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The Health Benefits of Stevia
“Herb-like honey” is what the indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay originally called the sweet herb that we now know as stevia. They found numerous uses for the herb such as, sweetening their yerba mate tea, soothe an upset stomach, combat fatigue, heal cuts and sores, and soften skin. The Spanish conquistadors were so impressed with the sweet herb that they sent its leaves back to Spain for the ruling class to experience. It’s tempting to imagine how Western dietary habits might be different today, had the seventeenth-century Spanish been able to solve the problem of large-scale cultivation of this herb. Considering the growing problem of obesity and diabetes in the Western world today, one can only imagine the difference that a diet sweetened primarily with stevia might have made.
In its commercial forms, both as a liquid and a powder, stevia can sweeten beverages or be sprinkled over food, making it ideal for diabetics as well as anyone trying to cut excess sugar from their diet. In fact, numerous studies have found an association between a daily dose of stevia and a reduction in high blood sugar. Unlike table sugar or high fructose corn syrup, stevia glycosides have neither calories nor carbohydrates. Their glycemic index is zero. When purchasing stevia products, be sure that the product contains only stevia. Some products will include artificial ingredients such as “natural flavor.”
In recent years, stevia has begun to catch on with consumers. It was approved by the FDA as a dietary supplement in 1994 and a food additive in 2008, the sweet herb has already become prevalent in Japan. There, it was approved by the country’s Minister of Health and Welfare in 1976, and is found commonly in beverages and food. It has become so popular that the Japanese eventually had to find additional growing space in other countries. In the U.S., as in Japan, stevia is used primarily as a healthful alternative to sugar. However, evidence is growing for its various other health benefits.
Blood sugar and weight control
Numerous studies have found an association between a daily dose of whole leaf stevia or stevia extract and a reduction in high blood sugar. The herb has been found to stimulate insulin secretion via direct action upon pancreatic cells. There is also evidence that it raises the blood sugar of hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) patients.
Cavity prevention
Stevia may also help prevent tooth decay. While not a substitute for brushing your teeth, stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth of the kind of oral bacteria that cause cavities.
Help for smokers
Some tobacco users have been able to break their habit by placing stevia leaves in their mouths whenever the craving for a cigarette or a chew hits them.
Upset stomach
Stevia has tonic action on the stomach. A few leaves steeped in hot water can settle an upset stomach.
Lower blood pressure
A number of studies have shown that daily ingestion of stevia can reduce high blood pressure. One study, for instance, found a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure that persisted throughout the entire year the study participants were administered steviosides.[1] Another noted that stevia lowered both blood sugar and blood pressure, which could make it helpful to type-2 diabetics and metabolic syndrome patients.[2]
Enhanced memory?
These studies are thus far preliminary, but research shows evidence for stevia’s enhancement of memory and learning. One study in mice found significantly better learning and memory performance in those treated with stevia than in those that were not.[3]
Full of beneficial nutrients
Stevia leaves contain multiple nutrients including ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, and riboflavin and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc. To obtain the nutrients in stevia leaves, try making a tea, by placing a tea bag of the leaves in a cup and adding hot water. Later this week we’ll explain other methods of using stevia in the kitchen so you can enjoy its healthful benefits.
– A.J. Pelish
For more information see “Stevia: Versatile Sweetener and Effective Medicinal” by James May in the Spring 2012 Price-Pottenger Journal of Health and Healing. Become a member today to receive access to this journal and many more health and nutrition resources.
- Chan P, Tomlinson B, Chen YJ, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness and tolerability of oral stevioside in human hypertension. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Sep;50(3):215-20
- Jeppesen PB, Gregersen S, Rolfsen SE, et al. Antihyperglycemic and blood pressure-reducing effects of stevioside in the diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rat. Metabolism 2003;52(3):37-78
- Patent Application No. 12/745, 421. Novel Nutraceutical Compositions Containing Stevia Extract Constiuents and Uses Therof. Pub date: February 17, 2011