Stevia
Stevia rebaudiana is a small green plant native
to subtropical and tropical Central and South America. A member
of the Chrysanthemum family, it is an herb with leaves that
have a sweet, refreshing taste up to 15–20 times sweeter
than sugar. (In isolation, stevioside and rebaudioside,
the actual glycosides that give stevia its sweet taste, have
been ranked at 150–250 times sweeter than table sugar!)
Stevia has been used by the Guaraní Indians for over
1500 years as a sweetener, tonic, topical treatment, and digestive
aid. The actual herb contains close to 100 identified volatile
oils and phytonutrients, including calcium, protein, sodium,
phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and C, and rutin.
Unfortunately, Stevia sweetener contains far fewer of these
phytonutrients and volatile oils due to it being more refined.
Nonetheless, stevia sweetener has no calories, does not raise
blood sugar, and may help prevent cavities. Some research
studies have concluded that stevioside is fluoride-compatible
and inhibits the development of dental plaque.
Stevia herb may also be beneficial in treating diabetes,
obesity, fatigue, infections, hypertension and other infections
and diseases.
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Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 06/27/2007
Article Last Updated: 08/26/2009
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