Stevia, the Healthy Delicacy
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One of the major issues during attempts to decrease body mass are sweet treats.
Stevia - naturally sweet plant of botany
Stevia belongs to the family of asterids and is found in both South and Central America, reaching as far as Mexico and the United States. The extract from the leaves of this plant serves as a sweetening agent. Compared to other substances like aspartame or sucralose, we have here a natural preparation with favorable pharmacological effects. The extract is obtained by cooking the leaves for a few minutes with a small amount of water. After the water is evaporated, we get the desired, plant-based extract. Analysis of the contents of the leaves reveals that, in addition to a large amount of carbohydrates, stevia is an excellent source of protein (from 9.8 to 12 g/100 g) and fiber (from 15 to 18.5 g). Other interesting and health-promoting components that we can find include, for example, beta-carotene, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin C.
Health advantages of herbs
Stevia is primarily utilized as a food product. Its powdered leaves serve as a sweetening agent in beverages and fruit products. The herb is also employed in cosmetics, frequently as an additive in care masks due to its healing properties in cases of skin issues such as acne and rashes. Other functions include serum absorption, pore closure, and acceleration of wound healing. In medicine, stevia is utilized as an antiseptic, which can be effectively employed for disinfection and elimination of pathogenic bacteria. The herb may be beneficial in instances of issues with kidneys, brain, pancreas, and liver. Furthermore, stevia supplementation aids in maintaining appetite, normal digestive function, and regulation of pancreatic function. Research conducted over a year confirmed that daily consumption of 750 mg of stevia contributed to a decrease in blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
What are the recommended doses of stevia?
The dosage of stevia is largely dependent on subjective needs, with the criterion here being the sweetness level. Scientific studies confirm that a daily dose of 8 mg per kilogram of body weight is sufficient to speak of an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of stevia on the body. Other studies confirm that a dose of 1.5 g per day does not cause any unwanted side effects. However, it is important to note that stevia is contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Tags
Natural Sweeteners
Herbal Medicine
Plant-based Nutrition
Health Benefits Of Stevia
Functional Foods
Plant-based
Fiber-Rich
Heart Health
Insulin Sensitivity
Weight Management
Gut Health
Digestive Health
Hypertension Management
Blood Sugar Control
Metabolic Syndrome
Sugar-free
Micronutrients
Inflammation
Brain Health
Immune System
Medicinal Plants
Phytotherapy
Folic Acid
Hormonal Health
Antioxidants
Insulin Resistance
Natural Antibiotics