Dieting is the horror word for most of the world’s population. And people with a sweet tooth can avoid anything except sweets. Isn’t there an alternative to sugar? Well there are many, however, most often those that make the shelves in the supermarket are not natural. Is there something that comes to the rescue? Yes, it is the “Stevia rebaudiana”. A plant species belonging to the sunflower family often know as candy leaf, sweet leaf or sugar leaf.

Swapping normal sugar for something sugary and healthier like sweet leaf will be an easy transition.

Stevia sugar is a natural sweetener made from the extracts of the stevia, which is derived from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. The glycosides content gives stevia its sweet taste. Sugar extracted from these leaves is 100% natural sweetener and is zero calorie. With glycemic Index zero, it is a natural sweetener and is the best substitute for cane sugar and artificial sugar-free sweeteners. Stevia contains natural active ingredients that we humans also perceive as sweet.

History

The leaves have been used traditionally for hundreds of years in both Brazil and Paraguay to sweeten local teas and medicines, and as a “sweet treat”. The genus was named for Spanish botanist and physician Petrus Jacobus Stevus (Pedro Jaime Esteve 1500–1556), a professor of botany at the University of Valencia.

Medicinal Benefits?

The leaves of S.rebaudiana contain more than 30 different steviol glycosides, such as rebaudioside and stevioside, that display anti-tumor and anti-viral activities, as well as anti-microbial, anti-hypertensive, anti-fungal, and hypoglycemic effects. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties suggest that this herbal medicine is a prominent candidate to be tested in various liver disorders. It is also helpful for people struggling with obesity, dieting, weight management, and tooth decay.

It can be used instead of sugar as it has no carbohydrates, no calories, no fat, and no chemical components. These leaves contain many similar compounds or steviol glycosides that are naturally sweet. Diabetics, hypertensives, obesity patients, health-conscious individuals, and children can safely use it. “Stevia does not affect blood sugar levels” says Dr.Vidya who has been practicing Naturopathy for over 18 years now. It’s prescribed by Naturopaths in India to all diabetics, hypertensives, obesity patients, and anyone who has any ailment. As sugar is considered as a white poison by them, they say, even a healthy individual needs to replace sugar to increase the immunity and overall well being.

Why is Stevia sugar better from Cane sugar/artificial sweeteners?

Sugar extracted from these leaves are 100% natural sweetener and are zero-calorie glycemic index natural sweetener and is the best substitute for cane sugar and artificial sugar-free sweeteners. Diabetic patients can take Stevia sugar as it does not increase the blood sugar level.

How is it available in market?

Stevia sugar is available in the form of granules, powder, cubes, liquid, spray, and syrup. It is very sweet compared to cane sugar. As a result the average serving per packet of a Stevia based sweetener contains less than 0.1g of Stevia leaf extract per serving to provide the same sweetness level as sugar.

The Japanese have been using Stevia in food products and soft drinks like Coca-Cola. Japan has consumed more Stevia than any other country, with Stevia accounting for 40% of the sweetener market in the year 2006.

Indians have been using Stevia (sweet Tulsi) for decades. Dried Stevia leaves are most sweet than fresh leaves and they are still much sweeter than sugar. You can also try adding Stevia sugar to your beverages like coffee, tea, milkshakes, while baking or even to food as a sweet and to edible garnishes.

You can also buy dry Stevia leaves grind it for few seconds and make fine powdered sweetener and store it in an airtight container. Try using the powder in recipes that call for a sweetener, but make adjustments in the amount used due to its dense sweetness. A general rule of thumb is that 2 tablespoons of Stevia powder equals 1 cup of sugar.

Acknowledgment

I thank Dr.Vidya K V (BNYS, PGDEMS, FRM) for providing insightful information on Stevia and sharing her rich experience over the years of service.