home Audience 4 The benefits and harms of stevia, medicinal properties and contraindications of honey herb. The whole truth about stevia and its benefits and harms - is it really a safe sugar substitute?

The benefits and harms of stevia, medicinal properties and contraindications of honey herb. The whole truth about stevia and its benefits and harms - is it really a safe sugar substitute?

Stevia is the best natural sweetener without side effects. Honey herb, also called stevia, is widely used not only in dietary nutrition, but also in traditional and folk medicine.

What it looks like and where it grows

This plant is widespread in the Central and South America, China, Brazil and Israel. Stevia grows only in subtropical conditions; it does not overwinter in continental climates. Honey grass is also common on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula.

Externally, stevia is a low shrub, not reaching a height of seventy centimeters. The leaves of the grass are rich green, oval and elongated. The inflorescences are small and white.

Chemical composition

Stevia is rich in macro- and microelements: chromium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, copper and phosphorus. It contains several substances with a sweet taste: stevioside (which has no analogues natural sweetener, which compares favorably with synthetic substances because it is safe for the body); glycosides dulcoside, rubuzoside, rebaudioside. In fresh leaves honey grass contains vitamins: A, B, C and P. Stevia also contains acids important for the body: linoleic and arachidonic.

Did you know? In Japan, capsules of stevia powder are taken to treat chronic fatigue syndrome.

Medicinal properties

Antioxidants in stevia can slow down the processes of cellular aging. Essential oils and macro- and microelements enhance the body's defenses and have antifungal effect. Honey grass has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous and digestive systems. Tea from the plant is a good diuretic. It has also been scientifically proven to stop the growth of tumors. But perhaps the most popular herb is honey for the treatment of obesity and various metabolic disorders.

Important! Stevia is an effective remedy for combating bad habits. Regular use Honey grass tea will help you get rid of cravings for sweets, cigarettes and alcohol.

Use in folk medicine

The healing properties of honey herb are widely represented in traditional medicine recipes. Stevia's ability to replace sugar allows it to be used for diseases associated with metabolic disorders, especially diabetes mellitus. The plant also has wound healing and restorative properties, can lower blood pressure and cleanse the body of toxins and waste.

For diabetes

Stevia is a solution to many diabetic problems. Firstly, it allows you not to limit yourself to sweets. Secondly, the plant does not contain carbohydrates, the breakdown of which requires insulin. Thirdly, honey grass contains a large number of substances beneficial to the body.

For the treatment of diabetes ethnoscience advises taking stevia infusion. To prepare it, you need to mix two teaspoons of honey herb powder with three tablespoons of herb. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water and let it brew in a warm place for half an hour. Strain and drink three times a day before meals, a third of a glass.

For stomach ulcers

Stevia decoction suitable for treating not only stomach ulcers, but also duodenum. To prepare it, you need to mix a teaspoon of stevia herb and two teaspoons of St. John's wort herb. Pour the mixture with a glass of boiling water and boil on a water boom for 15 minutes. Take the decoction warm, one-third of a glass before meals.

Did you know? Stevia extract is 300 times sweeter than sugar.

For skin diseases

For furunculosis, eczema and psoriasis, special lotions from the leaves and powder of the plant. Psoriasis and furunculosis are effectively treated with lotions of a teaspoon of stevia powder and two crushed medium-sized cloves mixed and poured into a glass of boiling water.

For eczema, teaspoons of dry crushed stevia and blackberry leaves are mixed in a ratio of 1:5. The mixture is poured with one glass of boiling water. After brewing a little, it is ready for use in the form of lotions.

For dandruff

A spoonful of dry crushed leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water and left to brew for a quarter of an hour. Cooled tea is regularly rubbed into the scalp. This product not only allows you to forget about dandruff, but also gives your hair shine and thickness.

How can it be used in cooking?

Stevia can be used in cooking in the form of leaves, powder or extract. Honey grass leaves can completely replace sugar when added to tea or coffee. The decoction of the leaves is also unusually tasty. They can also be added to compotes or fruit and berry smoothies. The powdered version of the plant is used to make marshmallows, jam, cookies, pies and cheesecakes. The plant extract will be a good sweetener when making ice cream and fruit desserts.

Stevia is herbaceous plant native to South America, although it now grows throughout the world. Used as a sweetener and medicinal herb in different cultures over the centuries, but in last years has gained particular popularity in modern world. It has a strong sweet taste, which is why it is used as a sweetener.

It is considered 100-200 times sweeter than sugar, but does not increase blood levels like other artificial sweeteners. How can this plant be beneficial for health? Let's sort it out medicinal properties stevia leaves.

What is inside

Contains eight glycosides which include:

Stevia contains two compounds that are responsible for sweetness, and they make up the majority of chemical composition: stevioside and rebaudioside A. The latter is most often used in powders and sweeteners, but is usually not the only ingredient. In fact, most supposedly pure plant sweeteners contain added erythritol from corn, dextrose or other artificial ingredients.

Why is it useful?

The medicinal properties of the herb stevia have a number of benefits for our health.

Indispensable for people suffering from diabetes: used instead of sugar and sweeteners, which even with high quality are still inferior to “natural” sugar.
This sweet plant is also unique in that it is valued for what it does NOT do: it does not add calories. And therefore promotes weight loss while leaving sweetness in your life. By keeping your sugar and calorie intake within a healthy range, you can avoid many of the health problems associated with overweight such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The medicinal properties of stevia leaves are also effective in high blood pressure. Glycosides in stevia extract have been found to expand blood vessels, and this is very important for maintaining normal blood pressure.
Stevia reduces the formation of bacteria in the mouth, making it a popular additive in toothpastes and mouthwashes. It also prevents tooth decay and gingivitis, unlike sugar, which does the exact opposite.
Suppresses the spread of bacteria and is effective against such dermatological diseases like eczema and dermatitis.
Strengthens bones and prevents the development of osteoporosis.
The beneficial properties of this plant can even prevent cancer. Wide range antioxidant compounds makes it an ideal dietary supplement for cancer prevention. The glycosidic compounds in stevia help eliminate free radicals in the body, thereby preventing the transformation healthy cells into malignant ones.
Antioxidants also help prevent premature aging, cognitive impairment and various others serious problems with health.

Harm

Although stevia is actively added to almost any product and is recognized not only as safe, but very beneficial for our body, it still has its contraindications, but there are very few of them:

As with any product, there is an allergic reaction. It may be accompanied by a rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, swelling, angioedema(Quincke's edema).
Considering that everything can be harmful in excess, you should not be zealous and consume too much of this, although beneficial, plant.
Pregnancy and lactation period.

In general, the vast majority of sources indicate that stevia is so safe that it has no contraindications. In any case, you need to introduce this plant into your diet slowly and carefully.

Where can I add

The uses of the herb stevia are varied. Almost anywhere sugar is needed, it will fit perfectly. Worldwide, more than 5,000 food and beverage products now contain stevia as an ingredient: ice cream, desserts, sauces, yoghurts, pickled foods, breads, soft drinks, chewing gum, candy, seafood. But most often the plant is added to:

Tea . If your tea requires a little sweetness, add the leaves of this shrub to it. Definitely the whole thing. Don't overdo it - stevia is really too sweet. So experiment to find the amount that works best for you. Tea is an ideal use for stevia leaves: they will make your morning drink not only sweeter, but also healthier.
Smoothie. If you want to start your day with a wholesome and healthy... sweet food, do not use sugar or other sweeteners (maple syrup, agave syrup, etc.). And take a stevia leaf. Fresh, green, sweet and healthy - add it to your smoothie ingredients and blend! Again, don't overdo it, even 2 leaves of stevia may be too sweet for most people.
Bakery . Stevia can be easily powdered by drying the leaves, grinding them into a powder, and storing them in a storage container. It opens up completely new world possibilities, especially for baking. Remember: 1 cup of sugar = 2-3 teaspoons of powder. Sweet and healthy.

Recipes

Grind the dry leaves into powder, put a tablespoon of the resulting powder in a glass, pour boiling water, cover with something suitable, wait until the tea steeps (about 20-25 minutes).
Smoothie. Mix a cup of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, 2 cups of milk (soy, coconut, almond) and a tablespoon of plant powder (or a few fresh leaves).
Lemon jelly. Freshly squeezed lemon juice(2 cups), water (2 cups), pectin (4 teaspoons), plant powder (1.5 teaspoons).
Chocolate ice cream. Cocoa powder (3/4 cup), 1 egg, 1 cup milk, vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), whipping cream (2 cups), powder (2/3 teaspoon).

Stevia is wonderful and amazing plant, since it can not only replace in our diet harmful sugar, but keep us happy and able to eat sweets. After all, this is wonderful: eating your favorite muffins and drinking sweet cappuccino, and with good health too. And other various medicinal properties of stevia leaves only confirm the absolute safety and benefits of having this plant in our diet.

Over the years, people have successfully used medicinal plants in folk medicine. Stevia is one of these plants. This unique grass, the main component of which is “stevisoid” - a special substance with a sweet taste. This plant is much sweeter than sugar (about 10 times).

Despite all its medicinal properties, stevia remains natural product, having virtually no disadvantages. Learn more about the medicinal properties of the herb stevia and we'll talk in this article.

Stevia is known to people under several names. Some people know it as sweet bifoil, while others call it honey grass. In any case, this is the same plant, which is a low-growing perennial subshrub with white flowers. The leaves of this plant are very popular because of their unique properties– they are several times sweeter than regular sugar and have a pleasant aroma. If we consider the age category, the most delicious are stevia leaves up to 6 months old.

When compared with other medicinal plants (and others), stevia is not so common. But thanks to its medicinal properties, this is incredibly sweet grass can compete with many medicinal plants.

The medicinal value of this plant is ensured by the presence of special substances that play a role building material in the human body during the production of hormones. It's about about stevisoids, which were discovered back in early 1931 thanks to scientific work French chemists. They managed to extract a special extract from stevia leaves. Even then, the taste qualities of the discovered extract were known.

A large number of benefits of honey grass were discovered not only by French, but also by Japanese scientists. In Japan, this plant began to be grown in 1954 in greenhouse conditions. The modern Japanese food industry is directly dependent on stevizoid, as it has managed to take up almost half of the sweeteners in the Japanese market. This extract is successfully used for desserts, soy sauces, marinades, chewing gum, sweetening juices, as well as for dried seafood. In Japan, stevia is even used to make toothpaste.

Beneficial features

Eating plant shoots for food allows you to control the level of cholesterol in the patient’s blood, accelerate metabolic processes in the body, and also stabilize blood pressure. Stevia can also cleanse the body of accumulated harmful toxins, promoting natural cleansing. digestive tract. When eating honey herb, the patient loses a strong appetite for fatty and sweet foods, and overweight begin to gradually go away without causing any harm to the human body.

There is an increase in the performance of the patient’s immune system due to the use of this plant. There is also an increase in the body's resistance to the effects of various diseases infectious nature. The beneficial components contained in stevia prevent the development of microorganisms in oral cavity patient. This feature is why this plant is used in the production of toothpaste.

For many years, the herb stevia has been used to treat and prevent diseases of the urinary and digestive organs. Final products exchanges that accumulate in the body throughout its life are released under the influence of the plant. The same applies to salt deposits. At the same time, normalization of the patient’s gallbladder, liver and pancreas is observed.

Many people are confident that regular intake of honey grass leaves can restore a person’s strength, charge him with energy for the whole day and lift his spirits. Moreover, when daily use plant extract relieves fatigue and increases the tonic properties of muscles. This has made stevia a popular plant among athletes or people who prefer active image life.

State skin When using stevia, it also improves noticeably. His useful components contribute fast healing wounds, burns, fungus or seborrhea.

It's no secret that this plant is successfully used in cosmetology. Cosmetical tools, which contain stevia extract, improve the condition of the skin, making it more elastic and smooth. The secret of longevity lies in this plant.

Indications for use

Due to its beneficial properties, the herb stevia is successfully used in folk medicine. She showed excellent results in the treatment of the following ailments:

eczema;
dermatitis;
diabetes;
hypertension;
and others.

To treat all these diseases, they are used medicinal tinctures and decoctions, the main component of which is stevia or its extract.

Are there any harms and contraindications?

The peculiarity of stevia is that almost all people can take it, since it does not have any contraindications. There is one exception - individual intolerance to the plant, but this happens extremely rarely. As for medicines or food, honey herb is compatible with all.

Of course, when trying to lose extra pounds, you need to limit yourself in the use of stevia. Best suited for this purpose protein products that will saturate your body. But you can combine the plant with some low-fat foods.

Dosage forms

Stevia is used medicinally as various decoctions or tinctures. It is advisable to prepare the product every day, since after just a day all the beneficial substances it contains may simply disappear. As a result, you will be treated plain water brownish tint. This plant is actively used to combat various ailments, as well as as a preventive measure.

Stevia infusion can strengthen cardiovascular system, normalize violations endocrine system, and also strengthen immune system patient. People also use tea made with stevia. With its help, you can effectively combat the symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, as well as obesity of various stages.

Decoctions are also prepared from honey herb to treat various ailments. The main difference between a decoction and a tincture is that it is prepared in a more concentrated form. Therefore, for its preparation, the proportions of water and herbs can vary significantly. The amount of herb used depends on the recipe and the disease you are trying to fight.

Instructions for use

The beneficial properties of stevia have led to the fact that this plant is used in folk medicine for treatment and prevention. various diseases. It can be used in different forms(infusion, decoction or tea). Let's look at the most common recipes:

In addition to the main purpose of the stevia herb (treatment of diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, etc.), it can be grown as indoor plant. Thus, honey grass will decorate any room in your home.

Children can take stevia-based products to treat cough or obesity. For this purpose, a special decoction is prepared from the leaves of this plant, where 500 grams boiled water add 2-3 tablespoons of herbs. You need to take the prepared product several times a day, preferably 2-3 times. Many doctors recommend taking stevia and tinctures from it as an addition to traditional therapy.

As mentioned earlier, stevia is a safe plants even for pregnant women. Decoctions and infusions prepared on its basis can be taken without any fear for the health of the mother and her unborn child. These drugs have exclusively natural origin, so they are completely safe.

But, as with any other medical device, before using honey herb, you should definitely consult a specialist.

The homeland of stevia is considered to be South and Central America. This plant is external signs resembles mint. Its dimensions can reach one meter. Stevia herb is often called “honey” because it contains stevioside, a natural analogue of sugar. This substance is rich in many beneficial properties, and its taste is much sweeter and more pleasant than traditional sugar.

Stevia is used in various industries - medicine, pharmaceuticals and cooking. It can be used as dry or fresh leaves, powder or tablets. Fresh shoots can be added to various dishes - salads, soups and drinks.

Let’s look further at how useful this plant is and how to use it at home.

What is stevia?

Stevia is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. More than 500 varieties of this flower are known. Only one species is used industrially - Stevia rebaudiana.

The beneficial properties of stevia have been known since ancient times. But the natural sugar substitute became widely popular only in the 50s. During this period, scientists became interested in the rich healing composition this plant.

Today, the herb stevia is recognized as the best natural sugar substitute. Its use does not lead to recruitment extra pounds, which makes it especially popular among those losing weight. Calorie content this healthy sweetener is only 20 calories per 100 grams of product.

Also, “honey” grass is an excellent option for those with a sweet tooth. Stevia hundreds of times sweeter and tastier than regular sugar, and its use, unlike the latter, is absolutely safe for health.

What are the benefits of the herb stevia?

As already mentioned, the herb stevia has a lot of healing properties. It contains a number of useful vitamins (A, D, F), ascorbic acid, as well as microelements - potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. The plant is different high content fiber and essential oils.

Consuming stevia leaves in dry or fresh promotes boost immunity, and also has a beneficial effect on work cardiovascular and endocrine system. They use grass for hypertension, obesity and other diseases.

This natural sweetener does not cause allergies at all. This makes it especially useful to use.

What is the secret of such natural sweetness? The leaves of this plant contain two substances - stevioside and rebaudioside, which give stevia sweetish, honey taste. Due to this, the leaves of this plant are used to create various powders, tablets and herbal teas.

Stevioside has an anti-inflammatory effect, promotes lower cholesterol and lower blood sugar. Also this natural antiseptic has a beneficial effect on blood circulation.

The leaves of this herb have a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect. Scientists have also proven anti-cancer properties stevia. Kaempferol, which is part of the herb, allows you to slow down growth and division cancer cells.

Application

As already mentioned, stevia leaves were found wide application in industry. The modern market offers us products in the form of dry raw materials, powders, teas, extracts and aromatic oils.

Pharmacological properties this plant made it possible to develop various drugs and natural supplements. Pharmaceutical companies tablets, pastes, and various teas and powders.

Today the most popular are Tablet sweeteners based on stevia, as well as drugs in the form of dietary supplements. You can buy them at any pharmacy. It is important to note that their consumption is beneficial and safe for health. Some world organizations claim that consuming stevia is harmful to the body, but this is not true. The plant is rich useful microelements and vitamins, unlike simple sugar.

Use in folk medicine

In folk medicine, stevia is used to treat throat diseases (bronchitis, sore throat), and for allergic skin rashes, as well as for diseases digestive system.

For example, effective treatment for bronchitis and a dry cough is the following recipe: dilute stevia extract in 200 ml of water. Drink three times a day.

For stomach ulcers, the following remedy is recommended: take 2 tablespoons of St. John's wort herb and mix them with 1 tsp. stevia powder. Boil in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Then cool and strain. Drink 1/3 cup of the decoction three times a day (half an hour before meals). This recipe is also suitable for the treatment of duodenum.

For gastritis, a remedy based on mint and stevia is useful: The ingredients must be mixed in a 2:1 ratio, pour two glasses of boiling water. Leave for 20-30 minutes, then strain. Drink half a glass twice a day (30 minutes before meals). Course - 14 days.

An effective remedy for psoriasis. For this recipe you will need to make special lotions: take 3 large, chopped garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of stevia. Stir and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew for 8-10 hours. Apply to problem areas 1-2 times a day.

Recipe for eczema. Special lotions are used to treat eczema. To prepare them, you need to take 5 chopped fresh blackberry leaves and mix them with 1 tbsp. l. stevia powder, pour 200 ml warm water. Let it brew for 2-3 minutes. After this, you need to apply warm lotions to the damaged areas of the skin for 20-30 minutes.

Folk remedy at bronchial asthma : take 2 tbsp. l. chopped strawberry leaves, mix with 2 tsp. stevia and pour it all with two glasses of boiling water. Let it brew for 4 hours, then strain well. Drink the drink three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Recipe for hypertension: For preparation you will need motherwort herb (2 tbsp) and stevia herb (1 tbsp). The ingredients are poured into 200 ml of boiling water and left for 12 hours. The resulting infusion is consumed 50 ml three times a day, 40-50 minutes before meals.

In the treatment of atherosclerosis: you will need 1 spoon of seed buckwheat and 2 liters. stevia. The ingredients must be brewed in 0.5 liters of boiling water in an enamel vessel, first cover with a lid. Leave for 2-3 hours. Drink half a glass three times a day.

For caries and periodontal disease. This plant is known to inhibit the proliferation of bacteria and pathogens. traditional medicine recommends using it for rinsing the mouth to avoid caries and others unpleasant diseases. To do this, you need to dilute one spoon of plant extract in a glass of water. rinse your teeth with the resulting solution 3-4 times a day. It is also recommended to chew stevia leaves by rubbing them into the gums.

In cosmetology

Stevia leaves are also used in cosmetology. This plant is used for treatment problem skin, burns and various inflammatory reactions. Various masks and shampoos are also prepared from this miraculous herb.

At home, you can prepare excellent masks that can rejuvenate and improve your facial skin.

Recipe for dry skin

Take fresh leaves stevia and grind them in a blender or mortar until a creamy mass is formed. Add a spoon to the resulting mixture olive oil and 1 yolk. Mix and apply to skin for 15 minutes. This mask based on the herb stevia contains a lot of useful properties. It nourishes the skin, makes it firm and soft.

For oily skin The ingredients need to be changed: add the protein and a spoonful of lemon juice to the stevia. Mix thoroughly. Apply to skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash off cool water. The procedure is recommended to be used 2 times a week.

The properties of stevia allow the herb to be used as a decoction to strengthen hair. For thin, weak and dull hair, a special recipe for daily use is suitable.

Recipe for thicker and healthier hair

Take dry herb and infuse it for three hours. The ratio is two tablespoons of broth per liter of water. First wash your hair and then rinse it with a healthy miracle infusion.

How to use stevia for diabetes?

The stevia plant is especially popular among diabetics. Leaves of this herb (in tablet, powder or raw form) Recommended for use in diabetes types 1 and 2. Consuming stevia helps lower blood sugar levels, as well as a natural decrease in diabetics' insulin resistance (resistance).

The herb is especially beneficial for type 2 diabetes. This type of disease leads to obesity and high cholesterol in blood. Consumption of the herb stevia helps avoid dangerous stage diseases. Plant reduces recruitment risk excess weight , as it prevents fat from accumulating in the body, and also removes excess cholesterol.

In the treatment of diabetes, the herb stevia is used in the form of:

teas and infusions;
powder and tablets;
liquid extract.

Infusion recipe:

Take stevia powder (2 tbsp) and 3 tbsp. l. dried St. John's wort. Mix the ingredients and place in a container. Next, pour boiling water over everything, cover and wrap with a towel. Leave for at least two hours. Filter through a sieve. Drink 1/3 cup before meals three times a day.

Stevia in cooking: healthy recipes

Due to its low calorie content and its beneficial properties, the plant can be used as a substitute for sugar even during weight loss.

Honey grass is often used in baking. As an introduction, we present to your attention a delicious and healthy recipe pirogue.

Pies with stevia

Ingredients:

flour - 3 tbsp;
butter - 200 g;
eggs - 3 pcs;
stevia powder - 1.5 liters per 1 liter of water;
berries to taste (raspberries, currants) - 200 g.

Preparing shortbread dough:

Beat the eggs well. Add stevia powder to the resulting mixture and mix. Next, add flour to the resulting mass and mix well. Melt the butter in a water bath and mix it with the previously obtained mass. Knead the resulting consistency into a dough.
Roll it out and place it in a baking dish. Place the filling on top in the form of any fruit or berries. Then sprinkle with stevia solution. The edges of the dough can be folded inward. Bake the pie at 180 degrees for 30 minutes.

Compote with stevia

Any fruits and berries are suitable for preparing compotes - pears, apples, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. Stevia herb is added to compotes in the following quantities:

1/3 tsp. per glass (or 15 g of dry herb leaves) for apple compote;
60-70 g for strawberry;
40-50 g for raspberry.

It is recommended to add 1.5 grams of stevia herb infusion to jelly per 1 glass.

Stevia syrup

Pour 20 grams of stevia leaves in a gauze bag with a glass of boiling water and cook over low heat until thickened. The indicator of syrup readiness is a viscous consistency that does not spread. This natural sweetener is an excellent replacement for sugar syrup.

Contraindications

The dangers of the stevia plant are discussed quite contradictorily. Honey grass is in particular demand among the people, as it has long been famous for its beneficial properties.

Studies have shown that this plant is absolutely safe for health. However, there are a number of contraindications that are worth paying attention to.

individual intolerance to substances contained in the herb;
hypotension (the plant helps lower blood pressure);
pregnancy and lactation;
penchant for allergic reactions;
blood diseases;
hormonal disorders.

However, the myth about the dangers of stevia is ambiguous. In some countries, this plant is one of the main sugar substitutes, and in others, for example in the USA, due to harmful effects is prohibited.

The American Food and Drug Safety Organization (FDA) has classified the herb stevia as a “product of uncertain safety.” What could this be connected with? One of the main “hidden” reasons is competition and financial factors.

In Russia and some European countries, various natural supplements are produced in the form of tablets and powders, the use of which is recommended by national health organizations.

The flora is rich and diverse. The simplest and most accessible plants often hide greatest number useful substances, which are constantly required by man. Now society prefers to be treated chemicals and do not waste time studying and collecting medicinal plants. But did you know that many of the expensive medicines purchased are based on natural raw materials?

Most often, traditional medicine uses chamomile, sage, oak bark, lemon balm, mint, calendula. And here's another one useful plant which is widely used alternative medicine, not everyone heard.

This is about natural sweetener– stevia (or honey grass), which is not only rich in stevioside, but also helps prevent a number of diseases and strengthen the immune system.

People who control their weight and those with diabetes should be familiar with stevia, because this low-calorie and naturally sweet herb can improve the taste of tea, coffee, desserts or baked goods. And the composition of stevia deservedly allows it to be called one of the most valuable medicinal plants.

This easy-to-grow plant originates from Central and South America, where stevia was used by indigenous people for food purposes and for making decoctions. The benefits and harms of stevia were discovered to Europeans only at the beginning of the last century.

Stevia is perennial plant family Asteraceae and has more than 500 varieties. In the wild, the plant can reach half a meter in height, but cultivated varieties of stevia grow much taller. Stevia has small leaves, and the herb blooms with small white flowers.

Stevia grows best in fresh air, loves sun and abundant watering. Grow her on personal plot It won’t be difficult, and stevia seeds can be bought at any specialty store.

For industrial purposes, stevia is grown in Crimea and Krasnodar region. She is in demand in Food Industry, cosmetology, but most often stevia is used for medical purposes. The high content of natural steviosides, which are several hundred times sweeter than regular sugar, allows you to go on a diet without giving up sweets. And even improve your health, because stevia has a beneficial effect on the pancreas, improves digestion and appetite, and helps with hypertension and diabetes. Stevia wraps and masks based on it tighten pores, cleanse and disinfect the skin, and accelerate wound healing.

IN traditional medicine Stevia is sold in the form of tablets, sugar-like powder, liquid syrup (stevia extract), and dried leaves. But fresh stevia leaves grown at home are most valued. Their natural sweetness allows you to improve the taste of salads, desserts, drinks and even baked goods or jam, because steviol glycosides retain all their benefits and are not destroyed even at temperatures up to 180°.

Composition and benefits of stevia

Stevia belongs to the class of the lowest-calorie products, because 100 g of this herb contains only 18 calories! According to this indicator, it left behind even fresh cabbage with its 23-28 kcal.

By including stevia in dietary ration You can not only diversify it, but also speed up the breakdown of fats. So those losing weight should definitely take note of this plant.

The benefits of stevia are associated with its unique composition. It contains many vitamins (riboflavin, C, B6, K, beta-carotene, a nicotinic acid) and minerals (fluorine, selenium, calcium, chromium, manganese, aluminum, phosphorus, cobalt), polysaccharides, glycosides, fiber, tannins, vegetable fats, arachidonic acid, flavonoids, essential oils ( camphor oil, limonene), pectin, amino acids and beneficial bitters.

What are the benefits of stevia:

Stevia becomes a real salvation for people with diabetes and who cannot imagine life without sweets. Many manufacturers add it to diabetic products - chocolate, cookies, yoghurts. The natural sweetness of stevia does not harm diabetics; their bodies respond well to this sweetener.

This medicinal plant has almost no prohibitions on consumption. Concerning
fresh plant, then the only contraindication can be individual intolerance to stevia. If an allergy occurs, its consumption should be stopped. At the beginning of use, other negative reactions are possible in the form of indigestion, bloating, stomach or intestinal disorders, dizziness, muscle pain. This is why you should consult your doctor before adding stevia to your diet.

You should not overuse stevia and add it to all dishes without exception, because reactions to an excess of sweet foods, even with such a natural sweetener, can also be the most unpredictable.

Do not forget that stevia leads to a decrease in sugar, so while taking it you need to constantly check its amount in the blood.

People with hypotension should also consume stevia carefully to avoid further decrease in blood pressure.

If you purchase stevia at the pharmacy in the form of tablets or powder, then make sure that they do not contain methanol and ethanol, which are usually used to reduce the sweetness of the resulting stevia extract. Their toxic effects can harm the body.