So Sweet Pure Stevia Extract (10 gm bottles) (Pack of 2)
0 calorie Sweetener MOST SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION FOR Diabetic Patients In the early 1970s, sweeteners such as cyclamate and saccharin were suspected of being carcinogens (Cancerous). Consequently, Japan began cultivating stevia as an alternative. The plant’s leaves, as well as the aqueous extract of the leaves and purified steviosides, were developed as sweeteners.
The first commercial stevia sweetener was launched in Japan. The Japanese have been using stevia in food products and soft drinks, (including Coca Cola), and for table use. Japan currently consumes more stevia than any other country, with stevia accounting for 40% of the sweetener market.
In the mid 1980’s, stevia began to become popular in U.S. natural foods and health food industries, as a non-caloric natural sweetener for teas and weight-loss blends. In 2007 The Coca-Cola Company announced plans to obtain approval for their stevia-derived sweetener, Rebiana, for use as a food additive within the United States by 2009, as well as plans to market Rebiana-sweetened products in 12 countries that allow stevia's use as a food additive. Brazil, New Mexico, Arizona and China are the world's largest exporter of Stevia.
Artificial sweeteners like agave nectar, aspartame, sucralose and saccharin may provide you with the required sweetness but also have malefic effect on your body. Agave nectar: Agave nectar has no antioxidants, it reduces the overall metabolism of the body.
Aspartame: Aspartame is accused of almost everything from weight gain to cancer. It is contra-indicated in children.
Sucralose: Sucralose may cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea, bladder related issues, skin troubles, dizziness, liver and kidney dysfunction.
Saccharin: This causes nausea, diarrhoea, skin problems and other allergy related problems.
But nature has provided us with a natural substitute to all these artificial sweeteners, with benefits, and no side-effects. Stevia, is a natural herb which has upto 150 times the sweetness than that of sugar, this natural sugar is extracted from the leaves of this plant species called stevia rebaudiana. Stevia is commonly called ka’ahee, sweet leaf and candy leaf and this plant is native to New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Paraguay, Brazil and Japan.
MECHANISIM OF ACTION:
- Stevia acts on the pancreas and increases the insulin secretion.
- Enhances glucose uptake by the adipose and skeletal muscle tissues.
- Inhibits intestinal glucose absorption and hepatic glucose absorption.
STEVIA BENEFITS:
DIABETES : The active compounds of stevia are glycosides, which help in lowering the elevated sugar level , help in maintaining normal blood glucose and is very popular among diabetic patients. Stevia contains chlorgenic acid, which reduces the enzymatic conversion of glycogen to glucose, in addition it reduces the absorption of glucose in the gut, and lowers the blood sugar level. Foods high in GI (glycaemic index) hikes the blood sugar levels, whereas stevia has GI = 0, therefore it helps in maintenance of blood sugar levels.
Stevia has an ability to help pancreas in secreting insulin, which again makes it miraculously effective for diabetic patients.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE: Elevated blood pressure may lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Certain glycosides in stevia have been found to dilate blood vessels, increase sodium excretion, increases the urine output, and thus reduces the blood pressure. Stevioside helps in blocking calcium ion channels in cell membrane and thus helps in reducing blood pressure .
OBESITY: Stevia helps in reducing weight, as it does not add calories, and is carbohydrate free, so fitness freaks will love it.
DENTAL CARE: Stevia has an ability to curb and eliminate the conditions favorable for bacterial growth, so it is widely recommended by dentists for patients with dental carries and pyorrhoea ( bleeding gums ).
SKIN AND HAIR CARE: Stevia extracts have therapeutic effect on acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns and seborrhoea, it has even shown rapid healing process without scarring. Stevia even helps in treating dandruff and other scalp related problems.
STOMACH RELETED TROUBLES: Stevia acts as a tonic for stomach disorders like gas or acidity, stevia is 10.77% of fibre, which helps in curing constipation and improper digestion.
OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS:
- Stevia helps to maintain healthy fluid balance.
- Stevia helps to maintain overall immunity.
- Stevia is a rich source of nutrients, phosphorous, calcium, vitamins, magnesium, zinc, sodium, and other minerals needed by the human body .
