Stevia is a sweetener and sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana.
If you are a diabetic or are on a diet, sugar is possibly one of your worst enemies. And to satiate your sweet cravings, you must have tried everything out there only to know that moderation is the key. While you might be aware of the fact that stevia helps in controlling your blood glucose levels and can be used as a natural sweetener, there are many health benefits of stevia you should be aware of. Here is how this natural herb aids in weight loss, controls blood pressure, reduces wrinkles and more health problems.
#1 Lowers your blood sugar levels
stevia contains a compound called steviol glycoside that is not absorbed by the body and cannot be broken down and hence, is flushed out directly. It also stabilizes your blood sugar by increasing insulin resistance, inhibits the absorption of glucose and promotes the health of the pancreas.
stevia contains a compound called steviol glycoside that is not absorbed by the body and cannot be broken down and hence, is flushed out directly. It also stabilizes your blood sugar by increasing insulin resistance, inhibits the absorption of glucose and promotes the health of the pancreas.
#2 Controls high blood pressure
According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Biology and Technology stevia can lower the blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. However, the results are seen over one to two years. Hence, people who are more prone to the disease can include it in their diet to prevent hypertension.
According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Biology and Technology stevia can lower the blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. However, the results are seen over one to two years. Hence, people who are more prone to the disease can include it in their diet to prevent hypertension.
#3 Beats dandruff and acne
One of the common health benefits of stevia is treating dandruff and acne naturally. The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory compounds present in stevia can help you to get rid of acne and dandruff.
One of the common health benefits of stevia is treating dandruff and acne naturally. The antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory compounds present in stevia can help you to get rid of acne and dandruff.
#4 Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Stevia contains a compound called retinoic acid that thwarts the progression of wrinkles [4]. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of skin cells mainly collagen and elastin.
Stevia contains a compound called retinoic acid that thwarts the progression of wrinkles [4]. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of skin cells mainly collagen and elastin.
#5 Helps protect your teeth and gums
As stevia contains antibacterial and inflammatory compounds, it prevents the colonization of bacteria in the mouth and around the gums thereby hindering the formation of cavities and plaque that predominantly contributes to the onset of gingivitis.
As stevia contains antibacterial and inflammatory compounds, it prevents the colonization of bacteria in the mouth and around the gums thereby hindering the formation of cavities and plaque that predominantly contributes to the onset of gingivitis.
#6 Reduces heartburn and indigestion
The presence of specific plant glycosides in stevia soothes an irritated stomach lining and thus, aids in the treatment of indigestion and heartburn.
The presence of specific plant glycosides in stevia soothes an irritated stomach lining and thus, aids in the treatment of indigestion and heartburn.
#7 Aids in weight loss
Stevia is great for weight loss as it contains no calories and can be used a sweetener. You can use it in baked and cooked products as the glycosides present in it, do not break down when cooked. An added advantage of this leaf is that it has the capability of reducing your cravings for fatty foods.
Stevia is great for weight loss as it contains no calories and can be used a sweetener. You can use it in baked and cooked products as the glycosides present in it, do not break down when cooked. An added advantage of this leaf is that it has the capability of reducing your cravings for fatty foods.
#8 Heals wounds faster
Stevia inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and thus, acts as a powerful natural aid to treat wounds and minor skin infections.
