Health Benefits of Stevia Leaf
Stevia is an intensely sweet-tasting plant that has been used to sweeten beverages and make tea since the 16th century.
As an alternative to sucrose, or table sugar, using stevia as a sweetener carries the potential for considerable health benefits. Health Benefits include;
- Good for Diabetes, Research has shown that stevia sweeteners do not contribute calories or carbohydrates to the diet. They have also demonstrated no effect on blood glucose or insulin response. This allows people with diabetes to eat a wider variety of foods and comply with a healthful meal plan.
- Helps with weight control. Stevia can replace sugar in a diet to manage weight.
- Pancreatic cancer, Stevia contains many sterols and antioxidant compounds, including kaempferol.
- Good for Blood Pressure. Certain glycosides in stevia extract have been found to dilate blood vessels. They can also increase sodium excretion and urine output.
- Children's Diets. Foods and beverages containing stevia can play an important role in decreasing calories from unwanted sweeteners in the diets of children.
How to Use
- Add to teas and tinctures to help cover the flavor of bitter or less desirable tasting herbs. This makes it easier to add to the diet.
Cautions and Side Effects
- Safe for women who are pregnant or nursing, and is safe for children.
