The plant stevia is found in Latin America, in the 16th century, in countries such as Brazil and Paraguay and belongs to the genus Stevia of the botanical family of Asteroids (Asteraceae). The dried leaves of the plant have been used for many centuries for their sweetening properties, as they can reach up to 15 times the sweetness of table sugar. But stevia is not just a substitute for sugar; stevia leaves contain many minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, potassium, selenium, manganese, zinc, as well as B vitamins. These elements make stevia a very beneficial herb for the human body.
Beneficial properties
Antioxidant effect: Stevia leaves are high in phenolic compounds, terpenes (or terpene) and special flavonoids, elements that have significant antioxidant effects and act as a preventative for heart disease.
Antidiabetic effect: Studies have shown that stevia leaves help increase the human body's tolerance to glucose and that stevioside reduces the levels of glucose in the blood after eating, in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, stevia leaves enhance Insulin secretion, helping the cells in pancreas.
Antihypertensive effect: The stevioside found in the leaves of stevia acts beneficially in people suffering from hypertension, due to the vasodilating properties of the plant, thus significantly lowering blood pressure.
Anti-obesity effect: The stevia plant is an alternative to chemical sweeteners, such as processed sugar, offering a natural sweet taste, with no calories.
Anti-caries effect: Stevia leaves help in the prevention of caries, as neither stevioside nor Reupaudioside A have a cariogenic effect. In fact, these elements are often used in toothpastes and mouthwashes to prevent tooth caries.
Digestive effect: Stevia leaf tea is used to improve digestion and general gastrointestinal function.
Precautions - Contraindications: The above information is not medical advice nor substitute advice of another health care professional. They are provided for information only. Do not stop any other medical care recommendations without consulting your doctor.
