The Properties of Stevia

Stevia is a relatively new sugar substitute available in the United States that is about 300 times sweeter than sugar, Mark Stengler writes in his book "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies." This herb is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay, and is traditionally used for a variety of health conditions. Stevia has several properties that make it helpful for daily use.

Weight-Loss Properties

Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that may aid in weight loss. The stevia leaves themselves are not responsible for the sweet taste, but the compound rebaudioside A, which is extracted by highly refining the herb, according to MayoClinic.com. In her book "Linda Page's Healthy Healing," naturopath Linda Page recommends stevia as effective for weight control when substituted for refined white sugar in both baking and everyday use. If you consume excess sugar, it can turn into fat and lead to unwanted weight gain. Using stevia as a sugar substitute can help to reduce your sugar intake while still providing sweetness.

Medicinal Properties

Long used in South American homeopathy, stevia has several medicinal properties. Stengler says that stevia may help to increase glucose tolerance and block fat absorption, which are commonly seen in type 2 diabetics. In Brazil, stevia is often sold as a medicinal aid for diabetes and hypoglycemia, Page says. Stevia may also help to lower high blood pressure and prevent tooth decay, fatigue and improve digestion, although further research is warranted.

Nutritional Properties

Since stevia is non-caloric, it has little or no nutritional value. A gram of powdered stevia extract, for example, has less than 1 g of carbohydrate, which is negligible in reference to your daily caloric intake, according to Laura Richard in her book "The Secret to Low Carb Success." This small amount of carbohydrate may lead to fewer sugar cravings, Richard says. The liquid version of stevia, which has a licorice-like flavor, contains no carbohydrate at all.