Stevia

Stevia Stevia is one of the most popular sugar replacements in modern society. It is a zero-calorie sweetener. It is popular for a reason as it is not just your regular sugar replacement, but also has many health benefits.

There are a few reasons why people are looking for natural sugar alternatives. It appears that synthetic sweeteners are bad for health, as they increase insulin resistance. This is because artificial sweeteners are extremely sweet; thus, they contribute to insulin resistance and might also cause inflammation.

Stevia is an extract from Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) plant, a sweet-tasting plant that grows naturally in Brazil and Paraguay. Moreover, it has traditionally been used to prepare tea in that part of the world. However, Stevia is now also grown in many other parts of the world.¹

Health Benefits of Stevia

This incredible sweetener is not just good for those living with diabetes, as it has many health benefits:

Zero Calories Sweetener

This is still the main reason to use Stevia. It is 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar, and yet it has no calories. What is impressive about it is that it is a natural product. It means that it is quite good for those living with metabolic disorders, obesity, diabetes, and other such issues. It may help reduce total calorie intake and help lose body weight.¹

Helps With Blood Sugar Control

It is easy to understand that Stevia is safe for those living with diabetes, as it does not contain calories or sugars. However, there is much more to Stevia. It can even help manage diabetes. Studies show that this sweet-tasting natural organic compound can lower insulin resistance. Thus, unlike synthetic sweeteners, it can even help improve sugar control in those living with diabetes.²
Dental Health

High sugar consumption is one of the most significant reasons for dental decay, which occurs due to the growth of specific pathogens. However, Stevia is almost entirely safe in this aspect. This means that by adding Stevia to various foods, one can enjoy the sweetness, as it’s consumption poses no risk to dental health.¹
Antioxidant Properties

Stevia contains compounds called sativoside and rebaudioside. New studies show that both these are potent antioxidants and can even help lower inflammation. This is an interesting finding, as Stevia can help reduce the risk of various chronic health issues. It may lower the risk of heart disease and even certain cancer types. At present, these effects have been shown in animal studies, however, early findings are very encouraging.³
Blood Pressure Regulation

Stevia is quite suitable for heart health. It can lower blood glucose, have antioxidant activity, and lower bad cholesterol. However, what is impressive is that it can even lower blood pressure. In Australia, hypertension is among the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. It means that regular Stevia intake can reduce the risk. Studies suggest that these benefits are due to its content of steviol glycoside.¹
Anti-inflammatory Effects

Stevia has antioxidant properties due to its content of various organic compounds. These organic compounds can also lower inflammation and thus the risk of various inflammatory conditions.³
Supports Digestive Health

Stevia is also good for gut microbiota. Studies show it can boost digestive health, prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria, and lower inflammation. It may help prevent inflammatory bowel diseases and may also help prevent leaky gut syndrome.⁴
Helps Lower Bad Cholesterol

Yet another way Stevia may help those living with metabolic syndrome is by lowering bad cholesterol, thus boosting cardiovascular health. This is one more reason for those living with obesity, diabetes, and heart health issues to consider the use of Stevia.²

Stevia is not only just your regular zero-calorie sweetener. It is quite sweet. However, this natural extract has many other health benefits as discussed here.

Side Effects of Stevia

Stevia is not likely to cause any side effects when consumed responsibly. However, over consumption may cause issues like nausea, bloating, and rarely, it may cause allergic reactions. These issues are rare and are more likely to occur in those who abuse them. It is suggested that people use it responsibly. Overdosing on Stevia may have other side effects, resulting in greater inflammation and may even raise liver enzymes.⁵

Properties

Anti-Inflammatory³
Antioxidant³
Blood Pressure - Reduces¹
Cholesterol²
Diabetes / Blood Sugar²
Digestive Function⁴
Heart Support / Health³
Hypertension¹

References