Stevia
is about 300 times sweeter than sugar in its natural state, and much
more so when processed. Its medicinal uses include regulating blood
sugar, preventing hypertension, treatment of skin disorders, and
prevention of tooth decay. Other studies show that it is a natural
antibacterial and antiviral agent as well. Stevia is actually good for
you! On top of that, it is calorie and carbohydrate free. Stevia is a
great sweetener choice for diabetics, those watching their weight, and
anyone interested in maintaining their health.
Topically, Stevia
has excellent healing capabilities. If placed on a cut or scrape, it
stings initially followed by a significant reduction in pain and
accelerated healing with no scarring. Whole leaf Stevia extract can be
used as a facial mask by smoothing the dark liquid over the entire face,
allowing it to dry for 30-60 minutes, then rinsing. This will help
tighten the skin, smooth out wrinkles and heal skin blemishes and acne.
This has been reported to be effective when used on seborrhea,
dermatitis and eczema, as well. Stevia is also beneficial for the hair
and scalp; good results have been obtained by adding Stevia concentrate
to shampoo, and also applying concentrate to the hair after shampooing,
allowing it to remain on the hair for a few minutes, then rinsing.
In
recent years, Stevia has made its way to the Far East. In the 70’s and
80’s Stevia was developed as a sweetener/flavour enhancer which has
since been used widely for this purpose in Japan, China, Korea, Israel,
Brazil and Paraguay. It has been embraced in Japan, where it’s used in
soy sauce, sweet pickles and soft drinks. In Japan, Diet Coke has been
sweetened with Stevia.
The products in which Stevia has been used
include soft drink, ice cream, cookies, pickles, chewing gum, tea and
skin care products. In Japan about 40% of the sweetener market is
stevia-based. The main producers of stevia are Japan, China, Taiwan,
Thailand, Korea, Brazil, Malaysia and Paraguay.
The cosmetic
industry also employs the use of Stevia in many of the available skin
care products. It has been shown to reduce skin blemishes when applied
topically. Stevia also relieves stomach discomfort.
There are no
symptoms of deficiency but everyone can benefit from the use of Stevia.
Populations that may benefit from the use of Stevia include: diabetics,
the obese, the elderly, children, and athletes.
Diabetics,
individuals with blood sugar problems, or the obese, may benefit from
supplementing with Stevia due to its ability to regulate blood sugar.
Individuals
suffering from hypertension may also benefit from the use of Stevia. It
has been shown that in cases of high blood pressure Stevia has the
ability to act as a vasodiolator, thus helping to lower
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