Stevia is a South American shrub native to Paraguay and relative of the sunflower. For commercial purposes, stevia is grown in China and Central America. Because of its sweet taste it is used commercially to sweeten foods in place of sugar. Paraguay Indians use it to sweeten tea and as a salve.
Glucose Tolerance
Drugs.com indicates stevia may limit glucose absorption, which is thought to increase glucose tolerance. In comparison, refined sugar, known as table sugar, is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. This rapid absorption spikes blood sugar levels. A diet high in refined sugars is thought to contribute to glucose intolerance and may lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Teeth
Stevia may protect teeth from tooth decay by limiting the action of bacteria linked to the destruction of healthy enamel. Refined sugar is thought to contribute to tooth decay by feeding that same bacteria. These bacteria are believed to produce damaging acids to tooth enamel that over time, corrode teeth.
Blood Pressure
Stevia may lower high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. According to the American Heart Association, 74 million people in America suffer from high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated high blood pressure costs for 2010 in America at more than $76 billion. According to the AHA, in 2006, hypertension killed more than 56,000 people in the United States.
Anti-inflammatory
Stevia is thought to contain several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals can damage DNA and healthy cells, which may contribute to illness and disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of stevia may accelerate skin healing; Paraguay Indians have used stevia historically to treat cuts and burns, according to Stevia.net.
Member Comments