Stevia: cultivation, properties, types and varieties

Origin and distribution

The ancient Indians were the first to learn about the benefits of stevia. They found that powdered stems or crushed leaves had a sweet taste and helped patients recover faster after suffering a serious illness.

After the Indians, the aborigines who lived in South America learned about the benefits of the herb. Later, the plant began to spread to other territories; people learned about it in Japan, Israel, Korea, China, and Brazil. However, South America is considered the birthplace of stevia.

The plant belongs to the genus Asteraceae and is perennial . Its appearance resembles a bush with straight stems and leaves, which reaches a height of 60−80 cm. It is quite unremarkable and grows in countries with tropical and subtropical climates.

For comfortable growth of stevia, you need a lot of sunlight, enough moisture and loose soil saturated with oxygen.

Every year the grass bushes die out and grow back after a while. During the flowering period, the top of the plant is covered with small white flowers, which are shaped like small bells with five petals.

Stevia roots are quite long, reaching 40 cm, not tortuous, have a large stem and smaller branches. The fruits of the plant are presented in the form of boxes that appear on the stems; inside there are seeds, their length does not exceed 2 mm.

Today, the grass can be found in Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Korea, China, and Malaysia. Stevia does not grow in Russia and the CIS countries. Despite this, products based on it can be bought in some pharmacies and even supermarkets.

What is stevia?

Stevia is a South American herb whose leaves, due to their intense sweetness, are used to produce a natural sweetener in powder or liquid form.

Stevia leaves are approximately 10-15 times sweeter and the leaf extract is 200-350 times sweeter than regular sugar. Stevia has almost zero calories and contains no carbohydrates. This has made it a popular option for sweetening a variety of foods and drinks for those looking to lose weight or on a low-carb diet.

What does stevia look like - photo

Composition and procurement of raw materials

The benefits of stevia for the human body are due to its rich and unique chemical composition. The main components will be the following:

• valuable essential oils;
• glycosides, for example, stevioside, which provides a sweet taste (stevia leaves are several times sweeter than sugar, and stevioside itself is 120 times sweeter);
• flavonoids, which are natural and safe antioxidants;
• organic acids;
• fatty acids (linolenic and linoleic);
• valuable vitamins: tocopherol, retinol, riboflavin, thiamine, carotene, ascorbic acid;
• minerals, including calcium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, copper, silicon, phosphorus;
• pectins;
• cellulose.

Thanks to its unique chemical composition, the herb has extremely positive properties and can treat many diseases, but only if used correctly.

The collection of medicinal raw materials begins before flowering, when buds form on the bushes, but do not open. The leaves of the plant are mainly used for therapeutic purposes. It is during this period that the largest amount of glycosides is concentrated in them.

Leaves should be collected, spread out in a thin layer and dried naturally, avoiding exposure to moisture or direct sunlight. For quick and efficient drying, the room must be well ventilated.

After complete drying, the raw materials should be collected in paper bags, glass jars and stored in a dry, cool place. If moisture and sunlight do not enter the storage area, the leaves will not lose their healing qualities for 2 years.

Recipes with stevia

In cooking, stevia is used as a natural sweetener, sweetening drinks and dishes, homemade baked goods, candies, and cold desserts.

The benefits of stevia as a natural preservative are used in food preparation, while the herb is able to neutralize the harm of fungi and microorganisms.

It is important to know some features of its preparation:

1. Before using stevia in baking, you should first test its taste: the plant has a specific taste, somewhat reminiscent of licorice, so it is not suitable for everyone.
   You should first brew the tea and then decide whether the herb is suitable as a spice in your dishes. Important! Stevia extract - stevizoid - is unflavored, so it may be of great benefit to those who do not like the herb.
2. There are ways to overcome the taste of honey herb: to do this, you can add cinnamon and lemon zest to the dish. It is better to use stevia powder (rather than crushed leaves) in baked goods. And you can add leaves to cookies and desserts - to taste. Tea with stevia can be diluted with other herbs: chamomile, rose hips, Sudanese rose, citrus fruits.
3. If the recipe ingredients indicate crushed stevia, then we are talking about grinding the dry plant. Usually you need more of it than powdered herb concentrate.

Tea with stevia

The easiest way to make stevia tea is to use tea bags, which can be purchased at a supermarket, specialty store, or pharmacy. The bags are not filled with boiling water, but with water brought to a temperature of 90°C: this way the benefits of stevia will be revealed better.

Attention! The tea turns out unusually sweet, but has a pleasant aroma.

The color of freshly brewed tea is brown, and that of tea steeped for several hours is dark green.

You can prepare stevia for tea yourself if the plant is grown in your summer cottage. The most suitable time for collection will be the flowering time, when stevisoid is most concentrated in the grass. The leaves are cut off. Dry and grind into powder.

Attention! 2 tbsp. l. Powdered stevia leaves can replace 1 tbsp due to their sweetness. Sahara!

Cooking method.

1 tablespoon of crushed stevia herb is poured into 1 liter of water brought to 90 °C. Cover and leave for 20 minutes. To prepare the tea leaves, take half a liter of water.

Another option for making tea as a sweetener in drinks instead of sugar is to boil the stevia herb for 15 minutes and then infuse it in a thermos for 10 hours. To do this, take 1 glass of water for 1 heaped tablespoon of stevia.

The beneficial properties of tea with stevia herb are that it:

• strengthens the body, normalizes immunity, blood circulation, blood glucose and blood pressure;
• helps in scarring stomach ulcers, improves the functioning of the intestines, liver and kidneys;
• eliminates gastritis and caries.

Stevia tincture

To prepare it, fresh or dry stevia herb is poured with alcohol (possibly vodka) so as to completely cover the dry raw material. Then leave for a day and filter.

We recommend reading: Birch polypore: beneficial properties, use in folk medicine

Based on this alcohol extract, a syrup is subsequently prepared.

Stevia syrup

The benefits of stevia syrup in drinks and desserts will be irreplaceable.

To prepare it, green leaves and shoots are poured with water and boiled for 40 minutes. Next, the liquid is filtered and evaporation continues over low heat or a water bath until it reaches a consistency where a drop does not spread on the plate.

The syrup can be prepared from an herbal extract obtained by alcohol or water. The liquid is also evaporated for 4 - 6 hours, making sure that it does not boil - until the syrup begins to flow smoothly in a thin stream over the spoon. The finished syrup is poured into a bottle and stored for up to 1.5 years, at room temperature - the beneficial properties of stevia will be preserved.

Cookies with stevia

For Oatmeal Christmas Cookies with Stevia you will need:

• rolled oats - 200 g;
• low-fat cottage cheese - 200 g;
• eggs - 2 pcs.;
• dried cranberries (cherries) - 100 g;
• raisins - 50 g;
• whole grain flour - 50 g;
• cognac - 25 g;
• stevizoida - 10 tablets or 1 tsp;
• zest of 1 orange.

Cooking sequence:

1. Soak cranberries or cherries with raisins in heated water, drain and rinse.
2. Mix rolled oats, flour and baking powder.
3. Lightly beat the eggs, add them to the dough and then add cottage cheese, berries, and zest one by one. Add cognac.
4. Mix everything and place it on parchment.
5. Bake for 25 minutes. in the oven at 200° C.

Compote

Christmas compote with stevia

Ingredients:

• water – 1.5 l;
• quince, apples – 6 pcs.;
• orange – 1 pc.;
• cinnamon – 1 stick;
• cardamom – 3 – 4 grains;
• star anise - 3 stars;
• stevia – 1 filter bag;
• rosehip – 1 sachet.

Preparation steps:

1. Apples and quinces are cut into cubes.
2. The orange is zested, the segments are cleared of grain and cut into 3 pieces each.
3. Bring water to a boil, add apples and quinces and boil a little.
4. Add an orange to the boiling mixture.
5. When the fruit is ready (determined by softness), add spices: orange zest, cinnamon, crushed cardamom and star anise.
6. Bring the fruits to full readiness, add a bag of stevia and rose hips, cover with a lid and remove from heat.

The yield of the finished product is 2 liters.

Plant research

For many years, scientists have studied the composition and properties of the plant, its effect on the body, since many of its qualities were in doubt.

The first question was about the impact on patients with diabetes. Stevia is a natural sweetener and also has almost zero calories, so its necessity for diabetics is not disputed.

In 2005, the first research results were published confirming the safety of the herb for patients with diabetes. In 2010, the conclusions of another group of scientists became known. Experts have studied not only the effect of stevia on diabetics, but also the effect on the body of a healthy person.

As a result of experiments, it was found that people with normal blood sugar levels also tolerate herbal remedies well, and their condition even improves.

Separate experiments were conducted with the participation of patients suffering from varying degrees of arterial hypertension. The results became known in 2003. In all those who took part, blood pressure levels decreased, and an improvement in well-being was noted, as well as a decrease in the need for large doses of antihypertensive drugs. Some patients began to take stevia products on an ongoing basis, which significantly improved the condition of the cardiovascular system.

Stevia! Useful properties of stevia. Stevia for diabetes mellitus atherosclerosis hypertension.

The benefits of stevia

Beneficial properties of stevia for the human body

The benefits of the herb stevia were noted back in ancient times. Of course, the Indians were initially attracted by the sweet taste of this plant and began adding stevia leaves to tea as a sweetener. Over time, they noticed the health benefits of the herb stevia and began to use it for heartburn, liver problems, severe physical fatigue, and also added it to other medicinal syrups. The action of stevia components is carried out according to the principle of synergism, that is, some substances potentiate the effect of others. Thus, a pronounced general tonic and adaptogenic effect of the plant on the body is manifested.

So, the benefits of stevia for the body:

• relieves fatigue and irritability;
• increases resistance to infections;
• increases strength and dynamic characteristics of muscles;
• improves thought processes;
• exhibits antioxidant properties.

Medicinal properties of stevia

The healing properties of stevia as a sugar substitute when consumed regularly:

• blood glucose levels are normalized;
• the cholesterol level decreases ;
• blood pressure is regulated;
• cell regeneration improves, which promotes the healing of erosions and wounds;
• blood coagulation decreases, which prevents thrombus formation;
• the growth of tumors is inhibited;
• blood vessels are strengthened;
• toxins and radionuclides are removed;
• protects tooth enamel from destruction, therefore it is used in toothpastes.

The choleretic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects of stevia have also been noted. Honey grass helps restore normal intestinal microbiocenosis, has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and pancreas, and on the elimination of allergic diathesis in children.

Having no calories, having the ability to stabilize carbohydrate metabolism, stevia is an indispensable food product for people suffering from diabetes, carbohydrate metabolism disorders and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia, etc.).

Stevia is one of the most valuable plants, which helps to increase the level of human bioenergetic capabilities, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle until old age.

Calorie content of stevia

As you already understand, the honey herb stevia is widely used as a sweetener and is recommended for use by patients with diabetes. Therefore, it is quite logical to ask the question: “What is the calorie content of stevia?”

The calorie content of stevia per 100 grams is about 15 kcal.

It's hard to believe that with almost zero calories, stevia tastes 300 times sweeter than sugar!

Beneficial features

The chemical composition of the leaves of the plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of human internal organs and systems, especially when used correctly.

The main useful properties will be the following:

• strengthens the vascular wall, has a relaxing effect on blood vessels;
• reduces blood pressure and heart rate;
• stimulates cell renewal and regeneration, normalizes metabolic processes in them, which prevents premature aging;
• has a tonic effect on the body, improves general condition, and adds energy;
• promotes the removal of harmful cholesterol from the body, leading to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques;
• stimulates the release of the intestines from toxins and waste;
• reduces blood glucose levels by quickly processing sugar that enters the body with food;
• promotes the rapid formation of cell membranes;
• normalizes metabolic processes, promotes weight loss;
• has a positive effect on the condition of the visual apparatus, preventing a decrease in visual acuity;
• envelops the intestinal walls, allows you to maintain healthy microflora;
• strengthens the immune system, prevents frequent colds and viral pathologies;
• Helps rid the body of parasites.

In addition, stevia-based preparations have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects.

KORODETSKY || Stevia - a step towards immortality

Stevia - benefits for diabetes

Stevia helps solve a number of problems that inevitably arise for every diabetic.

1. Diabetes patients experience discomfort from the ban on sweets. Stevia fills this flavor gap. It is 50-300 times sweeter than sugar. Diabetics can use the plant to sweeten drinks and food without the risk of a spike in blood sugar.
2. In addition to the usual products - leaves, powders, liquid and dry extracts - the market offers a wide range of products where refined sugar is replaced by stevia. Low-calorie bars, confectionery, baked goods, and drinks allow patients to lead a normal lifestyle without feeling deprived of anything.
3. The problem of weight loss is being solved. A complete rejection of refined sugar greatly reduces the total calorie content of the diet and helps normalize body weight. The sweetener does not increase appetite. Thus, the problem of hunger attacks is eliminated.
4. Microcirculation of blood vessels improves, which eliminates cramps in the limbs. The most important thing is that stevia normalizes glucose levels in the body, and even helps to lower it.

Indications for use

Certified doctors do not deny the positive effect of remedies based on a unique plant on the functioning of internal organs and systems.

This allows them to be used in diagnosing the following diseases:

• pathologies of the cardiovascular system: atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease in remission, initial and severe hypertension, atherosclerotic changes affecting the coronary vessels;
• endocrine disorders: thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders that provoke weight gain, including obesity;
• infection of the gastrointestinal tract by parasites, indigestion, decreased absorption of nutrients in the small intestine;
• colitis and enteritis of chronic form with regular relapses;
• disturbance of intestinal microflora after long-term use of antibacterial agents or a course of chemotherapy;
• frequent constipation or loose stools, causing dehydration;
• development of dermatitis or eczema, chronic course of dermatological diseases;
• weakened immunity, frequent respiratory diseases;
• vitamin deficiency caused by an unbalanced diet.

Stevia can be used by patients who experience severe emotional and physical stress and are tired at work. The herb, when consumed regularly, makes a person strong and energetic.

The plant will also be useful for patients with insomnia, as it helps normalize the psycho-emotional state. According to research, stevia helps reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 23%. This allows it to be used in patients with chronic pancreatitis to prevent the progression of the pathological condition.

Stevia - a natural sugar substitute

Uses of Stevia

The pharmaceutical industry mainly offers stevia-based tablets, powders and extracts. At home, you can brew tea, make an infusion, decoction or syrup from the leaves of the plant. The herb can be added to your regular diet. The leaves are often used to prepare baked goods, yoghurts, and salads. Stevia extract is used in the production of drinks and even ice cream. The beneficial elements contained in stevia stop the degeneration of healthy cells into malignant ones, which may be useful in the presence of cancer.

The herb can be used in the fight against thyroid and liver disease, osteoarthritis. To do this, it is necessary to introduce medicinal products into the diet, for example, in the form of syrup.

Stevia is widely used in folk medicine. Here are just a few examples of what can be produced from this plant:

• Herbal tea . This remedy allows you to get rid of obesity, cure gastritis and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. To prepare tea, you need to take one spoon of powder from stevia leaves and pour the substance with a liter of boiled water. Let it brew for half an hour. Drink as regular tea several times a day.
• A decoction of the plant is effective in treating skin diseases. With its help you can get rid of ulcers, boils, acne.
• An infusion of herbal powder helps normalize heart function.

There are many ways to use stevia. This plant is useful for almost any disease. But one should not assume that this gift of nature is a panacea. You should take precautions and take into account all the characteristics of your body before you start taking stevia-based medications or the plant itself.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the benefits of the plant for human health, its use is not always permitted. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use the herb for medicinal and prophylactic purposes. It may affect fetal development and the quality of breast milk.

Stevia's ability to lower blood pressure makes it impossible to use in the treatment of patients who suffer from persistent hypotension. A critical decrease in indicators leads to a significant deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Patients with a tendency to allergic symptoms should also not use stevia for treatment. A contraindication is considered to be the patient’s recovery period after major operations on internal organs.

When consuming a large amount of plant-based products, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and drowsiness are possible.

An allergy to grass manifests itself in the form of a rash on the skin, itching, peeling, irritation, and redness. Symptoms usually disappear after stopping use of the drugs. If symptoms worsen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Stevia as a sweetener - benefits and harms

What makes stevia so popular among people with type 2 diabetes is that it sweetens foods without raising blood glucose levels. This sugar substitute has virtually no calories and carbohydrates, so not only diabetics, but also healthy people are not averse to introducing it into their daily diet.

Can stevia be used for diabetes and healthy people?

Stevia can be used by diabetics as an alternative to sugar. It is better than any other substitute as it is obtained from a natural plant extract and does not contain any carcinogenic or any other harmful substances. However, endocrinologists recommend that their patients try to reduce their intake of sweeteners or avoid them altogether.

For healthy people, stevia is not required, since the body itself is able to limit sugar and produce insulin. In this case, the best option would be to limit your sugar intake rather than using other sweeteners.

Stevia in diet pills - negative review

In the 1980s, animal studies concluded that stevia may be carcinogenic and cause fertility problems, but the evidence remained inconclusive. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined purified stevia extract (specifically rebaudioside A) to be safe.

However, whole leaves or crude stevia extract have not been approved for use in foods and beverages due to a lack of research. However, numerous reviews from people claim that whole leaf stevia is a safe alternative to sugar or its artificial analogues. The experience of using this herb for centuries in Japan and South America as a natural sweetener and health supplement confirms this.

And although leaf stevia is not approved for commercial distribution, it is still grown for home use and is actively used in cooking.

Comparison of which is better: stevia, xylitol or fructose

Best Recipes

At the pharmacy you can buy dry herbs, powder and tablets with stevia. However, the most effective are infusions, decoctions and teas prepared independently from raw materials. Popular recipes for home use will be the following:

1. An infusion can be prepared from 20 g of dry herbs and a glass of boiling water. You need to insist for a day. After this, the infusion should be filtered, and the remaining grounds should be poured with 125 ml of boiling water. After 8 hours, strain the resulting infusion into the first portion. You can take the medicine one tablespoon per day or add it to tea. The duration of the course depends on the patient’s condition and the degree of neglect of the pathology.
2. To prepare the syrup, an infusion prepared according to the previous recipe is used. It is necessary to pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer over low heat until a thick syrup is obtained. You can check the readiness by dropping the syrup onto a plate; the liquid should not spread. Syrup is most often used by diabetics, instead of sugar, to help control blood glucose levels. You should monitor the dosage of the product, do not exceed the daily norm of 20 ml.
3. A decoction can be prepared from 2 tablespoons of dry herbs and half a liter of boiling water. It is necessary to cook for at least 20 minutes, leave for 1 hour to infuse, filter. The finished medicine is used for the treatment and prevention of diseases of blood vessels, the digestive tract, and the heart. The daily norm is 2 tablespoons.
4. The alcoholic extract is made by heating the herb in combination with alcohol or vodka. For 20 g of raw materials you will need a glass of liquid. After this, the mixture should be kept on low heat for 20-30 minutes, cooled, and filtered. Add the resulting product to tea 10 drops twice a day. Patients with stomach ulcers should not use the prescription.

In addition, stevia can be used to make tea . To prepare one serving you will need 5 g of dry raw materials and a glass of boiling water. The tea needs to steep for about 20 minutes. Filter the finished product and use it, replacing regular tea.

Before using any of the products at home, you should consult a specialist and rule out the possibility of developing an allergic reaction to the plant. When used correctly in moderation, adverse reactions are rare and disappear quickly after discontinuation of the drug.

Stevia. Benefit and harm.

Stevia for weight loss

Stevia glycosides, with their zero calorie content, are superior to sucrose in their beneficial properties, which has found application in weight loss diets.

The simplest option is to include stevizoid E960 in the diet and use it to sweeten dishes. You can purchase it in specialized stores or pharmacies.

You can also use a non-synthesized version - an infusion of dry stevia herb,

Preparation:

Take 20 g of chopped herbs per 200 ml of water, mix, bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes. and leave for another 10 minutes. Afterwards, pour the composition into a heated thermos and leave in it for 12 hours. After this, filter the liquid into a sterilized glass container. The rest of the herb is poured into 100 ml of boiling water and left for another 8 hours. The infusion is added to the previously prepared one and mixed by shaking.

Add to drinks and dishes.

The third option for using stevia for weight loss is herbal tea in bags or powdered dry leaves in bulk. The drink will be beneficial if taken 2 times a day, half an hour before meals.

For preparation use 1 filter bag or 1 tsp. chopped herbs per glass of water brought to a boil. Leave for 10 minutes.

Stevia tablets are taken up to 3 times a day, half an hour before meals, 1-2 pieces, washed down with warm boiled water or dissolved in a small amount of clean water. The maximum permissible dose is 6 tablets per day.

Attention! The specific herbal taste is most clearly felt in chalked leaves, it is less pronounced in tea bags, while stevia supplements in the form of powder, tablets and syrup do not have such a taste.

Stevia: a natural sugar substitute

Today, everyone can purchase the miracle - stevia. This can be herbal tea, concentrated syrup, powder or tablets. Honey grass is also grown at home, as it has adapted to the climate of Europe. Therefore, now this plant is successfully cultivated all over the world, Russia is no exception.

Stevia is a natural gift, a natural sweetener that has no contraindications or strict restrictions. As for the taste and medicinal properties, they are not lost if the herb undergoes heat treatment, so it can be used for making baked goods and hot drinks. Nutritionists say that stevia is very beneficial for the body and believe that this herb has a great future. This assistant is indispensable for various diseases, and it is also an excellent solution for everyone who wants to get a slim figure.

This plant is also welcomed in folk medicine and now, you will learn how you can prepare several drinks with this magical and healing herb.

Tea with stevia

In order to brew tea, you should take dry leaves of the herb - 1 teaspoon, pour boiling water over them and leave for 30 minutes. After the specified time, the drink can be drunk.

Stevia extract at home

This natural remedy will help you from many ailments. To prepare it, buy dry stevia leaves and good vodka.

1. Pour the leaves into a glass container and pour in the vodka. The remedy is infused for a day. Then the mixture is filtered and the leaves are discarded.
2. Pour the infusion that you filtered back into the glass container and place it in a water bath for 20 minutes to remove the alcoholic taste.
3. Attention: do not allow the infusion to boil violently.
4. As soon as the broth has cooled, place it in the refrigerator. The extract is stored for three months.

It is used instead of sugar in drinks, and can also be taken regularly if you suffer from high blood pressure. 1 tablespoon per glass of water is enough. This remedy is taken three times a day.

Do not be afraid that stevia will lose its benefits during the boiling process. Each beneficial compound of the plant does not have the property of being destroyed even at high temperatures, due to which the extract, freeze-dried powder and extract have the same beneficial properties as the plant itself.