Stevia

Stevia Rebaudiana, well-known as kaa he-he (which means “sweet herb”), is a sub-tropical plant. It is a herbaceous perennial shrub native to the highlands of Paraguay and sections of Argentina and Brazil. The plant can survive a climate where the mean temperature is 75° F and is semi-humid. Discovered as an alternative to sugar, by French chemists, Stevia was then used by Japanese government as highly regulated chemical additives in their food supply.  Considered as a safe choice than aspartame and saccharin, Stevia is now used as an additive in ice cream, bread, candies, pickles, seafood items, vegetables and soft drinks. Researched by scientists, Stevia extracts tastes great and are safe to consume. Keep reading to gain knowledge about Stevia and its benefits.

What is Stevia?

Used for more than 5,000 years by Guarani people of Brazil and Paraguay, Stevia is a plant of the sunflower family Asteraceae that is grown for its sweet leaves. Its stems are hairy, wand-like and covered with leaves. The plant’s leaves are opposite and toothed, fibrous and dark green in colour. It grows up to a height of approximately two feet in the wild, whereas its height in the cultivated areas may reach up to three feet. Additionally, its leaves are rich in active compounds mainly stevioside and rebaudioside, which are 250-300 times sweeter than sugar. The plant bears white, tubular and bisexual flowers, and is not aromatic. It is known to thrive where it rains approximately 55" annually. This many-branched plant with an interesting root system is popularly known as sweet leaf and sugar leaf plant. This herbal dietary supplement is of exceptional medicinal value, continue reading to know more:

How adding Stevia benefits your health in long run?

A number of studies show that this dietary supplement comes with various benefits that can help treat many diseases. A rich source of anti-bacterial, anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-glycemic, and anti-hypertensive properties, Stevia can be beneficial in ample ways, including:

• Softens skin texture and smoothens wrinkles
• Heals blemishes, sores and wounds
• Aids in digestion and nourishing the pancreas
• Helps maintain blood sugar level
• Stevia herb and white powder appear to help prevent tooth decay
• Stevia leaf tea is rich in anti-aging benefits and works against diabetes
• Being a non-carbohydrate glycoside compound, stevia lacks the properties that sucrose and other carbohydrates hold.  Hence, is a near-zero calorie sweetener.
• Regular intake of Stevia in your daily diet helps to suppress cravings.
• Stevia helps in controlling high blood pressure that further helps in regulating hypertension.
• Helps prevent heartburn, treats upset stomach, and improves indigestion and gastrointestinal function.
• Being a near zero calorie sweetener, Stevia helps in beneficial in weight management
• Helps in healing skin disorders, such as wrinkles, skin blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, scarring, rashes, acne outbreaks, itchiness and chapped lips
• Stevia concentrate benefits dandruff, dry scalp, and dull, dry and thin hair.

Conclusion:

This natural occurring near zero calorie sweetener, Stevia can be beneficial if added in your daily diet. It is one remedy for numerous diseases. Hence, consumption of Stevia in various forms, such as powder, tablet or capsule can benefit your hair, skin and heart health.