Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. This plant is native to South America, particularly Paraguay and Brazil, where it has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples to sweeten teas and other beverages.
What is stevia?
The sweetening components of the stevia plant are mainly stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are up to 300 times sweeter than conventional sugar, but contain hardly any calories. In recent decades, stevia has gained popularity worldwide, especially as an alternative sweetening option for people who want to reduce sugar.
Stevia comes in a variety of forms, including powder, liquid, and even dried leaves. In the United States, stevia was approved as a food additive in 2008, while in the European Union it has only been approved as a sweetener since 2011.
What are the benefits of sweetening with stevia?
One of the biggest benefits of stevia is its low calorie count, making it an attractive option for people who want to control their weight or who have chosen a low-sugar diet due to health concerns.
Additionally, stevia has no effect on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable choice for diabetics. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which may provide additional health benefits. Research has shown that stevia can lower blood pressure, making it a potentially beneficial supplement for people with hypertension.
Another plus point is that stevia is tooth-friendly as it is not fermented by oral bacteria, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. In addition, stevia is of plant origin, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
What are the disadvantages of stevia?
Despite its many benefits, stevia also has some disadvantages. One of the most well-known is the bitter aftertaste that some people perceive, especially at higher concentrations. This has led to stevia often being used in combination with other sweeteners to improve the taste. “Stevia – still an alternative to sugar?” read more