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What is Sweet Herb? The Health Benefits of Sweet Herb.

What is Stevia and what are its health benefits? Let's find out!

8 August, 2024

Sweetleaf, or stevia, is a plant with a long history of medicinal use and various therapeutic properties. Let’s explore the wonders of this plant in today’s article.

1What is Sweetleaf?

Sweetleaf, also known by its scientific name Stevia rebaudiana, is a shrub native to North and South America and belongs to the Asteraceae family. This plant has gained popularity and is now cultivated worldwide, especially in China.

Sweetleaf is a small plant, growing only up to 100cm in height. Its leaves are lanceolate and grow symmetrically, featuring serrated edges on the upper half. What is Sweetleaf?

The flowers of the sweetleaf plant form a head, with each cluster containing five small flowers. The corolla is tubular, ivory in color, and features five tiny petals. The flowers are approximately 10-12mm in length and have two long styles protruding from the center. They emit a subtle fragrance. The flowering season spans from October to February.

The entire plant, especially the leaves, has a sweet taste. The older leaves wither and die, but their very resilient stems keep them from falling off (retaining their sweetness). The leaves are rich in glycosides, natural sweetening compounds that are 300 times sweeter than sugar.

Sweetleaf was first discovered growing wild in Paraguay and was later introduced to Vietnam before 1990.

2What are the Benefits of Sweetleaf?

Sweetleaf boasts several health benefits, including:

Assisting Individuals with Diabetes

Sweetleaf has been shown to positively regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Benefits for Diabetics

According to research from the National Library of Medicine in the United States, consuming sweetleaf sweeteners significantly lowers blood sugar levels compared to starch consumption.

Additionally, extracts from sweetleaf have been found to reduce blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels.

Safe Sweetener for Pregnant Women

Sweetleaf contains glycoside steviol, a compound proven to be a safe sweetener for pregnant women as it does not negatively affect blood sugar or reproductive functions.

Safe for Pregnant Women

Given its safety profile, pregnant women are advised to choose foods containing glycoside steviol that are FDA-approved and consume them in moderation to ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Controlling Sugar Intake in Children

Children are among the highest consumers of sugary treats. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is crucial to address and balance sugar intake in children as early as possible.

Controlling Sugar Intake in Children

Sweetleaf has the potential to lower blood sugar levels, making it a suitable alternative for parents concerned about their children’s sugar consumption. Incorporating sweetleaf-based products into their diets and monitoring daily intake can help prevent weight-related issues.

3Side Effects of Sweetleaf

Despite its numerous health benefits, sweetleaf may cause some side effects, including:

Reduced levels of beneficial gut bacteria: Due to its low-calorie content, excessive consumption of sweetleaf may lead to increased calorie intake and subsequent weight gain.

Side Effects of Sweetleaf

Interference with diabetes medications: Sweetleaf may interact with certain drugs, so it is essential to consult a doctor before using it as a sweetener if you have diabetes.

Potential digestive issues: Sweetleaf products contain sugar alcohols, which may cause bloating, nausea, and diarrhea in individuals sensitive to sugar alcohols.

4Precautions When Using Sweetleaf as a Herbal Remedy

As with any herbal remedy, it is crucial to use sweetleaf in moderation and not to overuse it. Here are some specific precautions to keep in mind:

Precautions When Using Sweetleaf

– Do not mix sweetleaf with prescription medications or other herbal remedies without professional advice.

– While it is generally safe, excessive or insufficient use may impact the effectiveness of treatment.

– For pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children, consult a healthcare professional before use.

– To ensure the effectiveness of sweetleaf, use porcelain or ceramic cookware instead of metal utensils for preparation.

– Combine its use with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal therapeutic benefits.

5Where to Buy Sweetleaf

Sweetleaf plants and herbal remedies derived from them are readily available for purchase online on e-commerce platforms or traditional markets.

Where to Buy Sweetleaf

Prices range from 15,000 to 20,000 VND per plant, while processed products start at 79,000 VND for 125g.

We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the wonders of sweetleaf and its potential benefits. Stay tuned for more informative content!

Frequently asked questions

Sweet herb, or Stevia, is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It has a long history of use in South America and is now grown and used globally.

Stevia is unique because, unlike other sweeteners, it is derived from a plant. It is a natural product, and its sweetness comes from compounds called steviol glycosides. These compounds are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, so a little goes a long way.

Stevia has gained popularity due to its potential health benefits. It is a zero-calorie sweetener, making it a good option for people looking to manage their weight or blood sugar levels. It may also help improve dental health by reducing the risk of tooth decay.

Stevia has minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes or prediabetes. It does not raise blood sugar and may even help improve insulin sensitivity.

Yes, Stevia can be used as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking. However, due to its high sweetness intensity, you will need to use much less than you would sugar. It may also affect the texture of baked goods, so some experimentation may be needed to get the right results.

Stevia is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderate amounts. However, some people may experience side effects such as nausea, digestive issues, or allergic reactions. As with any sweetener, it is important to use Stevia in moderation and not exceed the recommended daily intake.