Health Benefits
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Sunday, June 15
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Health Benefits
    • Home
    • Dental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Weight Loss
    • Health Wiki
    • Nutrition
    • Healthy Recipe
    Health Benefits
    Home»Herbs and Spices»Know about Stevia
    Herbs and Spices

    Know about Stevia

    By s mJune 12, 2018Updated:June 15, 2018No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Stevia scientifically called Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial and herbaceous shrub belonging to Asteraceae family. In Asteraceae family, there are more than 240 species of shrubs as well as small flowering plants. This family also includes daisy and ragweed. Stevia is known from various names such as sugar leaf and sweet leaf. Native to Northeastern Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, it is widely cultivated as a source of sweet glycoside compounds that is derived from leaves. It is an alternative low calorie sweetener which is hundred times sweeter in comparison to sucrose. Stevia possess eight glycosides which includes stevioside, rebaudiosides A, C, D, E, and F, steviolbioside dulcoside A. Rebaudioside and stevioside are active compounds in Stevia glycosides which provide sweetness.

    Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Brazil, Korea, Malaysia and Paraguay are the main producers of Stevia. It is a green leafy herbal plant which has been used for hundreds of years for its sweet leaves. It got fame as an artificial sweetener which provides more than 40 times sweetness than sugar without affecting the levels of blood sugar. It does not provide any side effects on body like normal sugar do and is helpful for diabetic patients.

    History and use

    Stevia plant has been used by the Guaraní people of Brazil and Paraguay for more than 1500 years as ka’a he’ê which means sweet herb used to sweeten local yerba mate tea and is also used as medicine and sweet treat.

    Botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni in 1899 described the plant being grown in eastern Paraguay, and noticed its sweet taste.

    Chemists R. Lavielle and M. Bridel confined the glycosides stevioside and rebaudioside in 1931 which provides sweet taste to leaves. In 1955, an exact structure of glycoside and alycone was published.

    Plant

    Stevia rebaudiana is an evergreen shrub belonging to family Compositae. The plant measures upto 9 meters with erect, floppy and pubescent stems. Stems are 12 to 24 inches tall. The dark green leaves are simple, alternate, toothed, lanceolate or elliptic and measures about 5 cm long. The plant bears white and tube shaped flowers forming in panicles. Flowers are fragrant and tubular.

    Types of Stevia

    Stevia can be found in three forms that depend on the level of processing:

    1. Green Leaf Stevia: It is the least processed form which is 30 to 40 times sweeter in comparison to sugar. It is also slightly bitter to taste.
    2. Stevia Extracts: It is 200 times sweeter in comparison to sugar and is less bitter to green leaf stevia.
    3. Altered Stevia: It is a highly processed form of stevia which possess GMO ingredients. If compared to the sugar, it is 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. It is also termed as worst form of stevia.
    Stevia Image Gallery
    Close-view-of-Stevia-flowers Close-view-of-Stevia-flowers
    Dried-leaves-of-Stevia Dried-leaves-of-Stevia
    Illustration-of-Stevia Illustration-of-Stevia

    Stevia Stevia
    Stevia-farm Stevia-farm
    Stevia-flower-buds Stevia-flower-buds

    Stevia-flowers-with-buds Stevia-flowers-with-buds
    Stevia-leaf-powder Stevia-leaf-powder
    Stevia-leaves Stevia-leaves

    Stevia-plant Stevia-plant
    Stevia-seedlings Stevia-seedlings
    Stevia-seeds Stevia-seeds

    Health Benefits of Stevia

    Here are some health benefits offered by Stevia:

    1. Oral care

    Stevia helps to lower formation of bacteria in mouth and is a popular additive for mouthwashes and toothpastes. It also prevents the chances of gingivitis and cavities.

    1. Healthy skin

    Stevia is helpful for skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema. Apply it topically to prevent growth and spread of bacteria. It acts as a steroid.

    1. Stronger bones

    Stevia helps to promote mineral density of bones and treat osteoporosis. The study conducted on animals shows the necessity in increased calcium metabolism.

    Click here to know more Health Benefits of Stevia

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Ev6l_8s18

    Precautions                                                                                                 

    • People who are allergic to ragweed, daisies and marigolds might get allergic reactions.
    • It can cause side effects such as nausea, bloating, numbness, dizziness and muscle pain.
    • Some signs of oral allergic reactions are itching and swelling of lips, tongue, throat, mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, tingling sensation in mouth & throat and vomiting. Seek for medical attention if these symptoms are experienced.
    • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it with caution.
    • People having ongoing medical condition or with medications should consult doctor before using stevia.
    • Low blood sugar and diabetic patients should monitor level of blood sugar and blood pressure respectively after consumption of stevia.

    How to Eat         

    • Stevia is used to sweeten beverages and also to make tea.
    • It is used in desserts, ice cream, yogurts, sauces, bread, pickled foods, chewing gum, soft drinks, seafood, candy and prepared vegetables.
    • Stevia extracts are used as table sugar.
    • Dried leaves could be grounded and used as a sweetener.
    • Add powdered leaves to the teas.

    References:

    https://www.livescience.com/39601-stevia-facts-safety.html

    https://draxe.com/stevia/

    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287251.php

    https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/stevia-plant.html

    https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=505914#null

    https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Stevia+rebaudiana

    https://www.medicinenet.com/stevia/supplements-vitamins.htm

    https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/stevia.html

    https://www.botanical-online.com/english/stevia-plant.htm

    http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e489

    85%
    85%
    Awesome

    Comments

    comments

    Herbs and Spices S
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleCottage Cheese benefits and interesting facts
    Next Article What is Fruit Leather?

    Related Posts

    Uses of Monkey Pitcher plant

    April 16, 2024

    Traditional uses and benefits of Wild Marigold

    March 21, 2024

    Traditional uses and benefits of Drooping fig

    March 12, 2024

    Comments are closed.

    Facts of Stevia

    Stevia Quick Facts
    Name: Stevia
    Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana
    Origin Native to northeastern Paraguay and adjacent Brazil and Argentina
    Taste Sweet
    Major nutrients Carbohydrate (76.92%)
    Health benefits Oral care, Healthy skin, Stronger bones, Supports Weight Loss, Keep Cholesterol in Check
    Name Stevia
    Scientific Name Stevia rebaudiana
    Native Native to northeastern Paraguay and adjacent Brazil and Argentina
    Common/English Name Sweet leaf, Sugarleaf, Candyleaf, Sweet Honey Leaf, Azucacaa, Ca-A-Jhei, Caa-He-É, Ca-A-Yupi, Capim Doce, Chanvre d’Eau, Erva Doce, Eira-Caa, Eupatorium rebaudianum, Estevia, Green Stevia, Mustelia eupatoria, Kaa Jhee, Paraguayan Stevioside, Plante Sucrée, Reb A, Rébaudioside A, Rebaudioside A, Rebiana, Stévia, Stevia Plant, Stevia eupatoria, Stevia purpurea, Stevia rebaudiana, Sweet Herb of Paraguay, Stevioside, Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf, Sweet Leaf of Paraguay, Yerba Dulce
    Name in Other Languages Afrikaans: Soetriet;
    Guarani: caa êhê, caá Hêê;
    Chinese:  Tian ju (甜菊);
    English: Candy leaf, Sugar leaf, Stevia, Sweetleaf, Sweet honey leaf, Sweet herb of Paraguay;
    French: Stévia;
    German: Paraguayische Süßstoffpflanze, Stevia;
    Italian: Piccolo arbusto con foglio più dolce, Stevia;
    Japanese: Amaha sutebia (アマハステビア);
    Portuguese: Capim doce, Estévia, Erva doce, Folhas da stévia, Stévia;
    Spanish: Caá-ché, Ka´a he´ ê, Hierba dulce, Stevia del norte de Paraguay, Yerba dulce;
    Swedish: Stevia;
    Thai: Satiwia, Ya wan (หญ้าหวาน ); 
    Plant Growth Habit Herbaceous perennial shrub
    Plant Size 2-4 feet high
    Stem Slender, branched, 12 to 24 inches tall
    Leaves Lanceolate or elliptic, 5 cm long
    Flowers White, tubular
    Flowering Season January to March
    Health Benefits
    • Oral care
    • Healthy skin
    • Stronger bones
    • Supports Weight Loss
    • Keep Cholesterol in Check
    • Helpful for Diabetics
    • Cancer Treatment
    • Treatment for High Blood Pressure
    Major Nutritions Carbohydrate 100 g (76.92%)

    Stevia Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Stevia rebaudiana

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Viridiplantae
    Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (Land plants)
    Superdivision Embryophyta
    Division Tracheophyta  (Vascular plants, tracheophytes)
    Class Magnoliopsida
    Order Asterales
    Family Asteraceae  (Sunflowers, tournesols)
    Genus Stevia Cav. (Candyleaf)
    Species Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni (Candyleaf)
    Nutritional value of Sweetener, herbal extract powder from Stevia leaf
    Serving Size:1 Value, 100 g

    Proximity Amount % DV
    Carbohydrate 100 g 76.92%

    *Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by a U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weighs 194 lbs.
     

    Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/

    Categories
    • Beverages (78)
    • Dairy (28)
    • Dental Health (15)
    • Equipment (5)
    • Essential OIls (196)
    • Facts (2,872)
    • Foods (253)
    • Fruits (479)
    • Giveaway (1)
    • Grains and Cereals (32)
    • Health & Beauty (685)
    • Herbs and Spices (1,247)
    • Medicines (9)
    • Mental Health (19)
    • Nutritional value (27)
    • Nuts and seeds (69)
    • Oils (81)
    • Pets (4)
    • Poultry & Seafoods (67)
    • Pulses and Beans (16)
    • Reviews (25)
    • supplement (2)
    • Vegetables (302)
    • Weight Loss (22)

    What Is “Seed Cycling” and Can It Balance Hormones Naturally?

    What Are Gravity Blankets and What Are Their Benefits?

    How “Sighing Exercises” Can Calm Your Nervous System Instantly

    Why “Neurographic Art” Is the New Trend for Stress Relief

    What Are Postbiotics? Are They the Future of Gut Health?

    What Is Non-Toxic Cookware and Why Is It Gaining So Much Attention?

    ABOUT
    Home
    About us
    Contact us
    Privacy Policy
    Terms & conditions
    Disclaimer
    Direct Communication
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Gmail: [email protected]
    Useful
    Health Wiki
    Nutrition
    Houston Dentist
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    © 2025 www.healthbenefitstimes.com All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    ×

    Log In

    Forgot Password?

    Not registered yet? Create an Account