Stevia sweetener is a salvation for sweets who are trying to lose weight, they have to go on a diet due to health problems. It has a natural origin, and therefore does not harm the body. But there are contraindications for use, so you need to carefully study the instructions.

Composition, release form and calorie content

This product is obtained from the leaves of a medicinal herb of the same name - stevia. This plant is a family of Asters, which grows on the American continent. Distributed in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. There are up to 300 of its varieties.

The peculiarity of the herb is that it is incredibly sweet, so the extract obtained in the form of stevioside can be used as a sweetener. It is 100-200 times sweeter than sugar.

In addition, stevioside is very sweet, but also useful. The vitamin and mineral composition of the sweetener is rich. These are vitamins A, C, D, E, PP, potassium, silicon, calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, sodium, essential oils, pectins, flavonoids, amino acids.

A significant advantage of a natural sweetener is that it has a low calorie content, so it can be safely included in the diet of diets without fear for weight. 100 g of product contains only 272 kcal. It is devoid of protein and fat, but there are carbohydrates in the amount of 68 g.

Note. Stevioside tastes similar to sugar, does not bite.

Another advantage of Stevia is a wide range.

The product is represented by such forms of release:

  • pills;
  • white crystalline powder;
  • cubes;
  • powder in sachets of 1 g;
  • liquid extract;
  • filter bags.

1 g of stevioside, sachet or cube replaces 2 tsp. sugar, 4 drops of liquid or tablet - 1 tsp. The composition of the finished product depends on the form of release. The tablets contain not only the stevia extract, but also other components (lactose, maltodextrin, calcium stearate, ascorbic acid). The liquid contains potassium sorbate and water, in cubes - erythritol (sweetener).

The benefits of a natural sweetener

Natural sweetener is not only a sweetener, but also a biologically active food supplement (BAA). Unlike other sweets, it has a rich vitamin and mineral composition, therefore it is used even for medicinal purposes in order to improve well-being.

Important. A significant advantage of the sweetener is that it does not increase the level of glucose in the blood, but rather reduces it. This feature allows people with diabetes to take the product.

Stevia sugar substitute has such useful properties:

  • normalizes the digestive tract and the acidity of the gastric juice, improves intestinal motility;
  • lowers blood pressure;
  • improves heart function;
  • effective in diseases of the thyroid gland, increases insulin secretion;
    stimulates the body's defenses, helps fight viral infections;
    possesses antifungal and antibacterial action, inhibits the reproduction of pathogens;
  • tones up;
  • improves mood, helps to overcome depression;
  • contributes to weight loss;
  • normalizes metabolic processes;
  • dilutes blood, prevents the appearance of varicose veins, thrombosis and other vascular diseases;
  • stimulates the pancreas and the production of hormones;
  • improves hair condition, rejuvenates the skin, helps strengthen tooth enamel;
  • inhibits the release of histamine, therefore, prevents the development of an allergic reaction;
  • normalizes the reproductive system in men.

The effect of a sugar substitute on the human body is quite multifaceted.

Stevia Sweetener Names

Stevia has a huge assortment of sweeteners. This product is offered by both domestic and foreign pharmacological companies.

Names of drugs TM "I-Stevia":

  • Rebaudioside A tablets
  • stevioside "Sweet Crystal";
  • stevioside "Crystal";
  • leaves of Crimean stevia;
  • I-Stevia liquid sweetener, including flavors lemon, mint, strawberries, raspberries, chocolate, grapes, vanilla.

There are also tablets from other manufacturers - Stevia plus, Stevia extra, Milford Stevia. Herbal teas are produced by FC Zdorovye, Vitachay, Fiter, Lekraset and others.

Diabetes mellitus

Stevia has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the pancreas, and also generally improves the health of the patient with diabetes. The sweetener can be used as a substitute for sugar in the preparation of drinks, salads, confectionery, preservation, as well as any other dishes.

Note. It is important not to exceed the dose of Stevia, otherwise a bitter taste will appear.

Supplements should be taken as a sweetener, and not a drug for the treatment of diabetes. For 200 ml of liquid, 1-2 tablets (25-50 mg of stevioside) are enough, which is equivalent to 1-2 tsp. sugar, or 4 drops of liquid extract. The daily dose should not exceed 50 mg of sweetener.

Use for weight loss and PP

Using Stevia to lose weight, you can not sit on strict diets, but sweets, flour and confectionery products will need to be abandoned. The sweetener is not only low in calories, but it also normalizes metabolic processes and reduces cravings for sweets. This allows you to easily adhere to diet and lose weight.

Important.Sweetener should not be taken for more than 2 consecutive months. After a two-month course, you need to take a break of 10 days.

Syrup, cubes or tablets can be added to drinks by drinking them in 30 minutes. before the main meal. Powder is poured directly into main dishes, fruit salads.

Tea made using filter bags should be drunk 2 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. Insist it for at least 10 minutes.

Interaction with other drugs

Despite the fact that stevia is a dietary supplement, it does not react with other medications. Negative reactions of interaction are absent.

Contraindications and possible harm

Before deciding to replace sugar with a natural sweetener, it is worth evaluating the benefits and harms of Stevia. You should not abuse this product, otherwise there will be health problems.

Possible complications:

  • upset stool;
  • increased bile secretion;
  • allergic skin rashes in the form of urticaria;
  • lowering blood pressure to critical levels;
  • female infertility;
  • irritation of the oral mucosa;
  • dysbiosis (if added to milk).

The transition to a natural sweetener should be justified.

Important. Taking Stevia, you need to completely abandon sugar. These products cannot be combined.

In the instructions for use, it is not recommended to use the sweetener for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and also children under 12 years old. It is worth abandoning it to people with individual intolerance and allergic reactions to medicinal plants of the Astrov family.

Related:More from the author: