Stevia Extract

Stevia extract is basically obtained from the leaves of the plant stevia, which is a herb native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America and belongs to the family of Asteraceae. This plant is widely found in Paraguay and Brazil and was first discovered in the year 1887. However, stevia and stevia extracts captured the attention of the world community, when it was used as an alternative to artificial sweeteners like saccharin and cyclamate. Both the artificial sweeteners were suspected to be carcinogenic and hence, stevia sweeteners gained wide popularity throughout the world as a natural substitute. Know about saccharin side effects.

Stevia or stevia extract is about 200 to 300 times sweeter than refined sugar and this sweetness is not due to high content of carbohydrate. Instead, the sweetness of stevia can be attribute to stevioside and rebaudioside, which are glycoside compounds. Stevia extracts contain no carbohydrate and this is the reason behind its widespread popularity. In all, stevia extract is non-calorific, carbohydrate free, natural sweetener and hence can be used even by the diabetic patients.

Health Benefits of Stevia Extracts:
Stevia has been in use as a medicinal herb from centuries. Earlier, the herb was used for treating heartburn and other diseases. In recent times, it has found a place in the treatment of hypoglycemia, hypertension or high blood pressure and obesity. Being a low carbohydrate product, it can be safely taken by people suffering from diabetes and candidiasis. Studies have shown that stevia does not affect the level of blood sugar. Instead, it may increase glucose tolerance, which again points to its benefits for diabetic people. Additionally, stevia extracts provide no calorie, as the glycoside compounds are not metabolized by human body.

Apart from these, stevia can improve digestion and prove to be beneficial for upset stomach. Another important health benefit of stevia is that it has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. The leaves and extracts of stevia plant can accelerate the rate of wound healing. Further, it can prevent bacterial growth and reproduction, particularly of those bacteria, which are responsible for causing tooth decay and gum diseases. This makes stevia an ideal ingredient for toothpastes as well as mouthwashes. Even those trying to get beautiful hair and skin can use stevia. It can help you to get rid of common skin problems like acne, dermatitis and eczema. Stevia extracts are also highly recommended for weight control and management. More on stevia plant uses.

Controversies Over Stevia Extract:
Stevia products were denied the status of sweetener or food additive in United States owning to several controversies regarding its health benefits. Instead, it is regarded as a dietary supplement. Most of the controversies about stevia can be attributed to the same compounds that account for its sweetness, i.e., 'stevioside' and 'rebaudioside'. According to the study carried out in 1985, both the compounds are converted into steviol in the body, which is thought as a mutagen that can induce genetic mutation and cause cancer. However, the findings of this study were widely criticized with the allegation of data mishandling. Subsequent studies have mostly shown mixed results in this regard.

Another controversy stemmed from the results of some studies carried out in animals. According to these researches, stevia can hinder the absorption of carbohydrates. Yet another study done on animals have concluded that stevia can have adverse effects on both male and female reproductive organs. A widely circulated myth about stevia is that the extract of this plant was used for contraceptive purposes by indigenous Paraguayan women. However, no research carried out so far, have shown any such effect of stevia extract. More information on benefits of stevia and stevia side effects.

So, there are not enough scientific evidences to support most of the adverse effects of stevia. The plant and its extracts have been in use for long time in Japan, with no reports of major side effect. On the other hand, several researches have revealed that stevia can improve insulin sensitivity in rats, while in human studies have pointed out that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure. However, it is still better to maintain precaution and consult a health care professional before taking stevia extracts as sweetener or dietary supplements.