Stevia - a calorie-free sweetener
Stevia is a plant that has received particular attention, particularly for its sweetening properties, and is often used as a substitute for sugar, for example. The health benefits of this beneficial plant have been known for centuries and it has long been used as part of the diet, particularly in its native South America.
Stevia's sweetening compounds, steviol glycosides, offer an interesting alternative to sugar and other sweeteners such as aspartame. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what stevia is, how it is made and its various uses.
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The history of Stevia
Stevia is originally from South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay, where it has been used for medicinal purposes and as part of the diet for hundreds of years. The benefits of this plant were more widely known in the early 1900s, but it has only been used as a sweetener since the 1970s.
In its growing phase, stevia likes sunlight and thrives best in tropical or subtropical climates. Growing to a height of over 1.5 metres at its best, the leaves of the plant are full of sweet ingredients, the careful processing of which is an essential part of the stevia-making process.
Stevia's chemical compounds
As mentioned, the sweetening compounds in stevia are derived from the leaves of the plant and consist almost entirely of stevioglycosides. The best known of these are stevioside and rebaudiosides A, B, C and D. All these compounds have different sweetness profiles and degrees of sweetness, which makes stevia a very versatile plant in the sweetener manufacturing process.
Rebaudisiod A is perhaps the most popular of the stevia compounds due to its pure flavour profile. Stevioside is also very commonly used and is the sweetest stevia compound.
Compared to sucrose, stevioglycosides are up to 300 times stronger, which means that the desired level of sweetness can be achieved with only a small amount of stevia extract. This makes the use of this superfood as a sweetener much more economical and environmentally friendly compared to sugar.
Is it safe to use stevia?
The properties of this plant have been widely studied and it is generally considered a safe and good alternative to sugar or other sweeteners. One of the main advantages of stevia is that it contains no calories. This makes it ideal for those who want to control their calorie intake or lose weight. Stevia is also a better alternative than many other sweeteners for diabetics or insulin-sensitive people, as the compounds in the plant do not raise blood sugar levels.
Stevia is also considered better than sugar for oral health because it does not provide food for bacteria, which can reduce tooth decay. Some studies have suggested that the use of stevia can help balance bowel function and prevent digestive problems. It is also thought to have positive effects on reducing inflammation, but there is no concrete evidence for these studies yet.
Use of stevia in the food industry
The use of stevia in the food industry has exploded since the 1970s, and its benefits are increasingly known to ordinary people.
This compound, impregnated with natural and healthy properties, is used in a wide range of products such as drinks, confectionery and baked goods. Stevia has become particularly popular in baking, as it retains its sweetness even when heated, making it a particularly important ingredient in many kitchens.
Sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin are still very widely used in the food industry, but there are a lot of question marks surrounding the use of both. Aspartame in particular has been on the list of banned substances in many countries because of the potential health risks associated with its use.
Stevia offers a viable alternative to these two artificial sweeteners, and it is its naturalness that is a strong asset in today's market.
Due to increased demand, stevia is now available in a variety of forms, including dried leaves, liquids and powders. These different uses offer flexibility for different applications and can be very useful in households, restaurants and as part of the everyday life of the average person.
Can you lead a healthy lifestyle by using stevia?
Stevia-containing products are nowadays also quite popular as supplements and its health benefits are exploited in a number of protein powders, vitamin supplements and amino acid products. As a completely calorie-free sweetener, stevia offers the athlete a healthier alternative to sugar to satisfy his or her sweet tooth. Compared to traditional sweeteners, stevia makes it much easier to control daily calorie intake.
Are there any downsides to using stevia?
While there are many good things to be said for stevia, there are a few things to consider. The product's liquorice flavour is very divisive and not to everyone's liking, of course. This means that the process of making stevia involves a number of steps and many flavour compounds are used to achieve the desired result.
The purity and quality of the products is another matter entirely. Stevia has become an increasingly popular ingredient, especially in the food industry, and as a result there are countless products containing the compound on the market.
The quality of stevia-containing products varies widely, so it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the contents of the product before making a purchase decision. The best way to do this is to choose only products containing pure steviol glycosides and no added fillers.
As with any other crop, the well-being of nature is a concern for many. Although stevia is in itself a very environmentally friendly alternative to sugar, the expansion of its cultivation areas could have a negative impact on nature.
Summary
The use of Stevia for various purposes and the research on it are constantly evolving. This means that new research could potentially reveal further benefits associated with its use and also further develop the flavour characteristics of the product.
In addition, the growing interest of people in natural compounds is likely to increase in the near future, which will only increase the demand for stevia.
It's no wonder that stevia is becoming the natural choice of sweetener for more and more people, as its versatility and health benefits speak for themselves. Stevia's natural origin, zero caloric content and ease of use make it a viable alternative for consumers.
As with all other nutrients, stevia should be used as directed and the daily dose should not be exceeded. The future of this natural product looks bright and its potential for use is only likely to increase in the future.