Stevia rebaudiana

Stevia has been used as a sweetener among the native people in South America and, since then, has been cultivated in different regions of the world. In this section, we will talk in detail about the composition and health effects of consuming this natural, nonnutritive sweetener.

Composition:

The leaves are the major ingredient used in this plant, and it has more than 30 different steviol glycosides, of which the most prevalent are stevioside and rebaudioside A. These are the major sweet ingredients in the plant, and rebaudioside is present in a higher percentage. This fraction is several hundred times sweeter than sugar. The stevia plant is also rich in phenolic compounds, oils, water-soluble vitamins C and B, and minerals like zinc,iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.

Health-related properties:

Anti-Cancer effects: 

Steviol inhibited the proliferation of six types of human cancer cells in experimental models. It seems to decrease the viability of colon cancer cells. Steviol seems to be cytotoxic to colon cancer cells by inhibiting DNA synthesis and inducing cell death in cancer cells. It is important to note that more research is needed to look at the long-term effects of stevia, but it may play a role in future cancer treatments.

Anti-cariogenic, anti-inflammatory, and bacteriocidal effects:

Extracts from the stevia leaf help decrease inflammation and have immunomodulatory effects on both our humoral and cellular immune systems. It also has antibacterial effects and may decrease the incidence of dental caries.

Anti-diabetic effects and anti-metabolic syndrome effects:

Consumption of stevia may be beneficial for blood sugar control as the constituents act to increase the sensitivity of insulin and help with glucose modulation. Stevia has been used in the treatment of diabetes in folk medicine in Brazil and Paraguay. In experimental models, an increase in insulin production was observed in diabetic rats fed with stevia. Pancreatic beta cell function improved in experimental rats fed with stevia. The levels of random glucose and fasting glucose also decreased. Stevia decreases the effects of alpha-amylase and glucosidase enzymes, thereby interrupting glucose metabolism and decreasing glucose levels.

Stevia may favorably help with weight management and with better cholesterol profiles by increasing HDL, or good cholesterol, and may also help regulate triglycerides.

Anti-Hypertensive and Renal Effects:

Stevia can also help lower blood pressure when consumed in the diet. It seems to have vasodilatory and hypotensive properties and should be avoided by people with low blood pressure. Stevia causes renal vasodilation and increases natriuresis.

As you have seen, this herb has different effects on our health. As always, I pray that you keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!