Stevia sweetener is gaining slow yet steady popularity. This sweetener is a natural alternative to traditional sugar as it is derived from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant. On the other hand, unlike traditional sugar, this natural sweetener is calorie-free and does not affect blood sugar levels. Therefore, it has become a very popular choice amongst people who are diabetic and looking for an option to maintain a healthy diet. If you are looking for more information on stevia sweeteners, this is the right content for you. 

What is Stevia Sweetener?

Being native to South America, stevia has been used for centuries by indigenous people for medicinal purposes as well as to sweeten beverages. This amazing plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also produces sunflowers and chrysanthemums. Stevia is known for its sweet flavour, which comes from a natural compound called steviol glycosides, with the most sweetest and abundant being rebaudioside A and stevioside. 

Stevia sweeteners are gaining huge popularity around the world for their amazing health benefits. Here you will find some amazing health benefits of replacing traditional sugar with stevia sweetener. 

Control Blood Sugar Levels: The first and most notable benefit of using stevia sweeteners is that they are perfect for people with diabetic issues. Using this sweetener will help you to maintain ideal blood sugar levels without worrying about the spikes. As it does not affect the blood sugar levels, it can be used as a safe alternative to the traditional sugar. Some studies have also shown that stevia has a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This will potentially help you to control your blood sugar levels. 

Helps with Weight Loss: If you are on a diet to lose those unwanted pounds from your body, including stevia instead of the traditional sugar could be the best option for you. As they are completely calorie-free, you do not have to worry about weight gain. On the other hand, stevia may also reduce the cravings for sweets, which further supports your weight loss journey. When it comes to weight loss, it is important for you to understand that even very small changes can make big differences. 

Can Improve Dental Health: Unlike traditional sugar, stevia does not cause tooth decay. On the other hand, it does not promote the growth of bacteria that usually cause cavities and plaques. Therefore, if you are facing dental issues and looking for an option to replace traditional sugar with something healthy and less harmful, stevia could be the best option. 

Lower Blood Pressure: Some studies have also shown that stevia sweeteners have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. Therefore, it is suggested for people with hypertension and looking for an option to control their blood pressure levels. 

Reduce Inflammation: Stevia sweeteners also have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it can be very beneficial for the overall health. Inflammation is linked to different types of health conditions including cancer and heart disease. Therefore, by reducing inflammation, stevia may help you reduce the risk of numerous health problems. 

Antioxidant Properties: Stevia is packed with different types of antioxidants, including tannins, triterpenes, and flavonoids. Therefore, they may also protect the body from the damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. 

How to Include Stevia in your Diet

Most people, especially Indians are not really used to stevia or recipes prepared using stevia sweeteners. If you are one of them, who is looking for an option to include stevia in your diet, below mentioned are different ways you can choose for the same:

Stevia is available in different forms, including:

Stevia Extract: This is one of the most commonly used forms of stevia. This is a highly concentrated form, which is much sweeter than sugar. Therefore, it is very important to use a very small amount to sweeten stevia foods and beverages. When you are looking for stevia extract, you will find liquid, powder as well as granulated forms. All you have to do is to choose the best for your needs. 

Stevia Blends: There are many commercial products available in the market combined with stevia extract with other types of sweeteners like xylitol and erythritol which can improve the overall taste and texture. This blend is also one of the popular replacements for sugar in recipes. 

Stevia Leaf: Many people also use dried stevia leaves that can naturally add sweetness to foods and beverages. You can also simply steep the dried leaves in hot water to gain additional sweetness. It does not matter what your needs are, you will be able to obtain sweetness without any health issues when using stevia plants. 

Conclusion

Stevia is a natural sweetener that can enhance the texture and taste when it is used instead of traditional sugar. On the other hand, they can also offer a wide range of health benefits if consumed in moderation. Other amazing properties of this natural sweetener include zero calorie content, antioxidant properties, and low glycemic index.