only thing is that stevia will not grow in houses, since this plant needs a constant influx fresh air, fertile soil and high humidity. Only if all these conditions are met, the benefits and harms of stevia will be obvious. The plant itself looks like nettle, lemon balm or mint.

This herb has its sweetness due to the main glycoside - steviazid. A sweetener is extracted from a herbal extract and is used in industry as a food (E960) or dietary supplement.

Calorie content of stevia

When using dried leaves, the calorie content will not exceed 18 calories per 100 grams. In the case of a sweetener with stevioside extract in the form of tablets, syrup or powder, the calorie content is zero.

How many carbohydrates?

The amount of carbohydrates is much lower than the calorie content. There are 0.1 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams. There has long been debate as to whether the stevia substitute is beneficial or harmful for diabetes mellitus. And it has been shown to provide benefits and help avoid complications because its extract does not raise blood sugar levels. Stevioside does not affect lipid metabolism, is not the reason increased LDL and triglycerides.

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates were distributed as follows:

• fats - 0 grams;
• carbohydrates - 0.1 grams;
• proteins - 0 grams.

Useful properties of stevia

Like any other product, it brings benefits and harm. Stevia has such medicinal properties:

1. Improves blood pressure. With the constant use of dietary supplements that contain stevia, the upper pressure decreases by 10 units, and the lower one by six. In addition, the risk of hypertrophy of the left becomes less cardiac ventricle.
2. Reduces blood sugar. If we compare aspartame (a popular sweetener) and stevia extract, then diabetics taking stevia have more low level sugar than those who consume aspartame. Therefore, the benefits of stevia are invaluable for diabetics. There is practically no harm from it.
3. Reduces the amount bad cholesterol.
4. Glucose in the body returns to normal.
5. Has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
6. Suitable for those losing weight as it has no calories.
7. Normalizes blood quality and metabolism.
8. There is an improvement in skin quality.
9. The immune system becomes stronger.
10. Does not cause allergies.
11. Reanimates the pancreas.

It must be remembered that all tests were carried out on animals and the results are typical for them. The benefits and harms for animals are one, but for humans they are completely different.

Research

The catch is that they studied the extracts of this plant, and not the leaves in in kind. Steviositol and rebaudioside A are used as extracts. These are very sweet components. The benefits and harms of the stevia substitute are many times greater than those of sugar.

But stevioside is a tenth of stevia leaves, if you consume the leaves with food, then positive effect(like an extract) cannot be achieved. It is necessary to understand that visible healing effect achieved through the use of large doses of the extract. There will be no result if you use this sweetener only to sweeten food. That is, in this case, the pressure will not decrease, the glucose level will remain the same, and so will the blood sugar. For treatment you need to consult a doctor. Self-indulgence will cause serious harm to health.

It is unknown exactly how stevia extract works. But according to research data, it is clear that stevioside blocks calcium channels, acquiring the properties of an antihypertensive drug.

Stevioside also increases sensitivity to insulin and its level in the body.

Stevia extract has a very strong biological activity, because of this in large doses This sugar substitute should not be taken, only for its intended purpose. Otherwise, the harm will exceed and the benefit will decrease.

Harmful properties of stevia

Any characteristic negative properties Stevia does not, but there are people for whom it is better to limit its consumption:

1. Pregnant women.
2. Women who are breastfeeding.
3. People suffering from hypotension.
4. In case of individual intolerance.
5. Stevia, due to its sweetness, can cause “metabolic confusion,” which is characterized by an increase in appetite and an insatiable craving for sweets.

How to use?

Whatever the form of stevioside (in powder, tablets or syrup), its sweet properties are 300 times greater than sugar. Using the table you can see the proportions of stevia and sugar.

There are several ways to consume:

• decoction from the plant;
• isolated extract in the form of powder, tablets or syrup.

The powder or tablets have a very sweet taste and must be used very carefully. Some people believe that one form of stevia is more harmful than another. This is not true, the benefits and harms of stevia in tablets are exactly the same as stevia in another form. In addition to the extract, they contain flavorings and synthetic sweeteners. The concentration of the powder is so high that it is rather steviosite in its pure form.

By boiling stevia leaves to a thick jam, syrup is obtained. There are also ready-made meals and drinks with stevia. For example, chicory is added to homemade baked goods, tea, coffee, cocoa, juices, cocktails, and desserts. To add to the dough, it is recommended to buy this sweetener in powder form. For liquids, tablets or syrup are suitable.

Taste qualities

Despite the wonderful qualities of this plant, not everyone can use it. It's a matter of a specific taste, or more precisely, a bitterness. This bitterness appears or not, which depends on the method of purification of the raw materials and the raw materials themselves. Before you give up such a product, you should try a sugar substitute from several manufacturers or try to make a homemade tincture.

Homemade tincture recipe

Since the herb stevia does not differ in benefits and harm from ready-made sweeteners, you can try making an infusion at home. Pour crushed stevia leaves (1 tablespoon) into a glass of water. Let it boil and leave on the fire for another 5 minutes. Pour the broth into a thermos and leave to infuse overnight. In the morning, pour the strained broth into a clean bottle. Pour half a glass of boiling water over the leaves remaining after straining and leave in the thermos for 6 hours. After time, mix the two strained infusions and put them in the refrigerator. Store for no more than 7 days. This infusion can be a good alternative granulated sugar.

What does stevia consist of?

Experts have brought out a safe daily dose stevia is 2 mg per kilogram of weight. It contains many useful substances, which distinguishes the plant from sugar. The leaves contain:

• calcium;
• fluorine;
• manganese;
• cobalt;
• phosphorus;
• chromium;
• selenium;
• aluminum;
• beta-carotene;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamin K;
• a nicotinic acid;
• riboflavin;
• camphor oil;
• arachidonic acid.

Stevia in children's diet

If you are not allergic to plants of the Asteraceae family (chamomile, dandelion), stevia can be included in the children's menu. In addition, it has been proven non-toxic.

Stevioside and diseases

The list of contraindications for using stevia is very small. It can be used for food oncological diseases, pyelonephritis, biliary tract diseases, chronic pancreatitis.

Diabetes mellitus and steviositis

Most sweeteners are synthetic in nature and are not suitable for all people with diabetes. Therefore, scientists and doctors were looking for the most natural sugar substitute. And stevia was perfect for this role. The harm and benefits for diabetes and other diseases are discussed above. The most important property of this plant for diabetics is that it adds sweetness to food and does not increase insulin levels in the body. But you shouldn’t abuse it either, otherwise stevia in diabetes mellitus will begin to bring not benefit, but harm.

Important! Before purchasing, you should carefully read the ingredients. If it does not contain fructose and sucrose, then you can buy it.

Use of stevia for diabetes

Mix St. John's wort (leaves) in the amount of three tablespoons and stevia (2 tablespoons), chop, pour a glass of boiling water. Pour into a thermos and leave for an hour. The decoction is taken 60 grams before meals three times a day. The decoction is drunk in courses (a month), followed by week break and everything repeats itself.

Weight loss and steviositis

If anyone thinks that as soon as they replace sugar with stevia, they will immediately lose weight, they will be deeply disappointed. Stevia is not a fat-burning agent and cannot in any way activate subcutaneous fat; for this reason, it will not result in direct weight loss. Proper nutrition and physical exercise. At the same time, food comes first here, although without motor activity not enough.

The essence of all sugar substitutes is that by eliminating sugar and sweets from the diet, a person begins to lose weight due to a calorie deficit. Due to the fact that insulin is not released into the blood during huge quantities, the body switches to correct work and begins to lose fat without stress.

Where to look for stevia?

The natural sweetener is produced all over the world. This is due to unpretentiousness of this plant. Of course, drugs from different companies differ, because much depends on the place of harvest and processing, production technology, composition, and release form.