A gift from nature called Stevia

What is stevia?

Stevia is a herb known for its sweetness. In its natural form it is 30 times sweeter than sugar, and its extract is an incredible 300 times sweeter. Even though it is the sweetest herb in the world, it has no calories and it is suitable for diabetics.

Numerous health benefits of stevia leaves have been known to Guarani Indians in Paraguay for more than a millennium. After it was introduced to Europe at the beginning of 20th century, stevia has become everyone’s favorite sweetener, due to the fact that it contains no calories and it is all-natural, and not synthetic like many sugar alternatives.

Health benefits of stevia

World Health Organization has conducted many studies on stevia leaves and they concluded that this herb is non-carcinogenic, it contains many important vitamins and minerals and offers significant health benefits.

One of those benefits comes from stevia’s ability to control sugar levels in blood. It reduces high sugar levels in blood, but it also leaves intact normal sugar levels, which makes it perfect for those who need to take care of their sugar, like diabetics, and those who suffer from hypoglycemia.

Stevia leaves also soothe and act as a tonic for an upset stomach.

Toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain stevia are particularly recommended for those who have problems with gums. Stevia also prevents bacteria growth in the mouth, which makes it a good means in the fight against gum disease.

This herb is also believed to reduce one’s susceptibility to common colds and flu, which makes stevia an important part of wintertime health care and routine.

Stevia can also be used to improve the appearance of healthy skin and to help treat skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, seborrhea, acne.

If applied to the face, stevia tonic leaves the skin looking smooth, fresh and radiant. It is also believed that stevia has the ability to reduce fine wrinkles.

This herb can be used to treat cold sores, cuts, scrapes, bruises and blemishes.

Stevia is used in production of natural soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Those products are particularly recommended for treating dandruff and dry scalp, and the skin becomes shinier, more manageable and generally healthier.

Other uses

Because of its incredibly sweet taste, stevia is widely used on food industry, especially in Japan. It is in fact added to 30 to 40 percent of food items in that country.

Stevia can also be used in agriculture. Its stems and leaves are used to make a natural fertilizer, and it can also prevent and cure many different plant diseases. It makes the crops stay fresh longer and the produce is tastier and, of course, healthier.