“Stevia is a perennial herb found within the Asteraceae family, which means it’s related to daisies, marigolds, ragweed and sunflowers. It’s a safe, natural plant that has been around for more than 1,500 years. Stevia is up to 200 times sweeter than sugar and does not spike your blood sugar, making it an ideal substitute for diabetics and dieters alike.”
Some benefits to Stevia include:
- Acts as a natural antioxidant — due to the presence of caffeic acid, flavonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, tannins and triterpenes — enabling your body to fight free radicals that can damage your cells and contribute to cancer, heart disease and other health concerns
- Inhibits the growth of cavity-promoting bacteria and is also believed to prevent dental cavities and gingivitis
- Promotes weight loss, which means you can enjoy “sweets” without the calorie burden and negative effects of sugar
- Reduces high blood pressure, thereby protecting your heart health, due to the presence of glycosides in stevia known to relax your blood vessels
- Regulates your blood sugar level, as the glucose-containing particles of stevia is absorbed in your colon and not your bloodstream, like sucrose (table sugar)
“While stevia is calorie-free and a great alternative to sugar, and most certainly a better choice than artificial sweeteners, I still recommend using it in moderation, just as you would sugar.”
Click to read the original article by Dr. Mercola
Sources:
“How to Grow Stevia” by Dr. Mercola
