The Health Benefits of Stevia

Stevia is an alternative sweetener that is made from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America and is commonly called sweetleaf. Stevia is not only both sweeter and lower in carbohydrates than white sugar, but may have medicinal uses.

Obesity

• Refined stevia, which is what is commonly used for a sweetener, is primarily made up of a compound called stevioside, which has no calories. A study published in the journal "Pytochemistry" in November 2003, found that stevioside is well suited for use by obese people who want to avoid sugar products as part of their weight loss strategy.

Antiviral

• In a study published in the journal "Antiviral research" in 2001 found that stevia inhibited the growth of four strains of a common virus known to cause the stomach flu, Anti-human rotavirus (HRV).

Diabetes

• Diabetes is caused by elevated levels of glucose (blood sugar) and is a disease that is sweeping the indutrialized world in epidemic proportions. According to a study published in "The Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research" in 1986 an extract of stevia was found to lower glucose levels.

Considerations

• The above mentioned study published in "Pytochemistry" also found that stevia was safe for general use and had little if any toxic side effects.

Fun Fact

• Stevia was used by South American tribes to sweeten medicinal herbal beverages and make them more palatable.