Stevia sweeteners without bitterness or extraneous taste. Stevia sweetener - beneficial properties and application Vitamin content in stevia extract

The plant is 15-20 times sweeter than sugar, shocking everyone with its low calorie content - 100 g of the product contains only 18 kcal. Such characteristics are not inherent in all types of plants. Stevia honey is used to replace sugar and for preventive purposes. The remaining subspecies that grow in natural conditions are not so valuable because they contain natural sweet substances in too small quantities.

Features of the plant

Stevia is a lover of heat and dry climates, so it grows in subtropical latitudes. The plant's homeland is considered to be South and Central America (Brazil, Paraguay). It grows in semi-arid conditions, both in mountainous areas and on plains. Stevia seeds have very poor germination, so it is propagated vegetatively.

Due to its excellent taste, as well as high antioxidant abilities, stevia is actively cultivated in eastern countries - Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand. Breeding and selection of new sweet species are carried out in Ukraine, Israel, and the USA.

Growing stevia at home is also popular, as indoor plant. After wintering, the grass is planted in open ground. Over the summer, the small bush grows beautifully, allowing you to harvest an impressive harvest of sweet leaves.

Botanical description

Stevia is a herbaceous perennial bush formed as a result of active branching of the main stems. Its height can reach 120 cm. Under unfavorable climatic conditions, stevia does not branch and grows like grass with a thick stem about 60 cm long.

• Root system. Long and even cord-like roots form a fibrous rooting system for stevia, penetrating up to 40 cm deep into the soil.
• Stems. Side stems extend from the main stem. The shape is cylindrical. Active branching forms a voluminous trapezoidal bush.
• Leaves . 2-3 cm long, have an obovate shape and a slightly crenate edge. Dense in structure, the leaves do not have stipules and sit on a shortened petiole. Cross-opposite placement.
• Flowers. Stevia flowers are white, small, collected 5-7 pieces in small baskets.
• Fruits. During the fruiting period, small boxes appear on the bushes, from which spindle-shaped seeds 1-2 mm long fall out.

When growing a plant in room conditions, to form a bush it is necessary to regularly trim the tops of the stems.

Procurement of raw materials

Stevia leaves are used as a medicinal raw material and a natural sweetener. They are harvested before flowering, when buds appear on the shoots of the plant. It is at this time that the concentration of sweet substances in the leaves becomes maximum.

To harvest the leaves, the stems of the plant are cut, retreating 10 cm from the ground. After cutting, the lower leaves are torn off, and the stems are laid out on a cotton cloth in a thin layer or hung, tied into small panicles.

Stevia should be dried in the shade with good ventilation. In hot weather, the stems dry completely within 10 hours, which ensures high quality plant raw materials. To maintain the maximum concentration of steviol glycosides, it is recommended to harvest the plant using dryers.

Quality dried leaves and their sweetness depends on the time of drying. At high humidity and low temperature conditions this leads to the loss of 1/3 of the total amount of steviol glycosides in 3 days.

After complete drying, the leaves are removed from the stems and packaged in paper or plastic bags. Low humidity and good ventilation allow you to store raw materials for 2 years.

At the time of its discovery, stevia became not only the leader in the content of sweet substances, but also the plant with the greatest antioxidant effect. Complex chemical composition will help preserve youth, neutralize the influence of negative exogenous factors, and also restore the functioning of damaged cells. The plant contains a variety of biologically active substances.

The chemical composition of the plant allows it to be used for medicinal and prophylactic purposes, as a remedy with versatile pharmacological properties:

• it is a source of vitamins and microelements;
• blood pressure stabilizer;
• immunomodulatory agent;
• plant with antitoxic properties;
• hypoglycemic agent;
• plant with antimicrobial effect.

The high concentration of glycosides allows the plant to be used as a sweetener and processed in industrial conditions to obtain sweeteners. Small dosages of stevia give foods a sweet taste; rich infusions and decoctions have a bitter taste due to the increased concentration of steviol glycosides.

The benefits of stevia for different body systems

The beneficial properties of stevia are actively used in traditional and traditional medicine, for the treatment and prevention of many diseases.

Cardiovascular

Stevia is able to regulate arterial pressure. Small doses help reduce it. High doses, on the contrary, stimulate an increase in blood pressure. The mild, gradual action of the plant is completely safe for hypo- and hypertensive patients. Stevia has also been proven to normalize heart rate and the strength of heart contractions. The positive effect on blood vessels allows you to eliminate congestion, spasm, and normalize the tone of the venous walls. The herb reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol in the blood and helps eliminate plaque that has formed on the walls of the arteries. The plant can be regularly consumed internally for treatment and prevention:

• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• coronary heart disease;
• hypertension;
• myocardial infarction;
• atherosclerosis;
• varicose veins.

In case of fluctuations in blood pressure and sudden jumps, dose selection should be very careful. It is worth focusing on the patient’s well-being.

Endocrine

The most common use of stevia leaves is to normalize blood glucose levels during diabetes mellitus. The effect is due to inhibition of glucose absorption. With the use of stevia, diabetics note an improvement in their well-being, as well as a decrease in the need for external insulin. With constant use of the plant, the dosage of the hormone is gradually reduced.

The herb can restore the functioning of pancreatic cells. In some cases of type 2 diabetes, complete recovery occurs after using stevia.

The plant improves the production of thyroid hormones and normalizes the level of sex hormones. Macro- and microelements necessary for hormonal synthesis and normal functioning endocrine system contained in the leaves of the plant.

Immune

The vitamins and macroelements contained in stevia activate the body's defenses. This is useful when the immune system is weakened due to past illnesses, during the cold season. Stevia is known to have the ability to eliminate the reactive response of the immune system to allergens entering the body. This effect is necessary when allergic reactions by type of urticaria and dermatitis, as well as for the treatment and prevention of the following autoimmune skin diseases:

• psoriasis;
• eczema;
• idiopathic dermatitis;
• seborrhea.

The antitumor effect of stevia is based on the plant’s ability to neutralize and eliminate free radicals. The same mechanism underlies the grass’s slowing down of the aging process. The antimicrobial and antifungal properties of stevia help in the treatment of wounds, including weeping, purulent, trophic ulcers, and fungal skin lesions.

Digestive

Stevia has a beneficial effect on all digestive organs. The plant normalizes the secretion of digestive juices and acidity in the stomach, improving the absorption of food. The enveloping properties are useful for gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Stevia consumption is recommended for weight loss. In the fight against obesity, not only is the plant’s ability to replace sugar, reducing the calorie content of food consumed, but also prevent the occurrence of insulin surges - the cause of sudden and severe attacks of hunger.

Nervous

Stevia restores the functioning of nerve fibers and normalizes the conduction of impulses through them. The plant helps fight migraine attacks. Stevia is also known to have a sedative effect. The use of drugs helps cope with the following conditions:

• eliminates anxiety attacks;
• fights insomnia;
• promotes concentration;
• neutralizes nervous tension;
• helps fight chronic fatigue;
• treats depression and blues;
• activates the internal potential of the body;
• has adaptogenic properties;
• increases endurance.

Daily moderate consumption of stevia is recommended for athletes, as well as for improving psychological and physical activity, as an anti-stress and light tonic.

Non-medical use of raw materials

Stevia is recommended as a safe sweetener for diabetes. Tablets are used whose active ingredient is stevioside - an extract from the plant. Natural sugar substitute stevia from trademark"Arnebia" is packaged in convenient automatic dispensers, similar to packaging from the Milford company, but contains a higher quality and safer alternative to the aspartame analogue.

The sweetener stevia is actively used to create a line dietary nutrition from the Leovit brand. This sweetener is used in cereals and desserts. For diabetics, they even produce stevia-based chocolate and vanilla extract for homemade confectionery dishes.

Stevia infusions are also used for cosmetic purposes - to eliminate age spots, lighten the skin and rejuvenate it. The plant’s ability to normalize the condition of the scalp and eliminate dandruff, including seborrheic origin, is known. The use of dietary supplements with stevia has a positive effect on appearance skin.

Home Recipes

Dry stevia extract is produced industrially, contains sweet substances from the plant, and is called “Stevioside”. At the same time, the manufacturer does not pursue the goal of preserving the entire chemical composition of the herb in the extract. It is for this reason that for the comprehensive improvement of the body, for the purpose of losing weight, preventing and treating diseases, the use of stevia in the form of dried or fresh leaves is recommended.

Dosage forms prepared according to special recipes can be used externally and used in cooking to improve the taste of dishes, tea, and coffee. Stevia syrup is prepared separately and used instead of sugar. A popular herbal tea recipe is drunk as a stand-alone drink or added to other drinks.

Infusion

1. 20 g of crushed leaves are poured into a thermos.
2. Pour a glass of boiling water.
3. Leave to infuse for 24 hours.
4. Strain, pour half a glass of boiling water over the cake.
5. Strain to the first infusion after eight hours.

Syrup

1. Prepare an infusion of the plant according to the previous recipe.
2. Place it in a saucepan with a thick bottom.
3. Evaporate over low heat to the consistency of syrup.
4. Check readiness by dropping the product onto a saucer - the drop should not spread.

Decoction

1. Two tablespoons of leaves are poured into a glass of boiling water.
2. Bring to a boil, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
3. The water is drained, the leaves are poured with half a glass of boiling water.
4. Infuse the mixture for 30 minutes, after which it is filtered into the first decoction.

Extract

1. 20 g of leaves are poured with a glass of alcohol or vodka.
2. Heat over low heat or in a water bath for 30 minutes, avoiding boiling.
3. After a short cooling, the mixture is filtered.

Herbal tea

1. One level tablespoon of whole or crushed stevia leaves is poured into a glass of boiling water.
2. After 20 minutes of infusion, the tea can be consumed.

If stevia is taken for prevention, it is enough to replace the sugar consumed daily with it. To treat diseases and obtain a tonic effect, it is recommended to drink herbal tea from the leaves.

In pharmacies you can buy a ready-made extract from the plant - a white free-flowing powder in jars or bags. Baked goods, compotes, and porridges are prepared with it. To brew tea, it is better to purchase stevia leaf powder or filter bags with crushed raw materials.

Among dietary supplements, the sugar substitute “Stevia Plus” in tablets is popular. In addition to stevioside, this preparation contains chicory, as well as licorice extract and vitamin C. This composition allows the use of a sweetener as an additional source of inulin, flavonoids, and amino acids.

The practice of using fresh stevia is also known. Crushed leaves are applied to wounds, burns, and trophic ulcers. This is a way to relieve pain, burning, and speed up healing. For internal use, brew two or three leaves of stevia per glass of boiling water. According to reviews, in fresh It is better to use Crimean stevia.

Security Information

The herb honey stevia is considered the safest and low-allergenic natural sweetener, which allows it to be used even for children. Age limit is three years. Before this age, the chemical composition of stevia leaves can have an unpredictable effect on the child’s body.

Stevia preparations are not recommended for pregnant women, although it has been proven that small dosages of the plant do not have teratogenic or embryotoxic effects. But due to the difficulties of dosing and different taste preferences, it is better to minimize the use of stevia leaves when carrying a child. During breastfeeding, it is better to avoid stevia due to its unproven safety for infants.

The plant has no side effects. Direct contraindications include only individual intolerance, which occurs extremely rarely.

Comparing the medicinal properties and contraindications of stevia, we can come to the conclusion that this plant is a way to improve the functioning of the entire body, ensure beauty and youth for many years. Reviews of stevia herb extract confirm the excellent taste and ability of the plant to completely eliminate sugar from the human diet.

The fashion for “natural sweeteners” has arrived. The sugar substitutes they contain are healthier and lower in calories than sugar made from sugar beets or sugar cane. Moreover, some species can be grown in flower pots and containers. What kind of plants are these and how to grow them on a windowsill, terrace or balcony you will learn from the article.

Stevia is the most popular sweetener plant

The most famous plant that is used as a sugar substitute is Stevia. This is a broad group containing several hundred species, including annuals, perennials and shrubs. In our country it is most often cultivated Stevia honey (Also - Honey grass , lat. Stevia rebaudiana). The variety reaches an average height of 60-80 cm. It is a low-calorie, bactericidal plant that lowers blood pressure.

Growing Stevia

Stevia not very demanding, and, in principle, it can be grown indoors and on the balcony. However, systematicity is necessary. The main issue on which the success of cultivation depends is providing the plant with good sunlight and high temperature. Stevia is native to a region with a warmer climate ( South America), so it should be placed in a warm place, protected from drafts.

The optimal location would be a place with a lot of diffused light (direct exposure sun rays may cause leaf burns). Good conditions can be provided for the plant by installing it on a windowsill facing east or west. On the south side, cultivation is possible if the stevia is covered during the midday hours and in the afternoon (eg using white cardboard).

Stevia prefers light soils, penetrating, fertile, with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Such a substrate can be prepared by mixing universal garden soil with sand and expanded clay.

The plant can be grown from seeds or from purchased, fully formed seedlings. The first method is ineffective - the seeds may take a long time to germinate or may not germinate at all. The seeds should be placed in a mixture of peat and sand, and not covered. The procedure is best done in the spring. During the first weeks, it is important to maintain high temperature, high air humidity (for example, covering with perforated film) and soil.

When buying a seedling, the matter is much simpler. Stevias need to be replanted into a larger pot after purchase.

Throughout the entire growing period, it should be watered regularly (it does not tolerate drought). You can feed with small doses of multi-component fertilizers. Does not tolerate saline soil, so do not overdo it with fertilization. Reacts well to pinching - bushes better.

It is best to grow stevia as an annual plant and collect the leaves for drying in the fall. When grown for many years, before frost sets in, it is transferred to a cool room (about 10⁰C). During this period, watering is much less frequent, and the application of fertilizers is postponed until spring. This natural sweetener can also be propagated by rooting green cuttings.

Liquorice – “sugar” from the roots

Liquorice(Also Licorice naked or Licorice smooth , lat. Glycyrrhíza glabra ) has been known for thousands of years as medicinal plant. It is grown mainly in the garden, but when used in large, deep containers it can also be a functional balcony decoration. The roots are collected in autumn or early spring 3-4 years after planting.

After drying, its root becomes yellow in color. The root can be divided into parts or ground. Several times sweeter than sugar. In particular, in Food Industry used in the form of extracts, syrups, as a sugar substitute and foaming agent in drinks, and to sweeten natural medicines.

Growing Liquorice

It is best to place licorice in a bright place - with plenty of diffused light. The place should be quiet, protected from strong winds. Prefers soils that are fertile, penetrating, moderately moist, with high content calcium. From spring to autumn, it is recommended to feed licorice with multicomponent fertilizers. It is necessary to water regularly (in hot weather, it should be additionally protected from too hot sun rays). Before the arrival of frost, it is recommended to move the container to a cool room. The plant can be propagated from tendrils.

Sweet Lippia – natural sweet sugar

A sugar substitute plant that is just gaining popularity is Sweet Lippia, Aztec herb (lat. Lippia dulcis). Species native to Mexico sweeter than stevia . In particular, it is recommended for diabetics. The leaves have a minty-lemon scent. They are used to add flavor and aroma to drinks. Lippia can be purchased at large garden centers or online stores.

Growing

The plant can be grown in the garden or windowsill. Suitable for growing in hanging containers. Reaches several centimeters in height (usually 20-30). This perennial plant does not tolerate low temperatures(even below 8⁰С). In the fall, you should move the pot with the plant indoors. Loves places with plenty of diffused light and fertile, penetrating, sandy-clay soils. Requires regular watering. From spring to autumn, it is worth regularly applying fertilizers (especially those with an increased potassium content).

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Now on the shelves of large supermarkets you can find a huge range of sugar substitutes based on honey grass. It is sold in tablets, powder, syrup. You can even buy the leaves of the plant. The choice of one product or another depends on your preferences.

Stevia tablets

The French were the first to obtain a sugar-like substance from stevia. After this, it was found that the extract from the grass is 300 times sweeter than regular sugar. At the same time, the calorie content of the substance is zero. Accordingly, you can without much fear replace sugar in tea or coffee with honey grass tablets.

Main producers of stevia tablets, average cost of packaging:

• Stevia (Better Stevia). The package contains 175 tablets, produced by NOW Foods, USA. The average cost of a package is $12. Packaging with dispenser.
• Stevia Goodwill Invest, Ukraine. There are 100 tablets in a package. Rectangular plastic box with dispenser. The price per package is 2 dollars.
• SteviaSan Ukraine. There are 100 pieces in the package, it is indicated that these are tablets from honey herb extract. The price of the package is 2 dollars.
• Stevioside China. Sold in a 100 g package. Package price: $8. It turns out very cheap, since 100 g contains about 1500 tablets. But customers are unhappy with this company’s substitute, since it does not dissolve well in liquid.
• Stevia Crimean. It is produced in Crimea, in a package of 60 tablets of 0.4 g. In addition to stevia, the preparation may contain rosehip or hawthorn extract. These tablets are taken not only as a sugar substitute, but also as a medicine. You are allowed to take no more than 3-4 tablets per day.
• Huxol stevia, manufacturer Germany. Sold in packs of 120 tablets. The price of the package is $5. In addition to plant materials, the tablets contain lactose and an acidity regulator.

Carefully study the composition of the tablets; the Chinese sweetener contains only 10% stevia extract, the remaining 90% of the substance is polysaccharides and aspartame.

Stevia leaves

Manufacturers of stevia leaf:

1. Naturalis. Russia. The package contains 50 g of plant material. The price per package is 1 dollar.
2. Steviasan. Ukraine. The package contains 50 g of plant material. The cost of packaging is 2 dollars.
3. Air-dry sheet 25 g per package. Manufacturer - USA. Price - 1 dollar.

Stevia tea

Instructions for making stevia tea:

• Take a bag or teaspoon of brewed tea and pour into a cup;
• Fill with hot water (not boiling water);
• Leave for 15 minutes;
• You can drink it hot or cold.

Stevia syrup

Cost and manufacturers of stevia syrup:

1. Stevia extract with Goji berries 20 ml. Produced in Sevastopol. Sold in a small bottle with a dropper (dispenser). Price - 1-1.5 dollars per bottle. The syrup contains 40% plant materials.
2. Miss Slim extract. Sevastopol. The bottle contains 50 ml of syrup. The sweetness to sugar ratio is 1:30. According to studies, weight loss in 30 days when taking this syrup was 4-7 kg. The price of the bottle is 10 dollars.
3. Stevia water syrup. Sevastopol. The bottle contains 50 ml and costs $8. The content of plant components is 50%.
4. Stevia syrup fortifying. This is a complex remedy that contains echinacea, St. John's wort and plantain. Can be taken as a sugar substitute or in medicinal purposes to boost immunity. Manufacturer - Crimean Stevia, Sevastopol. The bottle contains 50 ml of syrup.

Stevia powder

Manufacturers and cost of stevia powder:

• Now foods better stevia. Powder made in the USA, certified. The package contains 28 g and includes a measuring spoon. The cost of a jar is $12.
• Stevia from NuNaturals. American company producing natural health food products. There are 100 sachets in a package. The cost of packaging is $15.
• Stevia Sweta. The package contains 1 kg of powder. The cost of packaging is $50.

The benefits of stevia

Beneficial properties of honey herb:

1. Participates in metabolic processes. Honey grass contains pectin, amino acids and vitamins. Thanks to this, metabolism is activated and fat is quickly broken down.
2. Reduces cholesterol levels. Thanks to the presence of pectins and antioxidants, the plant binds harmful cholesterol and removes it from the body.
3. Can be used for diabetes. Scientists have found that the sugar-like substance from the plant is not a carbohydrate; it contains no calories. Accordingly, there is no jump in glucose levels after taking the substance.
4. Can be used for a long time. Unlike aspartame or saccharin, honey grass can be taken for many years. Scientists did not find any illnesses in people who replaced sugar with stevia for a long time.
5. Improves digestion. The herb is recommended as a dietary supplement for young children suffering from atopic dermatitis. As you know, this is a functional illness associated with disturbances in the functioning of the intestines, liver and pancreas.

Medicinal properties of stevia

Use of stevia for treatment:

• . Due to its mild diuretic effect, stevia is prescribed to patients with pyelonephritis and urethritis. It helps eliminate swelling and removes excess fluid from the body.
• Burns and cuts. Stevia oil can be used for eczema and frostbite. This is possible thanks to amino acids that activate skin regeneration processes.
• In dentistry. Decoctions of stevia leaves are recommended for use against periodontal disease, caries and gum disease. The decoction strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay. Use the product as a rinse.
• Increased stomach acidity. If you have constant heartburn even when following a diet, include honey herb tea in your diet. It promotes healing of mucous membranes and prevents the development of ulcers.
• Depressant. If you suffer from insomnia and are often nervous, take a decoction of the plant. To do this, stevia is mixed with hawthorn in equal quantities and a spoonful of the mixture is poured with 200 ml of boiling water. Leave for 20 minutes and drink 80 ml before meals.
• Reduces temperature. To do this, stevia is mixed with mint and sage leaves and a tincture is prepared. The medicine is taken three times a day, 120 ml.
• Treats throat. If you have a cold, you can safely use stevia with elderberry and calendula to prepare a decoction. Drink herbal tea in small sips or gargle.

Harm of stevia

Harmful properties of stevia:

1. When taken simultaneously with milk, it can cause diarrhea.
2. The drug sharply lowers blood pressure, so hypotensive patients should forget about the grass.
3. Carcinogenicity. Several years ago, information appeared in the media that stevia is a carcinogen. But Japanese scientists have denied this fact.
4. Mutagenicity. Likewise, there are rumors that the herb causes cell mutation and can cause cancer. But in fact, researchers have not confirmed this property of the plant.
5. Antiandrogenic effect. This herb is a natural estrogen, so men should use it in limited quantities.

Stevia contraindications

Contraindications:

• Allergy. This is an individual feature of each organism. Accordingly, before taking, add only one tablet to the cup and observe the reaction.
• Heart problems. If you have arrhythmia or heart defects, you should not use honey grass. It can speed up or slow down your heart rate.
• . The herb lowers blood pressure, so people with hypotension may experience fainting and dizziness when taking the plant.
• Age up to 3 years. Do not give grass and sugar substitutes to children under three years of age.
• Respiratory system diseases. For asthma or chronic bronchitis You should not use honey grass. It can trigger an asthma attack.
• Postoperative period. If you have recently had surgery, avoid taking the sweetener.

Rules for using stevia

Features of using stevia:

1. If you use a decoction of the leaves, store it in the refrigerator. Shelf life - 1 week.
2. Excessive consumption of steviosides can lead to diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses.
3. If you plan to use a natural sweetener for a long time, purchase honey grass powder; it dissolves well in water and is used sparingly.
4. When purchasing stevia tablets, be careful about the composition. Unscrupulous manufacturers introduce preservatives and polysorbate into sugar substitutes.
5. Limit your use of stevia to 3-4 times a week. Avoid adding sweet grass to all dishes.
6. If you decide to use the herb for diabetes, check with your doctor.
7. Do not use the herb when breastfeeding. It can cause allergies in a child.

In pursuit of proper nutrition and to maintain their health, people try to use what nature itself has given. Last years The sweetener plant stevia has gained popularity. But what is stevia?

Honey herb, and this is the name stevia has acquired among the people, is a real gift of nature from the plant kingdom. The substance stevioside, isolated in 1931 by French chemists from stevia, turned out to be 300 times sweeter than cane and beet sugar. Due to its unique properties, stevioside is widely used in the food industry for the production of all kinds of candies, drinks and even chewing gum.

Stevia is represented by a genus of perennial plants of the Asteraceae family. The number of species and shrubs is about 260. This unique plant species grows in South and Central America. Even ancient Indian tribes used it as a natural sweetener, as well as a medicinal plant in the treatment of various diseases. In the 1930s, residents of the British Isles paid attention to stevia. Due to the sharp shortage of food and various sweeteners due to the blockade of England by the German invaders, scientists conducted research and found that the plant is perfectly capable of replacing the usual sugar.

IN modern world Stevia is cultivated in many countries around the world. The plant has many beneficial properties, unlike artificial sugar substitutes.

Composition and calorie content

The main characteristic of honey grass is its sweetness. Natural stevia is two dozen times sweeter than cane sugar. But sweet grass extract is 300 times sweeter. But the calorie content of stevia is unusually low. It is noteworthy that 100 g of sugar contains about 400 kcal, and 100 g of stevia contains only 18.3 kcal. Therefore, people who stubbornly get rid of extra pounds are recommended to replace sweet dishes with regular sugar with those prepared with stevia.

The composition of honey herb is truly unique. Contains:

• fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins – A, C, D, E, K and P;
• mineral components - chromium, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc;
• amino acids, pectins;
• stevioside

Note! It is important, but the glycemic index of honey grass is equal to 0. This makes the plant an ideal sugar substitute for people with diabetes.

One of the important advantages of honey herb is that when exposed to elevated temperatures, the properties and composition do not change. Stevia is widely used in the food industry and cooking, during the preparation of hot dishes.

Benefits for the human body

The sweet plant is not only a very tasty product, but also has many beneficial properties. Yes, thanks high content specific substances - antioxidants, stevia has a beneficial effect on the restoration of cellular structures, helps in neutralization by radionuclide. An important aspect is the cleansing of the human body from heavy metal salts and toxic compounds. Thanks to this influence, the development process oncological diseases is significantly reduced.

Antioxidants in the plant have the ability to restore the skin and skin derivatives (hair, nails and itches). That is why the plant is used not only in cooking, but also in the field of cosmetology.

Use in medicine:

• stimulation of hormone production;
• improvement of the functional characteristics of the pancreas and thyroid gland;
• alignment of hormonal levels;
• increasing potency;
• increased libido;
• removing cholesterol from the body;
• strengthening the myocardium and vascular walls;
• normalization of blood pressure;
• preventing the development of atherosclerosis;
• increased metabolism;
• improving the process of food digestion;
• cleansing the human body of harmful and toxic substances.

Taking sweet grass helps strengthen the body's immune forces and also helps normalize nervous system. Drinking tea with stevia has tonic properties, invigorates and improves a person’s overall well-being. In addition, stevioside obtained from the plant has a beneficial effect on blood circulation in the brain, helping to effectively overcome dizziness, drowsiness and apathy.

Sweetener stevia in cooking

The extract obtained from the plant is used in cooking in the preparation of various dishes and drinks. Using honey herb for cooking gives the dish the necessary sweetness and aroma. Stevia has proven itself to be excellent in cooking. fruit salads, jam, pastries, compotes and desserts.

Note! Sweet grass should be used in doses and strictly according to the instructions. If the standards are violated, the product may become very bitter. After the drink or dish with stevia is infused, the taste will begin to feel brighter.

You can sweeten the dish using a special syrup, the preparation of which requires mixing 20 grams of dried stevia with 200 ml of boiling water. Next, the infusion must be boiled for 7 minutes. After this, remove the splits and cool for 10 minutes. The resulting syrup is allowed to infuse and poured into a container convenient for storage. The shelf life of honey grass syrup is no more than 7 days. An infusion of honey herb can be added when making homemade baked goods or into tea.

How to use for weight loss?

People who want to lose extra pounds can use stevia to achieve their goals. Stevioside has the property of dulling appetite. 20-30 minutes before meals, it is recommended to drink a few teaspoons of syrup prepared for use in cooking.

On the modern market there are special teas for weight loss, which include honey herb. Fill a special filter bag with 200 ml of boiling water and let it brew for a couple of minutes. You can take this decoction twice a day before main meals. To improve the taste of the drink, you can add dried chamomile, tea and rose hips to the decoction.

Release forms

You can buy stevia herb at any pharmacy kiosk. The product is produced in several forms and the consumer can choose the most suitable one for himself.

Release forms:

• dried loose leaves;
• crushed leaves in filter bags;
• crushed leaves in powder form;
• honey herb extract;
• stevia in tablets and syrup form.

When choosing a product, you must remember that stevia leaves in crushed or natural form have a less pronounced sweet taste than extract. In addition, crushed honey grass leaves have a grassy flavor that may not be to everyone's taste. It is important to remember that properly dried and prepared stevia should not contain impurities or various additives. It is not recommended to purchase honey herb if the package contains additives in the form of fructose or sugar.

Possible harm from consumption

According to experts from the World Health Organization, honey grass is harmless and consuming it in unlimited quantities will not cause harm. But stevia has a number of properties and side effects. Before consuming the plant, you should consult your doctor. It is necessary to introduce honey grass into your diet gradually, while simultaneously observing the reaction of your body. It is possible that intolerance may occur and, as a result, allergic reactions may develop.

It is also important to remember that using stevia together with cow's milk in drinks can cause dyspepsia. The components of sweet grass help reduce blood glucose levels, but uncontrolled consumption can lead to pathological changes in the body. It is not recommended for use by people who suffer from disorders in the digestive tract, as well as hormonal imbalances and mental disorders.

Healthy eating is a very hot topic for modern people, so they try to limit their sugar intake and find the best alternative to glucose.

There is an optimal way out of this situation - to introduce sugar substitutes into your diet. One of the best means In this area, stevia tablets are considered.

Sweetener stevia

A natural sweetener, stevioside, is made from a perennial herb called stevia. The sweet product obtained from the plant helps overweight people bring their shape back to normal. This supplement is called E 960. It is ideal for diabetics because it improves the quality of food. Among other things, stevia contains many useful microelements. This list includes: vitamins B, E, D, C, P, amino acids, tannins, essential oils, copper, iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, chromium, cobalt.

With such a rich composition of microelements, the calorie content of the food supplement is minimal - 18 kcal per 100 grams.

Products made from this plant can be purchased at pharmacies, and are also available in specialized departments of stores. Thanks to the variety of forms of the sugar analog produced, everyone can choose the best version of this drug for themselves. The price of stevia depends on the form of release.

The tablet form of the sweetener makes it easy to calculate the dosage by adding the product to food. One brown stevia tablet is equivalent to a teaspoon of sugar. The sweet “medicine” dissolves very quickly in drinks. And if you need to make a powder from the pills, they should be passed through a coffee grinder.

Unprocessed grass has a slight bitter taste, which cannot be said about stevia tablets. How is this effect achieved? Everything is quite simple - the sweet balls contain a pleasant-tasting component isolated from a plant that does not have a specific aftertaste - a glycoside.

Useful properties of stevia

Sugar level

This is a most valuable natural product that has a healing and tonic effect on the human body. The drug can also normalize carbohydrate metabolism. This is an indispensable product for overweight people.

This sweetener, unlike other sugar analogues, has a minimal number of disadvantages, therefore it is used in many countries around the world and in most cases has positive reviews. Today there are not many sugar substitutes known, distinguishing feature which have a low toxicity rate. The stevioside toxicity test was successful.

Stevia is fifteen times sweeter granulated sugar, therefore, along with it, it is advisable not to include other sweets in your diet.

Indications for use of stevia tablets:

• various pathologies of the endocrine system;
• metabolic disease;
• hypo- and hyperglycemic states.

About harm and contraindications

If the doses prescribed in the instructions are not followed by diabetics and those with excess body weight, harm may be caused to the body. You shouldn’t be overzealous and add sweet pills excessively to every dish.

Sweetener E 960 should not be used by people who have an individual intolerance to the product.

Contraindications to the use of stevia tablets are gastric and intestinal disorders. To prevent this from happening, you need to start consuming a sweetener based on honey grass little by little and at the same time monitor the body’s reaction.

The dietary supplement should be used with particular caution by people with low blood pressure.

This sweetener should not be consumed with milk, otherwise diarrhea may occur.

When a natural dietary supplement is abused, in some cases hypoglycemia develops, a condition associated with a decrease in blood glucose levels.

Pregnant women and nursing mothers should use sugar substitutes very carefully. They can only be used if the benefits of use greatly outweigh the harm.

People who do not experience any health problems do not urgently need to introduce sweeteners into their diet as a main food additive.

When does it accumulate in the human body? a large number of sweets, insulin is released. If this condition is maintained continuously, insulin sensitivity will decrease.

In this case, the main condition is not to abuse sweeteners, but to strictly adhere to the norm.

Conclusion

When purchasing a sugar analogue, you need to make sure that it does not contain any harmful additional additives that could have a negative impact on your health. negative impact to your health.

To accurately determine the required amount of the drug, before using it, you need to carefully read the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

Do not forget that even sugar substitutes of natural origin, if used incorrectly or in case of overdose, contribute to an increase in blood glucose levels.

All your actions related to the use of sweeteners must be coordinated with your doctor.

Useful and harmful properties stevia is discussed in the video in this article.