Post by Tim Wescott on Jun 1, 2004 7:56:39 GMT -5
While aspartame and saccharine continue to dominate the non –caloric sweetener scene, a remarkable herb called stevia remains relatively obscure. Anyone who suffers from blood sugar disorders or who needs to limit their caloric intake should know about the remarkable properties of Stevia. Stevia offers and ideal alternative to other sugars and sugar substitutes. It is definitely nature’s sweetener and the herb has numerous therapeutic properties and has proven its safety and efficacy for hundreds of years.
The FDA has not given stevia the “general recognized as safe” label; however, the herbal compound has been used for hundreds of years without any recorded side effects. Japanese studies found the sweetener consistently reported a non-toxic status, even after extensive toxicity trials. Stevia has not been associated with any form of cancer or birth defects. Stevia has been used in Japan under Japanese control agencies for years and in Paraguay, the herb has enjoyed hundreds of years of consumption with no detrimental side effects.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a small perennial shrub with green leaves that grow primarily in the Amambay mountain range of Paraguay and Brazil, but over 200 various species of stevia have been identified around the globe. The Guarani Indians of Paraguay have used this potent sweetener in their green tea for generations. These native peoples have historically used stevia as a digestive aid and a topical dressing for wounds and other skin disorders. There are definitely additional therapeutic benefits of this remarkable herb. Stevia is not only non-toxic, but has several traditional medicinal uses. The Indian Tribes of South America have used it as a digestive aid, and have also applied it topically for years to heal wounds. Women used it in a tonic to smooth wrinkles and tone skin.
Recent clinical studies have shown that it can increase glucose tolerance and decrease and normalize blood sugar levels. Stevia is also an ideal dietary supplement for anyone who wants to lose or maintain his or her weight. It cuts calories, satisfy cravings for sweets, and decrease the desire to eat fatty foods. Appetite control is another factor affected by stevia supplementation. Some people have found their hunger decreases if they take stevia drops 15 to 20 minutes before a meal. Scientific studies are lacking in this area, however, it is presumed that the glycosides in this herb help to reset the appetite mechanism found in the brain, thereby promoting a feeling of satiety or satisfaction.
Stevia is thought to also be a microorganism inhibitor. Tests have supported that antimicrobial properties of stevia against strep and certain growths of bacteria such as strep and yeast infections and both seem to be aggravated by white sugar consumption. Stevia can also be used as an oral tonic to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Brazilians have used stevia in some of their dental products. Brazilians have also used stevia to boost and facilitate better digestion. Whole leaf stevia or its by-products have been used to soften and tone the skin and to ease wrinkles and lines. Facial masks can be made by adding liquid to the powder, and liquid elixirs can be used as facial toners to help tighten skin. Stevia concentrate in the form of drops has also been used directly on sores or blemishes to promote healing. For this reason, some advocates of stevia use it on other skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or minor cuts and wounds.
What is remarkable about stevia is that that unlike other natural sweetening agents, it is completely calorie-free, never initiates a rise in blood sugar, and does not provide “food” for microorganisms like bacteria’s and yeasts. Consider the extraordinary attributes of the stevia plant and its extracts:
· · It is diabetic-safe
· · It is calorie-free.
· · It is 50 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.
· · It does not adversely affect blood sugar levels.
· · It is non-toxic.
· · It inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque.
· · It contains no artificial ingredients.
· · It can be used in baking and cooking.
Why do we crave sweets? When we eat sugar, it gives us a quick infusion of energy when sugary foods are consumed, the pancreas must secrete insulin, which is a hormone that brings blood glucose levels down. This allows sugar to enter our cells that is burned or stored. The constant highs and lows of blood sugar levels become exaggerated in some individuals. Volatile behavior is exhibited because of dramatic drops in blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia and diabetes are the two major forms of blood sugar disorders. Introducing Stevia into ones diet may put out a steady rate of the sugar high’s and low’s and permit proper carb/sugar metabolism.
Primary Applications:
· Diabetes
· Obesity
· Plaque Retardant
· Hyperactivity
· High Blood Pressure
· Carb Cravings
· Tobacco and Alchohol Cravings
· Hypolycemia
· Indigestion
· Dental Health
· Oral Health
· Skin Toning and Healing
This information was taken from “Nature’s Sweetener – Stevia” written by Rita Elkins, M.H.
The FDA has not given stevia the “general recognized as safe” label; however, the herbal compound has been used for hundreds of years without any recorded side effects. Japanese studies found the sweetener consistently reported a non-toxic status, even after extensive toxicity trials. Stevia has not been associated with any form of cancer or birth defects. Stevia has been used in Japan under Japanese control agencies for years and in Paraguay, the herb has enjoyed hundreds of years of consumption with no detrimental side effects.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a small perennial shrub with green leaves that grow primarily in the Amambay mountain range of Paraguay and Brazil, but over 200 various species of stevia have been identified around the globe. The Guarani Indians of Paraguay have used this potent sweetener in their green tea for generations. These native peoples have historically used stevia as a digestive aid and a topical dressing for wounds and other skin disorders. There are definitely additional therapeutic benefits of this remarkable herb. Stevia is not only non-toxic, but has several traditional medicinal uses. The Indian Tribes of South America have used it as a digestive aid, and have also applied it topically for years to heal wounds. Women used it in a tonic to smooth wrinkles and tone skin.
Recent clinical studies have shown that it can increase glucose tolerance and decrease and normalize blood sugar levels. Stevia is also an ideal dietary supplement for anyone who wants to lose or maintain his or her weight. It cuts calories, satisfy cravings for sweets, and decrease the desire to eat fatty foods. Appetite control is another factor affected by stevia supplementation. Some people have found their hunger decreases if they take stevia drops 15 to 20 minutes before a meal. Scientific studies are lacking in this area, however, it is presumed that the glycosides in this herb help to reset the appetite mechanism found in the brain, thereby promoting a feeling of satiety or satisfaction.
Stevia is thought to also be a microorganism inhibitor. Tests have supported that antimicrobial properties of stevia against strep and certain growths of bacteria such as strep and yeast infections and both seem to be aggravated by white sugar consumption. Stevia can also be used as an oral tonic to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis. Brazilians have used stevia in some of their dental products. Brazilians have also used stevia to boost and facilitate better digestion. Whole leaf stevia or its by-products have been used to soften and tone the skin and to ease wrinkles and lines. Facial masks can be made by adding liquid to the powder, and liquid elixirs can be used as facial toners to help tighten skin. Stevia concentrate in the form of drops has also been used directly on sores or blemishes to promote healing. For this reason, some advocates of stevia use it on other skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or minor cuts and wounds.
What is remarkable about stevia is that that unlike other natural sweetening agents, it is completely calorie-free, never initiates a rise in blood sugar, and does not provide “food” for microorganisms like bacteria’s and yeasts. Consider the extraordinary attributes of the stevia plant and its extracts:
· · It is diabetic-safe
· · It is calorie-free.
· · It is 50 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.
· · It does not adversely affect blood sugar levels.
· · It is non-toxic.
· · It inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque.
· · It contains no artificial ingredients.
· · It can be used in baking and cooking.
Why do we crave sweets? When we eat sugar, it gives us a quick infusion of energy when sugary foods are consumed, the pancreas must secrete insulin, which is a hormone that brings blood glucose levels down. This allows sugar to enter our cells that is burned or stored. The constant highs and lows of blood sugar levels become exaggerated in some individuals. Volatile behavior is exhibited because of dramatic drops in blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia and diabetes are the two major forms of blood sugar disorders. Introducing Stevia into ones diet may put out a steady rate of the sugar high’s and low’s and permit proper carb/sugar metabolism.
Primary Applications:
· Diabetes
· Obesity
· Plaque Retardant
· Hyperactivity
· High Blood Pressure
· Carb Cravings
· Tobacco and Alchohol Cravings
· Hypolycemia
· Indigestion
· Dental Health
· Oral Health
· Skin Toning and Healing
This information was taken from “Nature’s Sweetener – Stevia” written by Rita Elkins, M.H.