Stevia Plant

Stevia Plant: A Natural Low-Calorie Sweetener

Introduction

The stevia plant, a member of the chrysanthemum family, is native to South America. Its leaves have been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of the region as a natural sweetener.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The leaves of the stevia plant contain a number of sweet compounds, the most common of which is stevioside. Stevioside is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, but it contains almost no calories.

How is Stevia Used?

Stevia can be used as a natural sweetener in a variety of foods and beverages, including:

Tabletop sweetener

Baking

Sweetening tea, coffee, and other beverages

Making desserts, such as ice cream and candy

Health Benefits of Stevia

In addition to being a low-calorie sweetener, stevia has a number of potential health benefits, including:

May help lower blood sugar levels

May help reduce appetite

May help improve insulin sensitivity

May have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Is Stevia Safe?

Stevia has been generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a food additive. However, there are some potential side effects of stevia, including:

Bloating

Gas

Nausea

Vomiting

Conclusion

Stevia is a natural low-calorie sweetener that has a number of potential health benefits. It is generally safe to use, but it is important to be aware of the potential side effects. If you are considering adding stevia to your diet, talk to your doctor first to make sure it is right for you.