Health awareness in the recent years has made people think more about exercising and eating healthy. When it comes to eating right, normal sugar contains calories that results in adding unhealthy weight. To avoid this more and more people are opting for sugar substitutes that are either low in calories or have zero calories. One such natural sugar substitute derived from plant extract is Stevia.
About Stevia Sweeteners
Stevia is a sugar substitute that is extracted from a South American plant known as Stevia rebaudiana belonging to the chrysanthemum family. The leaves of the plant are especially sweet and the sweet extracts from the leaves are known as steviol glycosides. Stevia is completely a natural sugar substitute that has zero calories but it tastes 250 to 300 times more than natural sugar.
The discovery of Stevia is credited to an Italian scientist ‘Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni’ who was also the Director of College of Agriculture in Asuncion. The scientific name of the plant Stevia rebaudiana bertoni was coined in the honor of Bertoni and a Paraguayan chemist Rebaudi. The South American natives used Stevia as a natural sweetener in their beverages for centuries.
Trade names
The trade names of stevia sweeteners include Enliten, PureVia, Reb A, Rebaudioside A, Stevia, Rebiana, Stevioside, Stevia extract in the raw, Truvia and Sun Crystals.
Uses
Stevia is used as a sugar substitute in various foods and drinks like desserts, baked goods, chewing gum, candy, yogurt, baking and as a table top sweetener. In Japan, the extracts of the plant Stevia rebaudiana are being used in products like soy sauce, pickled vegetables, sea food, confectionery products and soft drinks. Products made from Stevia have been approved for use in countries like Brazil, Central and South America.
Benefits
Consuming stevia does not raise blood sugar level. Hence, has zero calories and is non nutritive. It does not cause a rise in blood glucose levels, and hence it can be taken safely by diabetics and also in patients who have phenylketonuria (genetic disorder). It can be used by people who are obese and health conscious. Consuming stevia products helps in weight management program apart from exercising. Stevia does not cause tooth decay and in fact acts as an anti caries agent. During pregnancy sugar substitutes are safe for mother and child if taken in moderation only. The leaves of stevia can be used in dried or fresh form. As it is extremely sweet a small amount is enough to sweeten the foods or drinks. Stevia has good water absorbing and swelling capacity and for this reason it is used in making gravies and soups. Stevia is also a good source of fiber and protein that is needed for good health. The stevioside extract or leaves can be used in cooking. It enhances the taste of other sweeteners like maple syrup and honey. Stevia is much cheaper than normal sugar and other artificial sweeteners making it affordable.
Safety
Stevia is safe is consumed in moderation. It has been approved in the year 2008 by the United States as a food additive. However, the Food and Drug Administration declares only certain highly refined preparations of stevia as safe for consumption. Side effects like feeling of fullness or nausea may be experienced. Crude stevia extracts and whole leaf extracts are not approved by the FDA as there can be harmful effects on the reproductive system, cardiovascular system, kidneys and blood sugar. In the year 2008, the Joint Expert committee on food additives (JECFA) has approved the use of stevia for general sweetening purpose. Stevia is now being used in various countries that include China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Russia, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Colombia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay and Malaysia.
Global Recognition
Stevia products have not been approved by the European commission due to lack of getting enough evidence regarding its safety. China is the largest producer of Stevia. Korea and Japan hold the largest market for Stevia extracts. France has accepted the use of Rebauside A. The Joint committee on food additives established a daily intake of 0.4mg/kg body weight of steviol. Stevia as a sugar substitute is receiving acceptance all over the world and if consumed under acceptable limits one can reap healthy benefits.
