Stevia is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, known for its high sweetness and zero calories. Stevia leaves contain stevioside and rebaudioside glycosides, which are dozens of times sweeter than sugar but do not affect blood glucose levels. Thanks to this, the product is widely used as a natural sweetener in diets for diabetes, obesity, and low-carb regimes.
The benefits of stevia go beyond simple sugar replacement. The plant contains flavonoids, essential oils, fiber, vitamins B, C, E, as well as trace elements – zinc, potassium, magnesium, etc. These substances possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Stevia helps lower blood pressure, improves cardiovascular system function, normalizes metabolism, stimulates insulin production, and helps control blood sugar levels.
Stevia usage is diverse: from making tea, infusions, and syrups to adding to baked goods and beverages. In medicine, it is used to treat arthritis, osteochondrosis, pancreatitis, stomach and thyroid diseases, as well as an antiseptic for skin inflammation. For external use, stevia masks rejuvenate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve elasticity.
Stevia is safe for most people, but individual intolerance is possible. In case of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using the product.
