Health & Life

Stevia: The Natural Sweetener That’s Perfect for Diabetics

The sweetener derived from the stevia plant, commonly known as stevia, is a natural sweet-tasting treat and a safe alternative for diabetics.

Administrator

26 July, 2024

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Sweet Leaf: A Natural Sweetener That Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar

Native to the Rio Monday valley in northeastern Panama, Central America, the sweet leaf plant, also known as sweet herb, honey herb, or sweetleaf, has a long history of use in South America.

The Guarani people of South America have used stevia, the species name for sweet leaf, for over 1,500 years. In the early 1970s, the Japanese began cultivating the plant and producing extracts as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners like cyclamate and saccharin. These stevioside sweeteners, derived from the leaves, have been marketed in Japan since 1971 and accounted for 40% of the sweetener market share in 2005, making Japan the largest consumer of stevia products worldwide.

Stevia extracts are available in both liquid and powder forms

Stevia leaves contain (% dry matter) 6.2% protein, 5.6% fat, 52.8% carbohydrates, 15% stevioside, and approximately 42% water-soluble substances. Despite its sweetness, stevia contains no calories, making it a safe alternative for diabetics. It can be used in various ways, such as drying the leaves for tea or infusing them in water; grinding the leaves into a powder to replace sugar in baking; as a sugar substitute in the food industry; and as a sweetener for those on low-calorie diets or managing diabetes.

Stevia provides sweetness without the calories, making it a safe option for diabetics.

How to Use Sweet Leaf for Diabetes Management

For diabetic patients, it is recommended to use 2.5g of dried sweet leaf per cup of tea, infusing it in 200ml of water, and drinking it twice daily. Sweet leaf helps reduce cravings for sugary and starchy foods. It is an excellent alternative to sugar for those managing or at risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis.

Stevia Leaf Powder: Dried leaves can be ground into a fine powder and used as a sugar substitute in various ways, such as sprinkling it over food, adding it to hot beverages, or incorporating it into recipes.

Liquid Extracts: Glycerin-based extracts are available and typically standardized to the primary sweet compounds found in stevia leaves. A few drops of these extracts can be added to foods as a sweetener.

Note: While stevia is primarily used as a natural sweetener for diabetics, ongoing research explores its potential benefits beyond blood sugar management.

Frequently asked questions

Stevia is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has been used for centuries in South America and is now gaining popularity worldwide as a healthy alternative to sugar. Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar but has no calories, carbs, or artificial ingredients, making it a perfect choice for diabetics and those watching their weight.

The sweetener contains natural compounds called steviol glycosides, which are responsible for its sweetness. These compounds do not affect blood sugar levels like regular sugar does, so stevia is an ideal way to sweeten foods and beverages without spiking blood glucose. It can help diabetics manage their condition and reduce the risk of sugar-related health complications.

Stevia is generally recognized as safe by regulatory authorities worldwide, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and digestive issues when consuming large amounts. As with any sweetener, moderation is key.

Yes, stevia is a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of recipes. It is heat stable, so it can be used in baking, and it also dissolves easily in liquids, making it perfect for sweetening beverages. Stevia blends that include other ingredients like erythritol are often preferred for baking as they provide a texture and taste more similar to sugar.

The intensity of sweetness in stevia can be quite surprising to those new to it, and it may take some time to get used to the flavor. Some people describe a slight licorice-like or bitter aftertaste, but this varies between different stevia products and brands. The taste also depends on the concentration and type of steviol glycosides present.