Stevia dried application. Stevia Grass - Natural Sugar Substitute, Beauty and Health Benefits

The stevia herb has long been famous for its healing properties. A plant from the Asteraceae family came to us from South America. Since ancient times, it has been used by the Maya Indians, calling the herb "honey". There was a legend among the Mayan people. According to her, Stevia is a girl who gave her life for her people. In gratitude for such a noble deed, the gods decided to give people a sweet herb with a unique healing power. Nowadays, stevia is highly valued by nutritionists and is the only natural sugar substitute.

But that's not all. In the course of research, it has been proven that the use of an amazing plant improves digestive processes, normalizes metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels and has other beneficial properties for organs and body systems.

What are the benefits of the herb stevia, and can it cause harm? Who benefits from using a sugar substitute and are there any contraindications? Let's find out the details.

At first glance, stevia seems like a nondescript herb. At the same time, it is more than 30 times sweeter than sugar! Growing a plant is not so easy, it needs loose soil, high humidity, good lighting.

The herb has long been used in the treatment of all "ailments" by the natives of South America. The recipe for making a healing drink was brought to Europe at the end of the 18th century. And immediately attracted the attention of the British Consul, who noted not only the incredible sweetness of the product, but also the fact that he helped get rid of many diseases.

During Soviet times, many clinical studies of stevia were carried out. As a result, she was introduced into the constant diet of politicians. Soviet Union, employees of special services, astronauts as a tonic, health-improving remedy.

Composition, calories

The benefits of stevia are invaluable due to the high content of important macro and microelements. The plant contains:

vegetable lipids;
essential oils;
vitamins of the whole group;
polysaccharides;
cellulose;
glucosides;
routine;
pectin;
stevisiodes;
minerals.

Calorie content of 100 grams is only 18 kcal.

The green plant contains steviosides, unique substances that no other product contains. It is they who give the grass an incredible sweetness and belong to the substances responsible for the hormonal background in the human body (phytosteroids). At the same time, the use of a sugar substitute does not cause obesity. On the contrary, it helps in the fight against excess weight.

The effect of stevia on the body

Nutritionists and doctors recommend including a unique plant in the diet as a prophylactic against obesity, as well as for anyone who wants to lose weight (regular use helps to lose weight by 7-10 kg per month without following strict diets).
It has been proven that stevia helps in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, relieves swelling, and eliminates pain in the joints and muscles.
Due to the high content of macro and microelements, the body's defenses increase, immunity is strengthened.
Improves metabolism.
The product normalizes digestive, lipid, metabolic processes, restores the disturbed balance of intestinal microflora in dysbacteriosis, bacterial and infectious diseases of the intestine.
It has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas and liver.
The development of bone diseases is prevented.
An effective prophylactic against the development of cancer.
It has long been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases (plant tea helps with pneumonia, chronic cough, bronchitis).
Regular use normalizes cholesterol levels, pH and blood sugar.
The heart muscle and blood vessels are strengthened.
Helps with caries, periodontal disease. In countries where the plant is regularly used, there are practically no problems with teeth and they are incredibly white.
Normalized arterial pressure.
The craving for smoking, drinking alcohol is weakened.
A contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy.
Excellent diuretic.
Protects the gastric mucosa.
Strengthens nails, makes hair and skin healthy.
The activity of the thyroid gland is activated.
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, wound healing properties.
Relieves fatigue, indicated for increased mental or physical stress.

Interesting fact! The plant is very economical in consumption. One leaf is enough to completely sweeten a glass of tea.

Use in cooking

Stevia has a similar use with sugar. It is used in the preparation of confectionery, sugar, sauces, creams.

The grass withstands high temperatures without losing its beneficial properties. More pronounced sweet taste in cold water than hot. Therefore, the plant is popular in the preparation of cocktails, cold drinks, jelly.

The herb goes well with many fruits: mangoes, oranges, papaya, pineapple, apples, bananas and so on. A vegetable sweetener is added when making liqueurs. It does not lose properties when dried or frozen.

Where can I buy

Stevia is sold in online stores, pharmacies, diet and healthy eating.

Release form - in tinctures, powder, tablets, dried leaves.

Stevia-based preparations

There are many companies, both domestic and foreign, producing dietary supplements based on this herbal sweetener. Here are just a few well-known manufacturers:

Altera Holding;
iHerb;
NOW Foods;
Artemisia;
Leovit.

Table of popular dietary supplements:

Possible harm

The stevia herb does no harm. The only limitation is individual intolerance to the plant.

The safe dosage for using the product is 40 grams per day.

Benefits for diabetes

Diabetics can safely use stevia as a sugar substitute. The product will not cause any harm, will not increase insulin levels. On the contrary, it regulates the level of glucose in the blood.

Unlike industrial sweeteners, grass can be used for years. However, it does not cause side effects.

Benefits of stevia for weight loss

Also on sale there is a special tea for weight loss. The remedy is taken half an hour before meals.

The unique properties of the herb greatly dull the appetite, which allows you not to overeat. It is enough to drink two tea bags per day (morning and evening) or drink 1 glass of a drink that can be prepared at home from a dried plant. The taste of the drink is improved by mint, rosehip, green tea, Sudanese rose.

Tablets are also taken half an hour before meals, two to three times a day. Dosage - 1-2 pieces. Tablets can be consumed just like that or dissolved in drinks (tea, jelly, coffee, compote, juice).

Concentrated syrup is added to drinks - one drop twice a day.

Stevia is great for getting rid of extra pounds ov. An increasing number of people prefer this wonderful product, which reduces the calorie content of sweet foods by 30%.

Video about the role of stevia for weight loss:

How to make tincture at home

To prepare, you will need one glass of water and one tablespoon of dry stevia leaves.

Water is brought to a boil.
Grass is added to boiling water.
Boil for five minutes on low heat.
Pour hot into a thermos.
It is left to infuse for 12 hours.
The drink is filtered through a sieve or gauze.
Store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator.

The shelf life of the medicinal drink is one week.

Use in cosmetology

Stevia can be successfully grown on a windowsill. The plant will become an indispensable assistant in hair and skin care.

The herbal mask is suitable for all skin types, smoothes wrinkles, gets rid of age spots, acne. For dry skin, it is recommended to add egg yolk when preparing the mask, for oily skin - egg white.

Rinsing the hair with decoctions of herbs, you can improve your hair. They will become chic - thick, shiny. The plant also helps with hair loss, split ends.

Conclusion

The constant use of stevia herbs allows you to indulge in sweets for obesity, diabetes. Grass helps to rejuvenate and not get sick. It is an ideal natural cosmetic and an indispensable natural medicine. Mother Nature's gift, available to everyone.

Medicinal herbs have long been used by humans to relieve symptoms. various diseases, strengthening the immune system and improving the general condition. A few decades ago, when the pharmaceutical industry was not yet so developed, plants were the only way to treat. One of these is stevia, the benefits and harms of which have been known to mankind for a very long time.

The ancient Indians were the first to learn about the benefits of stevia. They found that the powdered stems or crushed leaves have a sweet taste and help patients recover faster after suffering a serious illness.

After the Indians, the aborigines who lived in South America learned about the benefits of grass. Later, the plant began to spread to other territories, they learned about it in Japan, Israel, Korea, China, Brazil. However, South America is considered the birthplace of stevia.

The plant belongs to the genus Compositae, is a perennial. Appearance it resembles a bush with straight stems and leaves, which reaches a height of 60-80 cm. It is rather unremarkable, grows in countries with a tropical and subtropical climate.

For comfortable growth of stevia, you need a lot of sunlight, enough moisture and loosened soil saturated with oxygen.

Every year, grass bushes die out and after a while grow again. During the flowering period, the top of the plant is covered with small white flowers, which are shaped like small bells with five petals.

Stevia roots are quite long, reaching 40 cm, not winding, have a large stem and smaller branches. The fruits of the plant are presented in the form of boxes that appear on the stems, inside there are seeds, their length does not exceed 2 mm.

Today, grass can be found in Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Korea, China, and Malaysia. Stevia does not grow in Russia and the CIS countries. Despite this, products based on it can be bought in some pharmacies and even supermarkets.

Composition and preparation of raw materials

The benefits of stevia for the human body are due to the rich and unique chemical composition. The main components will be the following:

valuable essential oils;
glycosides, for example, stevioside, which provides a sweet taste (stevia leaves are several times sweeter than sugar, and stevioside itself is 120 times sweeter);
flavonoids, which are natural and safe antioxidants;
organic acids;
fatty acids (linolenic and linoleic);
valuable vitamins: tocopherol, retinol, riboflavin, thiamine, carotene, ascorbic acid;
minerals, including calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, copper, silicon, phosphorus;
pectins;
cellulose.

Due to the unique chemical composition, the herb has extremely positive properties, it can treat many diseases, but only when used correctly.

The collection of medicinal raw materials begins before flowering, when buds form on the bushes, but do not open. For therapeutic purposes, mainly the leaves of the plant are used. It is during this period that the greatest amount of glycosides is concentrated in them.

Leaves should be collected, spread out in a thin layer and dried naturally, excluding moisture or direct sunlight. For fast and high-quality drying, the room must be well ventilated.

After complete drying, the raw materials must be collected in paper bags, glass jars and stored in a dry, cool place. If moisture and sunlight do not enter the storage area, the leaves will not lose their healing qualities for 2 years.

plant research

For many years, scientists have studied the composition and properties of the plant, its effect on the body, since many of its qualities were in doubt.

The first was the question of the impact on patients with diabetes. Stevia is a natural sweetener, and also has an almost zero calorie content, so its necessity for diabetics is not disputed.

In 2005, the first results of studies confirming the safety of the herb for diabetics were published. In 2010, the conclusions of another group of scientists became known. Experts have studied not only the effect of stevia on diabetics, but also the effect on the body of a healthy person.

As a result of experiments, it was found that people with normal blood sugar levels also tolerate herbal remedies well, and their condition even improves.

Separately, experiments were carried out with the participation of patients suffering from varying degrees of arterial hypertension. The results became known in 2003. In all those who took part, the blood pressure figures decreased, and an improvement in well-being was noticed, as well as a decrease in the need for large doses of antihypertensive drugs. Some patients began to take stevia products on an ongoing basis, which significantly improved the state of the cardiovascular system.

Beneficial features

The chemical composition of the leaves of the plant has a beneficial effect on the work of the internal organs and systems of a person, especially with the correct course application.

The main useful properties will be the following:

In addition, stevia-based preparations have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects.

Indications for use

Certified doctors do not deny the positive impact of products based on a unique plant on the functioning of internal organs and systems.

This allows them to be used in diagnosing the following diseases:

Stevia can be used by patients who experience strong emotional and physical stress, get tired at work. Grass with regular use makes a person strong and energetic.

The plant will also be useful for patients with insomnia, as it helps to normalize the psycho-emotional state. According to studies, stevia helps reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 23%. This allows it to be used in patients with chronic pancreatitis to prevent the progression of the pathological condition.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the benefits of the plant for human health, it is not always allowed to use it. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use grass for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. It can affect the development of the fetus and the quality of breast milk.

Stevia's ability to lower blood pressure makes it impossible to use it in the treatment of patients who suffer from persistent hypotension. A critical decrease in indicators leads to a significant deterioration in the patient's condition.

Patients with a tendency to allergic manifestations should also not use stevia for treatment. A contraindication is the period of recovery of the patient after major operations on the internal organs.

When using a large amount of plant-based products, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, a sharp decrease in blood pressure numbers, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness are possible.

Allergy to grass manifests itself in the form of a rash on the skin, itching, peeling, irritation, redness. Usually the symptoms disappear after stopping the use of drugs. If symptoms worsen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Best Recipes

In the pharmacy you can buy dry herb, powder and tablets with stevia. However, the most effective are infusions, decoctions and teas prepared independently from raw materials. Popular recipes for home use are as follows:

The infusion can be prepared from 20 g of dry grass and a glass of boiling water. It is necessary to insist for a day. After that, the infusion should be filtered, and the remaining thick pour 125 ml of boiling water. After 8 hours, strain the resulting infusion to the first portion. You can take the medicine in a tablespoon a day or add it to tea. The duration of the course depends on the patient's condition and the degree of neglect of the pathology.
To teach the syrup, an infusion prepared according to the previous recipe is used. It is necessary to pour the liquid into a saucepan and steam over low heat until a thick syrup is obtained. You can check the readiness by dropping the syrup on a plate, the liquid should not spread. The syrup is most often used by diabetics, instead of sugar, it helps to control blood glucose levels. It is necessary to monitor the dosage of the agent, do not exceed the daily norm of 20 ml.
A decoction can be prepared from 2 tablespoons of dry grass and half a liter of boiling water. It is necessary to cook for at least 20 minutes, leave for 1 hour to infuse, filter. The finished medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the vessels, digestive tract, and heart. Daily rate- 2 tablespoons.
An alcoholic extract is obtained by heating the herb in combination with alcohol or vodka. For 20 g of raw materials you will need a glass of liquid. After that, the mixture should be kept on low heat for 20-30 minutes, cool, filter. Add the resulting product to tea 10 drops twice a day. Patients with peptic ulcer stomach is not worth using the prescription.

In addition, stevia can be used to make tea.. To prepare one serving, you will need 5 g of dry raw materials and a glass of boiling water. It takes about 20 minutes to infuse tea. Filter the finished product and use it, replacing regular tea with it.

Before you start using any of the products at home, you should consult with a specialist and exclude the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to the plant. With proper use in moderation, adverse reactions develop rarely and quickly disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

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

Stevia: what is it?

A perennial plant, more precisely, a small bush with erect stems, from sixty to eighty centimeters in height from the Aster family, which includes about two hundred and sixty species. Stevia, the benefits and harms of which were known one and a half thousand years ago to the doctors of South America, in modern world became known only recently.

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

«>

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

Spreading

In the northeast of Paraguay and its neighboring part of Brazil, on a tributary of the Parana River, stevia is widely distributed. Even children here know that this sweet plant has medicinal properties. Over time, the whole world learned about this herb. Under natural conditions, it grows in the highlands, so stevia has adapted to rather sharp temperature changes. Now it is grown in almost all countries of Southeast Asia.

For industrial purposes, today stevia is grown in the Krasnodar Territory and in the Crimea. The benefits and harms of this plant are well studied, which allows it to be used in Food Industry, cosmetology, but this herb is most in demand in medicine.

Compound

The largest number useful substances the leaves of the plant have. They include:

cellulose;
polysaccharides;
glycosides;
vegetable lipids;
vitamins C, A, P, E and trace elements;
pectin substances;
essential oils.

Glycosides - stevisiodes give the plant sweetness. They are hundreds of 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 eating young leaves. The sweetest are the leaves grown in natural climatic conditions and with sufficient sunlight. The plant has a pleasant and slightly sweet aroma. The taste has hints of sweetness, accompanied by a bitter aftertaste.

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

The taste qualities of the plant made it possible to call it the best natural sweetener in the world. Not every plant is distinguished by such rapid solubility, the complete absence of side effects, a huge number of medicinal properties and at the same time a pleasant taste. What else is attractive about stevia?

This plant does not cause insulin release and helps to normalize blood sugar levels.
Stevia, which has not been found to be harmful even with prolonged use, is resistant to high temperatures, which allows it to be used in baking and hot drinks.

Healing properties

Honey grass (stevia) has the following beneficial properties:

liquefies and removes mucus;
enhances gastric secretion;
has a slight diuretic effect;
prevents rheumatism;
relieves swelling;
reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol and blood sugar;
strengthens blood vessels and normalizes blood 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 the constant restrictions on sweets. Today, many manufacturers add it to special products for such patients - cookies, yogurt, chocolate. The 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 form

Many people are interested in stevia sweetener. The price for it depends on the form of release and volume. Today, stevia-based preparations are produced in various forms, but first it should be said about the indicators that are inherent in all types of these products: carbohydrates, fats and calories are absent. Zero glycemic index.

Sachets

The composition includes: stevia extract, which has a sweet pleasant taste, without foreign aftertastes; erythrol is a natural filler derived from starch and used for ease of dosing: 1 sachet is equal in sweetness to two teaspoons of sugar. Packings come in 25, 50 and 100 sachets.

The price is from 100 rubles.

Powders

The price for 20 grams is 525 rubles.«>

Tablets

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

The price is from 140 rubles.

liquid extract

It tastes like strawberry, raspberry, chocolate, vanilla, mint, etc. Four to five drops are enough to sweeten a glass of drink. Stevia extract is packaged in thirty-gram plastic or glass bottles.

The price is from 295 rubles.«>

Are there any contraindications to the use of stevia?

Scientists at this moment did not reveal the harmful properties of this plant. However, individual limitations still exist. First of all, this is stevia intolerance, which can be expressed in the form of allergic reactions. In this case, its use must be stopped.

At the very beginning of the intake, there may be other negative reactions of the body: digestive disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, dizziness. They usually pass very quickly.

It should not be forgotten that stevia significantly reduces blood sugar, therefore, while taking such a sweetener, it is necessary to control this indicator.

People with hypotension (low blood pressure) should take stevia with caution to avoid lowering blood pressure. When purchasing stevia in the form of a powder or tablets, 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 has become a discovery. What kind of plant, many did not know before. Acquaintance with him, judging by the reviews, occurs most often after the doctor fixes an increase in blood sugar levels. People who began to use this sweetener note that after a month of regular use, the rise in blood sugar levels slows down, and with longer use it decreases.

Leave reviews and patients with high blood pressure. They note that with regular use of stevia, pressure normalizes, there are no sharp jumps.

This weed was not disregarded by women who watch their figure. By cutting out sugar and switching to stevia, many brag about their weight loss achievements. Reviews about this plant are mostly positive, although someone did not like its taste with pronounced bitterness.

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Sweet taste without foreign flavors: stevia - minimum calories, maximum benefits!

Stevia is most popular in Japan, the country of centenarians. This is a plant with small emerald leaves and white flowers resembling a camomile. The scientific name of stevia is sweet double leaf.

She hails from South America. Today, stevia is also grown in the southern regions of Russia and the Crimea. In its composition, it contains essential oils, minerals, vitamins. This plant is a natural natural preservative with antifungal and antimicrobial functions.

For the first time, a sugary substance (diterpene glycosides) was “extracted” from this plant by the French. It turned out that it is 300 times sweeter than sugar, but has almost zero calorie content: no more than 20 kcal per 100 g. And this means that they can, without any risk to the figure, replace sugar in coffee or tea. This plant is also considered an effective therapeutic agent.

Benefits of Stevia:

provides the body with energy;
promotes weight loss;
normalizes metabolic processes;
provides support to the heart;
increases efficiency;
puts in order a dream;
reduces pressure;
stimulates the production of insulin in the blood (therefore, a person with diabetes stabilizes sugar levels);
has a wound healing effect;
removes toxins;
positively affects the functionality of the liver and pancreas;

improves metabolism;
reduces bad cholesterol;
equalizes the acidity of gastric juice;
accelerates recovery and helps to avoid complications in viral infections;
strengthens the immune system;
used to treat frostbite, burns, eczema;
has a sedative effect;
helps to stop inflammation in the oral cavity, stops the reproduction of bacteria;
protects tooth enamel from destruction;
prevents diabetes, atherosclerosis;
prevents obesity;
serves to prevent periodontal disease;
improves skin condition, slows down the appearance of wrinkles, removes acne, irritation, acne;
eliminates dandruff.

Sweet and dangerous? Harm of honey grass

But is stevia really that safe? The benefits and harms of this sweetener are still being questioned. Many experts insist that any sweet substance, not just sugar, is potentially dangerous. Therefore, you can not uncontrollably pour stevia into everything - from drinks to baked goods.

In addition, there is evidence that even this natural sweetener can provoke sudden jump glucose levels. Stevia is also capable of other negative actions.

Negative properties of honey grass:

greatly lowers blood pressure, so it is categorically not suitable for hypotensive patients;
causes diarrhea if used with fresh milk;
reduces the sexual capabilities of men, as it is a natural estrogen, so it is better for the stronger sex to limit the use of stevia;
with prolonged use, it disrupts the functioning of the digestive tract.

There are rumors that such a sweetener has a carcinogenic effect, and also causes cell mutations, so it can provoke cancer. But these data do not have scientific confirmation. And Japanese scientists insist on the safety of this herb.

Important! Diabetics should coordinate the intake of this sweetener with their doctor!

Although stevia is considered the safest of all sweeteners, some people are prohibited from using it in any form.

Diseases and conditions in which it is dangerous to take stevia:

heart disease, arrhythmia: such a sweetener can cause heart rhythm disturbances;
chronic bronchitis, asthma: the use of preparations from honey grass increases the risk of developing an asthma attack;
postoperative period: a person who has undergone surgery is not recommended to use stevia instead of sugar;
lactation period: sweet grass can cause allergies in a newborn;
children under 3 years of age;
individual overreaction.

Important! To avoid allergies, it is recommended to start taking stevia with a minimum portion: add only one tablet to the cup and follow the reaction of the body.

Types of stevia and the subtleties of its use

You can meet with stevia in the supermarket. Many sweeteners are made just on its basis. But it is also sold in powder, tablet and syrup form. In the pharmacy you can even find the leaves of this herb.

Natural sweetener - stevia tablets

The range includes an additive made in the USA, Germany, China, Ukraine, Russia. The tool, made by Chinese manufacturers, has an affordable cost, but in its composition only 10% is stevia extract, the remaining 90% is polysaccharides and aspartame.

Crimean stevia is distinguished by the optimal ratio of price and quality. The package contains 60 tablets (dosage 0.4 g). Additional ingredients are wild rose or hawthorn. It is not only an analogue of sugar, but also a remedy. The daily dosage for an adult is 3-4 tablets.

The advantages of this form:

ease of use (1 tablet equals 1 tablespoon of sugar);
the ability to choose a drug in the price segment that is available to you.

Dry leaves

They are sold in cardboard packaging. They are simply added to tea to make it sweet, or brewed and drunk as medicine. It is less convenient to use vegetable raw materials, because every time before you drink tea, you have to spend time preparing the broth, then insist and filter it. But you can be sure that there are no unwanted additives.

Its benefits and harms should be considered in more detail, since this is the most popular form. They sell this tea in pharmacies or tea shops. The crushed leaf or extract is packaged in filter bags or is a brewed tea.

To brew such a fragrant and delicious drink very easy: you need to take one sachet or 1 tsp. custard raw materials, pour hot water (but not boiling water). Leave for 15 min. You can use it hot or wait until it cools down. Rose hips, cornelian cherry, mate are added to tea to increase the medicinal characteristics.

Syrup

It contains 40 to 50 percent steviosides (plant extract), the rest is distilled water. Such a product is made by exposing the leaves of the plant to high temperatures. It is placed in a bottle with a dispenser.

To prepare a cup of sweet tea, add 3-5 drops of syrup. In addition, you can purchase a complex remedy from southern manufacturers - a general strengthening syrup from the Crimean stevia. Its benefits are higher, and harm is possible with intolerance to the main or additional ingredients - plantain, echinacea, St. John's wort.

This tool not only replaces harmful sugar and helps to reduce weight, but also effectively raises the immune system.

Powder

It is the most concentrated product derived from stevia. It is packaged in jars or in paper packaging, which includes several bags of powder. It can be used to sweeten drinks, but most often the powder is used to make pastries or milk porridges (because in this case it is extremely inconvenient to take tablets - they will have to be crushed or dissolved in hot water).

Tips for Taking Herbal Sweetener Safely

A decoction prepared from the leaves must be kept in the refrigerator. It is suitable for use no longer than a week. It is always necessary to study the composition of the tablets. If it contains polysorbate or preservatives, then it is better not to use such a product.

If your plans include long-term use of stevia, then take the powder. This is one of the safest "twins" of sugar. It will help in the fight against weight and satisfy the need for sweets.

Read also:

Garlic: benefits and harms for our health
Lentils: benefits and harms to human health
The benefits and harms of succinic acid
The benefits of folic acid, methods of delivery to the body

The effect of stevia on the body has not been thoroughly studied, so reasonable care should be taken when using it. To insure yourself against any negative effects of taking stevia, you should not use it more than 3-4 times a week.

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Composition, calories

vegetable lipids;
essential oils;
vitamins of the whole group;
polysaccharides;
cellulose;
glucosides;
routine;
pectin;
stevisiodes;
minerals.

The effect of stevia on the body

Improves metabolism.
Excellent diuretic.

Use in cooking

Where can I buy

Stevia-based preparations

Altera Holding;
iHerb;
NOW Foods;
Artemisia;
Leovit.

Table of popular dietary supplements:

Possible harm

The stevia herb does no harm. The only limitation is individual intolerance to the plant.

The safe dosage for using the product is 40 grams per day.

Benefits for diabetes

Diabetics can safely use stevia as a sugar substitute. The product will not cause any harm, will not increase insulin levels. On the contrary, it regulates the level of glucose in the blood.

Unlike industrial sweeteners, grass can be used for years. However, it does not cause side effects.

Benefits of stevia for weight loss

Also on sale there is a special tea for weight loss. The remedy is taken half an hour before meals.

The unique properties of the herb greatly dull the appetite, which allows you not to overeat. It is enough to drink two tea bags per day (morning and evening) or drink 1 glass of a drink that can be prepared at home from a dried plant. Mint, rosehip, green tea, Sudanese rose improve the taste of the drink.

Tablets are also taken half an hour before meals, two to three times a day. Dosage - 1-2 pieces. Tablets can be consumed just like that or dissolved in drinks (tea, jelly, coffee, compote, juice).

Concentrated syrup is added to drinks - one drop twice a day.

Stevia is great for shedding extra pounds. An increasing number of people prefer this wonderful product, which reduces the calorie content of sweet foods by 30%.

Video about the role of stevia for weight loss:

How to make tincture at home

To prepare, you will need one glass of water and one tablespoon of dry stevia leaves.

Water is brought to a boil.
Grass is added to boiling water.
Boil for five minutes on low heat.
Pour hot into a thermos.
It is left to infuse for 12 hours.
The drink is filtered through a sieve or gauze.
Store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator.

The shelf life of the medicinal drink is one week.

Use in cosmetology

Stevia can be successfully grown on a windowsill. The plant will become an indispensable assistant in hair and skin care.

The herbal mask is suitable for all skin types, smoothes wrinkles, gets rid of age spots, acne. For dry skin, it is recommended to add egg yolk when preparing the mask, for oily skin - egg white.

Rinsing the hair with decoctions of herbs, you can improve your hair. They will become chic - thick, shiny. The plant also helps with hair loss, split ends.

Conclusion

Reviews

Anatoly Yermak
I wouldn't call it a sugar substitute. I began to find signs of diabetes in myself, I am a sweet lover and went in search of stevia. I bought it, came home, threw it into tea, and at first there was no sweetness. In general, I threw 3 spoons in powder. I have never experienced such a strange sensation: first, the taste of tea without sugar, then a very cloying sweetness comes. That is, the sweet taste comes late and there is no necessary taste combination. What's the point then?

disbakter.ru

Stevia sweetener

A natural sweetener, stevioside, is made from a perennial herb called stevia. The sweet product obtained from the plant helps overweight people to bring their forms back to normal. This additive is referred to as E 960. It is ideal for diabetics because it improves the quality of food. Among other things, stevia contains many useful trace elements. This list includes: vitamins B, E, D, C, P, amino acids, tannins, essential oils, copper, iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, chromium, cobalt.

With such a rich composition of microelements, the calorie content of the food supplement is minimal - 18 kcal per 100 grams.

Products that are made from this plant can be purchased at a pharmacy, and it is also available in specialized departments of stores. Due to the variety of forms of the manufactured sugar analogue, everyone can choose the best option for this drug. The price of stevia depends on the form of release.

The tablet form of the sweetener makes it easy to calculate the dosage by adding the agent to food. One brown stevia tablet is equivalent to a teaspoon of sugar. In drinks, the sweet "medicine" dissolves very quickly. And if you need to make powder from pills, they should be passed through a coffee grinder.

Unprocessed grass has a slight bitter taste, which cannot be said about stevia tablets. How can such an effect be achieved? Everything is quite simple - in the composition of sweet balls there is a pleasant-tasting component isolated from the plant that does not have a specific aftertaste - a glycoside.

Useful properties of stevia

This is the most valuable natural product, which has a healing and tonic effect on the human body. Also, the drug is able to normalize carbohydrate metabolism. It is an indispensable product for overweight people.

This sweetener, unlike other sugar analogues, has a minimum number of drawbacks, therefore it is used in many countries of the world and in most cases has positive reviews. To date, there are not many sugar substitutes known, distinguishing feature which have low toxicity. The stevioside toxicity test was successful.

Stevia is fifteen times sweeter than granulated sugar, so along with it, it is advisable not to include other sweets in your diet.

Indications for the use of stevia tablets:

obesity and diabetes;
various pathologies of the endocrine system;
metabolic disease;
hypo- and hyperglycemic conditions.

About harm and contraindications

If the doses established in the instructions are not followed by diabetics and owners of overweight, the body may be harmed. Do not be zealous and add sweet pills without measure to every dish.

Sweetener E 960 should not be used by people who have an individual intolerance to the product.

Contraindications to the use of stevia tablets should be gastric and intestinal disorders. To prevent this from happening, you need to start using a sweetener based on honey grass little by little and at the same time monitor the reaction of the body.

With extreme caution, it is necessary to use a food supplement for people who have low blood pressure.

This sweetener should not be consumed with milk, otherwise diarrhea may occur.

With the abuse of natural food additive in some cases, hypoglycemia develops, a condition associated with a decrease in blood glucose levels.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should use sugar substitutes very carefully. They should only be used if the benefit far outweighs the harm.

For people who do not experience any health problems, there is no urgent need to introduce sweeteners into their diet as the main food supplement.

When a large amount of sweet accumulates in the human body, insulin is released. If this state is maintained constantly, then insulin sensitivity will decrease.

In this case, the main condition is not to abuse sweeteners, but to strictly adhere to the norm.

Conclusion

When purchasing an analogue of sugar, you need to make sure that its composition does not contain any harmful additional additives that can have a negative impact on health.

For exact definition the right amount the drug, before using it, you need to carefully read the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Do not forget that even natural sugar substitutes, if used incorrectly or in case of an overdose, contribute to an increase in blood glucose.

All actions related to the use of sweeteners must be coordinated with your doctor.

Useful and harmful properties stevia are discussed in the video in this article.

Source http://diabetik.guru/products/steviya-v-tabletkah.html

The choice of modern sugar substitutes is very large, but are all these products safe? For example, natural substitutes for xylitol and fructose are not very different in calories from ordinary sugar itself, and synthetic aspartame and saccharin are far from harmless.

The most optimal solution for those who suffer from diabetes, as well as strive to maintain harmony, youth and health, is stevia tablets.

Benefits of stevia tablets

You can, of course, buy dry leaves of the plant itself at the pharmacy and brew them at home, as our distant ancestors did and people of the old generation still do.

But in our innovative age, it is much more convenient to use stevia sugar substitute, which is available in tablets. Why? Yes, because it is convenient, fast and allows you to strictly control the dosage.

Natural sweetener stevia has undeniable advantages over regular sugar:

lack of calories;
zero glycemic index;
high content of substances useful for the body: amino acids, minerals, vitamins, trace elements (all this, except for glucose, is absent in sugar);
The irreplaceable benefit for the body of stevia lies in its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, immunostimulating, tonic and tonic effects.

Application area

Stevia tablets have long been an essential ingredient in the diet of diabetics.

The unique ability of this product to lower blood glucose levels makes it almost indispensable in diet food diabetics, patients with pancreatitis and those who value their figure.

Just for everyone who wants to be in shape, stevia can be offered because it does not contain calories, reduces appetite and restores the disturbed balance of metabolism.

Rebaudioside A

Where does the sweetness in honey grass come from? It turns out that the whole point is in the glycosides that are contained in the leaves, because stevia is a herb, green and with leaves .. Rebaudioside A is the only glycoside in which an unpleasant bitter aftertaste is completely absent.

This quality distinguishes Rebaudioside A from others of its kind, including stevioside, which also has a bitter aftertaste. And the absence of bitterness is achieved with the help of special technology used in the tablet manufacturing process.

The crystalline powder, which is obtained during the production of the drug, contains about 97% pure Rebaudioside A, which is highly resistant to heat and dissolves very quickly. Just one gram of this unique product can replace approximately 400 grams of ordinary sugar. Therefore, it is impossible to abuse the drug, and the dosage should be selected carefully. It is best if a doctor does this.

The composition of the tablets

Rebaudioside A-97 is the basis of the natural tableted stevia sweetener. It is characterized by ideal taste characteristics and incredible sweetness, which is 400 times higher than that of sugar.

Due to this unique property, very little Rebaudioside A is required for the production of sugar replacement tablets. If a tablet were made from the pure extract, it would be the size of a poppy seed.

Therefore, the composition of the tableted stevia includes auxiliary components - fillers:

erythrol - a substance that can be found in some fruits and vegetables - grapes, melons, plums;
maltodextrin is a derivative of starch, most often it is used in the production of food for children;
lactose is a carbohydrate that is found in milk and is necessary for the body to prevent and eliminate dysbacteriosis).

To give the tablets a shape and a glossy sheen, a standard additive is introduced into their composition - magnesium stearate, which is used in the manufacture of any tablets. Magnesium stearate is obtained by splitting vegetable or animal oils.

Instructions for using Stevia tablets are extremely simple: two tablets are designed for a 200-gram glass of liquid.

When it comes to making a choice between stevia tablets or powder, you need to be guided by expediency. For example, powder is suitable for canning or baking, and it is preferable to add stevia packaged in doses to drinks.

Stevia tablets are worth buying for the following reasons:

convenient dosage;
effervescent, easily soluble in water;
The small size of the container allows you to always have the product with you.

Retrieved from http://diabethelp.org/kushaem/cteviya-v-tabletkakh.html

Stevia has long been famous for its medicinal properties. A plant from the Asteraceae family came to us from South America. Since ancient times, it has been used by the Maya Indians, calling the herb "honey". There was a legend among the Mayan people. According to her, Stevia is a girl who gave her life for her people. In gratitude for such a noble deed, the gods decided to give people a sweet herb with a unique healing power. Nowadays, stevia is highly valued by nutritionists and is the only natural sugar substitute.

What are the benefits of the herb stevia, and can it cause harm? Who benefits from using a sugar substitute and are there any contraindications? Let's find out the details.

An inconspicuous plant with powerful power

During Soviet times, many clinical studies of stevia were carried out. As a result, it was introduced into the constant diet of politicians of the Soviet Union, intelligence officers, astronauts as a general tonic, health remedy.

Composition, calories

The benefits of stevia are invaluable due to the high content of important macro and microelements. The plant contains:

vegetable lipids;
essential oils;
vitamins of the whole group;
polysaccharides;
cellulose;
glucosides;
routine;
pectin;
stevisiodes;
minerals.

Calorie content of 100 grams is only 18 kcal.

The effect of stevia on the body

Nutritionists and doctors recommend including a unique plant in the diet as a prophylactic against obesity, as well as for anyone who wants to lose weight (regular use helps to lose weight by 7-10 kg per month without following strict diets).
It has been proven that stevia helps in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, relieves swelling, and eliminates pain in the joints and muscles.
Due to the high content of macro and microelements, the body's defenses increase, immunity is strengthened.
Improves metabolism.
The product normalizes digestive, lipid, metabolic processes, restores the disturbed balance of intestinal microflora in dysbacteriosis, bacterial and infectious diseases of the intestine.
It has a positive effect on the functioning of the pancreas and liver.
The development of bone diseases is prevented.
An effective prophylactic against the development of cancer.
It has long been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases (plant tea helps with pneumonia, chronic cough, bronchitis).
Regular use normalizes cholesterol levels, pH and blood sugar.
The heart muscle and blood vessels are strengthened.
Helps with caries, periodontal disease. In countries where the plant is regularly used, there are practically no problems with teeth and they are incredibly white.
Normalizes blood pressure.
The craving for smoking, drinking alcohol is weakened.
A contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy.
Excellent diuretic.
Protects the gastric mucosa.
Strengthens nails, makes hair and skin healthy.
The activity of the thyroid gland is activated.
It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, wound healing properties.
Relieves fatigue, indicated for increased mental or physical stress.

Interesting fact! The plant is very economical in consumption. One leaf is enough to completely sweeten a glass of tea.

Use in cooking

Stevia has a similar use with sugar. It is used in the preparation of confectionery, sugar, sauces, creams.

The grass withstands high temperatures without losing its beneficial properties. The sweet taste is more pronounced in cold water than in hot water. Therefore, the plant is popular in the preparation of cocktails, cold drinks, jelly.

Where can I buy

Stevia is sold in online stores, pharmacies, diet and health food stores.

Release form - in tinctures, powder, tablets, dried leaves.

Stevia-based preparations

There are many companies, both domestic and foreign, producing dietary supplements based on this herbal sweetener. Here are just a few well-known manufacturers:

Source http://disbakter.ru/trava-steviya-polza-vred.html

Nature gives people so many useful medicinal plants that in many cases it would be possible, in principle, not to use medications, which, in addition to benefit, also cause harm. It is a pity that many have not learned to accept these gifts. People who know about the benefits of medicinal herbs are happy to use them not only to strengthen immune system and supplying the body with vitamins, but also for the prevention and treatment of various 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 the modern world. People still continue to use this plant to cure diseases.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

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

Harvest the plant is recommended immediately after flowering. For medicinal purposes, mainly leaves and stems of stevia are used. This is not to say that the plant is too whimsical and requires constant care. But in order to get all the intended benefits from it, you need to know how to grow honey grass and how to care for it.

Some tips for growing, harvesting and storing stevia:

1. The place where you plan to plant the plant should be sunny and protected from the wind.

3. It is desirable to sow the seeds in the soil prepared in advance (dug up, cleared of weeds) in March-April.

4. It is recommended to plant seedlings in open ground after frosts.

5. It is necessary to harvest raw materials during the flowering period.

6. The stem with leaves is cut off, after which it is dried in the open air 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 useful properties.

Useful substances in stevia

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.

Stevia - benefit and harm

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

This herb is able to have antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-cold, hypoglycemic and immunomodulatory effects. The substances that make up stevia endow the plant with truly healing properties. Honey grass contributes to:

treatment of obesity, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases;
prevention of 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 of carbohydrate metabolism;
lowering blood pressure;
elimination of irritation;
slowing down the process of wrinkles;
removal of toxins and waste.

Stevia honey in folk medicine

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

Stevia decoction help with burns, boils and ulcers. Take two spoons of fresh leaves of the plant, wrap them in cheesecloth, pour boiled water and put on the stove. Cook over low heat for half an hour. Pour the finished broth into a jar. Pour the gauze with leaves again with boiled water and leave to infuse for 40 minutes, then drain the product into the same jar. Use this decoction to wash wounds. Remove the leaves from the gauze and put them instead of sugar in your tea.

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

Decoction for insomnia. To prepare the remedy, you will need honey grass leaves and hawthorn flowers. Combine the ingredients and pour boiled water, then boil the product over low heat for ten minutes. Use the medicine several times a day for a third of a glass to get rid of insomnia.

Stevia 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 remedy 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, elder flowers and thyme. Fill the raw material with boiled water and let it brew. Drink the infusion warm, in small sips.

Infusion to normalize the heart rhythm. Take a spoonful of honey herb powder and a couple of tablespoons of lemon balm, pour boiled water and leave to infuse for an hour. Consume one scoop at least five times a day.

Contraindications to the use of stevia

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

If after using stevia you experience muscle pain, dizziness or numbness of the limbs, then such symptoms are evidence of individual intolerance to the components of the remedy. Therefore, it would be better to stop taking such drugs.

Source http://narod-lekar.ru/steviya-polza-i-vred/

Among adherents of a healthy diet, stevia is gaining more and more popularity - a plant whose benefits and harms have been studied for several years.

Stevia is a shrub from the Astrov family up to 120 cm high. Small bright green leaves are on straight stems. It blooms with white or pinkish flowers. Seeds brown, small.

The growing season (the period from sowing to harvesting leaves) is 16–18 weeks, so in small volumes in Russia it can grow everywhere - on windowsills, balconies, cottages in open field and greenhouses. In Siberia and the Urals, it is grown in greenhouses or at home.

In its natural environment, honey grass grows in the subtropical part of the Crimean coast. Historical habitats are Central and South America.

There are 260 species and varieties of culture. Only one of them is cultivated and grown on plantations on an industrial scale to obtain a natural sweetener from the leaves. This is honey stevia.

Products from the plant are low-calorie, do not contain glucose, therefore they are recommended for use by patients with diabetes and overweight people.

The sweet taste is due to the presence of glycosides, mainly stevioside. It is labeled E960 and is part of a safe supplement. Also, the composition of honey grass includes:

rebaudiosides A, C, B;

dulcoside;

rubusoside;

vitamins A, E, K, C, P (rutin), PP (nicotinic acid), group B;

cellulose;

minerals - calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, zinc, silicon, iron.

The glycemic index of stevia is zero because the plant does not contain glucose. The nutritional value per 100 grams:

carbohydrates - 16 g;

proteins - 10 g;

fat - 1.5 g.

Calorie content of fresh leaves 18 kcal per 100 g.

Raw raw materials have an unpleasant odor and a bitter taste, after processing they resemble licorice sweets. When added to hot tea or coffee, bitterness may appear.

Sweetener Release Forms

Stevia is available in several types, each of which is convenient for use in different situations:

in tablets - ½ tbsp. l. replaces 200 g of sugar, and a pinch of powdered tablets - 1 tbsp. l., it is convenient to add to drinks;

dry leaf extract is a powder supplied in large quantities by Japan and China, in the amount at the tip of a knife replaces 1 tsp. sugar, you can put in any dishes;

in disposable bags - brewed instead of tea;

liquid sugar substitute is an extract, 2 drops of which replace 14 g of sugar (that's 2 tsp).

Stevia sugar is a sweetener in powder or tablet form.

Watch the video for a detailed description of the plant:

Useful properties of stevia for the body

Stevia can be used by both healthy people and those with various diseases. Benefits of honey grass:

excess weight is lost;

burns, wounds, abrasions heal faster;

blood pressure decreases;

less risk of caries and periodontal disease;

the immune system is strengthened;

the condition of hair and nails improves;

the craving for alcohol and smoking weakens.

Stevia tinctures help fight colds and flu, masks help with eczema and dermatitis, activate cell regeneration, leaves help lower blood cholesterol levels. Permissible dose per day - 30 mg / kg of body weight.

Benefits of stevia for diabetics:

Does not increase blood sugar levels. The recommended forms for taking are infusion, liquid extract or tablets.

It has bactericidal properties, promotes the healing of minor wounds, abrasions and cracks in the skin. To do this, damaged areas need to be moistened with a concentrated infusion of herbs.

Various sugar substitutes are produced:

Sucralose is a synthetic substitute that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is considered one of the safest substances. The maximum dose is 15 mg/kg of body weight.

Fructose is a carbohydrate found in fruits, honey, and vegetables. 1.5 times sweeter than sugar, but less high-calorie. It is processed only in the liver, therefore, when a healthy person consumes more than 45 g per day, there is a load on the organ. The unused part immediately goes to the fat reserve.

Erythritol is melon sugar. Without taste and smell. It looks like sugar, but contains almost no calories. Can be combined with stevia - weakens its taste. It is considered the best sugar substitute.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener made from birch or corn. Available in the form of sand.

In the absence of diseases and with reasonable use, ordinary sugar will be optimal for our body. The brain knows how to process it and what to use it for.

If replacement is needed, erythritol, xylitol, or stevia can be used. Sucralose, although considered safe, is a synthetic compound.

To view the transfer of Elena Malysheva on the topic of the usefulness of spices:

Honey grass during pregnancy and lactation

The use of stevia during pregnancy is not contraindicated. Reducing refined sugar and replacing it with honey grass products relieves dry mouth and constant hunger. The plant helps to lower blood pressure.

There have been no special scientific and laboratory studies on the effects of stevia on the body of a pregnant woman. But the indigenous population of Latin America has been using the plant for many centuries as a useful one.

The use of stevia for breastfeeding has no contraindications if there is no allergy to this product. Breast milk becomes sweeter.

Can You Give Stevia to Children?

There is no data on the dangers of stevia for the child's body. There are recommendations for including honey grass in the diet baby food to replace sugar. Useful properties of stevia for children:

obesity prevention;

prevention of caries, as stevia strengthens tooth enamel;

stevia-based sweeteners are not addictive and do not cause a desire to eat more sweets.

At the same time, you should not give stevia to your child all the time. Grass is more indicated for children with a tendency to be overweight, diabetes mellitus, who have hereditary risks for endocrine diseases.

Contraindications and harm of natural sweetener

Possible side effects from taking honey grass:

Allergy to stevia. Manifested even in a mild form in the form of a rash, redness, itching, it is a contraindication to further administration, since it can develop into laryngeal edema or severe anaphylactic shock which requires resuscitation. People with allergies to chamomile, chrysanthemum, ragweed, marigolds are prone to this.

Digestive problems. Manifested by pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, poor appetite.

Others - dizziness, numbness in the body, lowering blood pressure.

Despite all the benefits, taking stevia can have dangerous consequences. Getting on the tongue, a product that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, causes the release of insulin - a substance for the breakdown of glucose. But glucose is not supplied, so after 10 minutes the blood sugar level drops by 2 units, which is dangerous for the development of a hypoglycemic state, fainting, coma.

With frequent use, the brain begins to perceive the release of insulin in response to the sweet taste as a mistake, spending huge reserves on it. As a result, when hit regular sugar it does not break down, and diabetes mellitus develops.

The use of stevia

Honey grass is used to make various herbal preparations. Stevia leaves are the basis for the preparation of infusions, decoctions, extracts and teas. Before use, they are dried, carefully ground in a coffee grinder to a powder state. 1 st. l. crushed leaves replaces 100 grams of sugar.

Stevia syrup is easy to use. Instructions on how to prepare and store at home:

Pour 200 ml of water into the pan, put the cut shoots and leaves. Boil for 40 minutes, covered with a lid.

Strain. Then evaporate over low heat to a syrup state - when the liquid will drain from the spoon in a thin thick stream, and the drop will stop spreading and will not lose its shape.

Pour the finished product into glass containers, seal tightly, store up to 1.5 years. During this time, stevia retains its beneficial properties.

The extract has a sweeter taste, its preparation:

Place 10 g of ground dry stevia leaves in 100 ml of warm water.

Insist day in the shade.

Strain through cheesecloth.

You can use vodka instead of water. Pour into bottles, store no more than a week. 8 drops replace 1 tsp. Sahara.

In cooking

To add to food, stevia is used in the form of:

extract;

ground leaves;

stevioside;

infusion.

Sweets with the addition of stevia have a much lower calorie content than regular sweets. Replacing sugar with honey grass extract is on an industrial scale. Chocolate and sweets are produced with it, for example, ECO, Pobeda, TRAPA brands. Meets and condensed whole milk, but rarely.

Condensed milk

How to cook your own condensed milk with stevia:

Mix 3 tbsp. l. dry milk, 1 tbsp. l. corn starch, 2 tsp. stevia powder and 100 ml of milk. Beat with a blender.

Pour the mass into a mold, add another 100 ml of milk. Cook on a steam bath for 9 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes.

Bakery products

Stevia powder and extract can be used in baking instead of sugar. Recipes with stevia:

Orange cupcake. Mix 2 eggs, 2 tsp. dry extract, 1 tsp. baking powder, 120 ml of kefir, 200 g of flour, 75 g of melted butter, orange zest. Taste for sweetness, adding more stevia if needed. Put in molds, bake for 20-25 minutes at 180 ° C.

Cherry pie. Combine 150 g of ground oatmeal, 2 eggs, 200 ml of yogurt, 20 g of cocoa, 2 g of stevioside. Pour half the dough into the mold, put 200 g of cherries on top, then the remaining dough. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 180°C.

According to the video, you can cook cookies:

Jam

Jam can be cooked without sugar, it is replaced with stevia. Recipes for diabetics:

Wash, peel, cut 1 kg of apples, put in a saucepan. Add 1 tsp. stevioside diluted in 120 ml of water. Bring to a boil, cool. Boil again, arrange in jars.

Wash 1.2 kg of cranberries, pour into a container. Add 1 tbsp. l. lemon juice, 2.5 tsp. stevioside, 150 ml of water and 50 g. Boil for 10 minutes, pour into jars.

View this post on Instagram

Zephyr

To make marshmallows with stevia, you will need:

300 g blackcurrant or raspberry;

15 g of gelatin;

honey grass powder - 3 tsp.

Cooking:

Soak gelatin in 100 ml of water, grind the berries into a puree, mix with the powder.

Bring the mass to a boil, add gelatin to the hot mixture, stir.

Cool, beat with a mixer for 10-15 minutes.

Divide into molds and refrigerate for 2 hours.

meringues

To prepare meringues (meringue) with stevia, you need:

3 proteins;

5 drops of lemon juice;

2 g steviodiza.

Cooking:

Beat egg whites in a dry bowl until stiff peaks (5-7 minutes), add juice and sweetener. Beat for 2 more minutes.

With a sleeve, a syringe or a bag with a cut off corner, besiege on a baking sheet. Send to the oven for 1-1.5 hours, set the temperature to 100 ° C.

In medicine

The plant is used in type 2 diabetes as a sugar substitute, both in the form of stevioside and leaves, infusion, extract. The product is put in food, thereby achieving a reduction in carbohydrates in the diet.

Positive effect - blood glucose level does not increase, minus - sugar can fall, which is dangerous for diabetics, so it is important to follow dosages and combine honey grass with other foods.

With hypertension and coronary heart disease, the following infusion is used to strengthen blood vessels, reduce cholesterol deposits and slightly reduce pressure:

1 tsp finely chopped leaves and 2 tbsp. l. motherwort herbs pour 250 ml of water;

insist 12 hours;

filter;

take 50 ml x 3 times a day one hour before meals.

Due to the presence of kaempferol, a natural flavonoid that aggressively acts on cancer cells, stevia acts as a means of preventing cancer. Taking the herb does not guarantee protection against tumors, but it helps the body prevent their occurrence.

By using stevia, cancer patients deprive the tumor of nutrition in the form of glucose. The presence of kaempferol has a positive effect on the results of treatment by traditional medicine.

To view the comment of Dr. Kovalkov:

For weight loss

To reduce weight with a diet, you need to reduce the calorie content of incoming food, i.e. cut down on carbohydrates. Adding stevia instead of sugar to your meals helps to solve this problem:

put in tea, other drinks;

bake pies;

make mayonnaise, sauces.

Slimming Tea

How to make tea with stevia for weight loss:

2 tbsp. l. dry leaves pour 300 ml of boiling water;

insist 30 minutes;

drink 100 ml 3 times a day half an hour before meals.

The video of Dr. Kovalkov will complement the topic:

Mayonnaise

Diet mayonnaise:

beat with an immersion blender 150 ml of soy milk, ¼ tsp. stevia powder, juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of salt;

pour in a trickle of 350 ml of vegetable oil, continuing to whisk.

When using stevia instead of sugar, the exact dosage must be observed.

How to choose and store stevia

You can buy stevia in powder, tablet, tea bag, or extract form at grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. Main brands:

"Leovit" - 150 tablets in a pack, you need to put 2 pieces per cup, but not all buyers are satisfied, claiming that there is not enough sweetness.

"Extra" - 150 tablets, consumption - 2 pieces per mug, contains extracts of honey grass and chicory, so the sweetness will be less than that of a pure product.

"NSP" - liquid extract, the manufacturer recommends adding 2 scoops per cup of tea or coffee, 116 servings in 1 can.

Sweetly Premium is a highly concentrated extract, 1 drop replaces a lump of sugar, each vial contains 450 servings.

"Artemisia" - tablets that, according to reviews, are bitter, dissolve poorly, and are not suitable for baking.

"FitParad" - powdered stevioside, weight in a jar - 90 g, 2-3 tsp are consumed per day. 2-3 times.

Liquid types are universal in use and cleaner in composition, the most profitable purchase is Sweetly Premium. The tablets are about the same. For the purpose of making tea, filter bags are suitable.

When buying, you need to pay attention to the composition:

rebaudioside content - the more it is, the sweeter product, if it is less than 40%, then it will be bitter;

the presence of flavors and preservatives.

The plant does not tolerate frost. The best temperature for growing is + 25–28 ° С. Leaf collection begins 16-18 weeks after sowing.

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02.02.2018

Here you will learn all the details about the sweetener called stevia: what it is, what are the benefits and possible harm for health from its use, as used in cooking and much more. It has been used as a sweetener and as medicinal herb in different cultures around the world for centuries, but in recent decades has gained particular popularity as a sugar substitute for diabetics and for weight loss. Stevia has been further studied, studies were carried out in order to identify its medicinal properties and contraindications for use.

Stevia is an herb of South American origin whose leaves are used to produce a natural sweetener in powdered or liquid form due to their strong sweetness.

Stevia leaves are about 10-15 times and leaf extract 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 are on a low-carb diet.

What does stevia look like - photo

general description

Stevia is a small perennial herb that belongs 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 which are native to North and South America.

Stevia grows 60-120 cm in height, it has thin, branched stems. It grows well in temperate climates and in 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 serrated leaves.

How to get it

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

When little white flowers appear, the stevia is ready to be harvested.

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

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

What smell and taste

Raw, unprocessed stevia often has a bitter taste and an unpleasant odor. After processing, bleaching or discoloration, it acquires a soft, licorice flavor.

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

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

How to choose and where to buy

Stevia-based sugar substitutes are sold in several forms:

powder;
granules;
tablets;
liquid.

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

When buying stevia, read the ingredients on the package to make sure it's 100% 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 treated with caution.

Some of the products labeled "Stevia" are not actually pure extract and may contain only a small percentage. 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 ground leaves, which are anywhere from 10 to 40 times sweeter.

Liquid stevia may contain alcohol, and are often available 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 supply store, or this online store.

How and how much is stored

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

Each brand of stevia sweetener has its own recommended shelf life for their products, which can be up to three years from the date of manufacture. Check the label for more details.

Chemical composition

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

stevioside;
steviolbioside;
rebaudiosides A and E;
dulcoside.

Two compounds are mainly responsible for the sweet taste:

Rebaudioside A is the most commonly extracted and used in stevia powders and sweeteners, but it's usually not the only ingredient. Most stevia sweeteners on the market contain additives such as 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 has most of the health benefits of stevia that have been attributed to it and are the most well-researched.

Stevioside is a non-carbohydrate glycosidic compound. Therefore, it does not have the properties of sucrose and other carbohydrates. Stevia extract, like rebaudioside A, was found 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, vitamins that are usually missing from artificial sweeteners.

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

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

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

As a non-carbohydrate sweetener, stevia did not promote the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth, which is attributed to causing cavities.

Stevia as a sweetener - the benefits and harms

What makes stevia so popular with people with type 2 diabetes is that it sweetens food without raising blood glucose levels. This sugar substitute has practically 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 derived from a natural plant extract and does not contain any carcinogenic or any other harmful substances. However, endocrinologists recommend that their patients try to cut back on sweeteners or avoid them altogether.

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

Stevia diet pills - negative review

In the 1980s, animal studies were conducted that 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 a purified stevia extract (specifically rebaudioside A) to be safe.

However, whole leaves or crude stevia extract have not been approved for use in food products and drinks due to lack of research. However, numerous testimonials from people claim that whole leaf stevia is a safe alternative to sugar or its artificial counterparts. The experience of using this herb for centuries in Japan and South America as a natural sweetener and health product 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, calorie-free, 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 increase blood sugar levels and does not cause an increase in triglycerides or cholesterol levels.	The glycemic index is low, slightly raising blood sugar levels when consumed.	She has a low glycemic index, but at the same time there is a rapid transformation into lipids, the level of cholesterol and triglycerides increases.
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

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

For diabetes

Studies have shown that the stevia sweetener does not add calories or carbohydrates to the diet. Its glycemic index is zero (meaning that stevia does not affect blood sugar levels). This allows diabetics to eat more varied foods and still eat a healthy diet.

For weight loss

There are many reasons overweight and obesity: physical inactivity and increased consumption of energy-intensive foods high in fat and sugars. 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.

With oncological diseases

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

With hypertension

The glycosides contained in stevia are able to 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 to confirm this useful property further research is needed.

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 an alternative to sugar.

Contraindications (harm) and side effects

The benefits and possible harms of stevia depend on what form you prefer to consume and on its amount. There is a huge difference between pure extract and chemically processed foods 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 can cause it to drop even more.
Some liquid forms of stevia contain alcohol, and people with alcohol sensitivities may experience bloating, nausea, and diarrhea.
Anyone allergic to ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and daisies may have a similar allergic reaction to stevia, since this herb is from the same family.

In one animal study, excessive consumption of stevia was found to reduce the fertility of male rats. But since this only happens when it is consumed in high doses, this effect may not be seen in humans.

During pregnancy

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

Application in cooking

Worldwide, over 5,000 food and drink products currently contain stevia as an ingredient:

ice cream;
desserts;
sauces;
yogurts;
pickled foods;
bread;
soft drinks;
chewing gum;
candies;
seafood.

Stevia is well suited for cooking and baking, unlike some artificial and chemical sweeteners, which break down when high temperatures. It not only sweetens, but also enhances the taste of products.

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

In powder form, it is ideal for baking, as it is similar in texture to sugar.
Liquid Stevia Concentrate is ideal for liquid dishes such as soups, stews and sauces.

How to use as a sugar substitute

Stevia can be used in place 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 can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so read the packaging before adding any sweetener. Using too much of this sweetener can result in a noticeable bitter taste.

General instructions for use

In almost any recipe, you can use stevia, for example, cook jam or jam, bake cookies. To do this, use the universal tips on how to replace sugar with stevia:

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

An important nuance: if you intend to make jam or puree with stevia, then they will have a rather short shelf life (maximum one week in the refrigerator). For long term storage, 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. This is why alternative natural sweeteners such as stevia are becoming more and more popular as they are not harmful to health.