Stevia Benefits

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http://reid_j.tripod.com/stevia.htm HEALTH BENEFITS OF STEVIA The herb, Stevia rebaudiana, has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay, who had several names for the plant, several of which are Kaa'-he-E, Caa'-ehe, or Ca-a-yupe- all. referring to the sweet leaf or honey leaf. It is commonly known in South America as yerba dulce meaning sweet herb. The Guarani used stevia nutritionally and medicinally. The plant came to the attention of the rest of the world when South American naturalist, Bertoni, "discovered" the plant in the late 1800's. After his report,. the herb became widely used by herbalists in Paraguay. Stevia's most obvious and notable characteristic is its sweet taste. However, the sweet taste is not due to carbohydrate-based molecules, but to several non-caloric molecules called glycosides.

Individuals who cannot tolerate sugar or other sweeteners can use stevia. The first glycoside molecule was isolated from stevia in 1931 by two French chemists named Bridel and Lavieille and called stevioside. During WW II, sugar shortages prompted England to begin investigation of stevia for use as a sweetener. Cultivation began under the direction of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, but the project 'was abandoned in the aftermath of the war. Japan began cultivating stevia in hothouses in the 1950's. By the 1970's, Japan started using stevia commercially and today, they are the biggest users of the extract, which has captured 50% of Japan's sweetener industry. Other aspects of stevia are capturing people's attention. The herb is sold in some South American countries to aid diabetics and hypoglycemics. Research has shown that a whole leaf concentrate has a regulating effect on the pancreas and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Stevia is

therefore useful to people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, and Candidiasis. Other traditional uses of stevia are: lowers elevated blood pressure (hypertension), digestive aid that also reduces gas and stomach acidity, and for obesity. The herb acts as general tonic which increases energy levels and mental acuity. Stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, making it an excellent addition to tooth pastes and mouthwashes. Many people have reported improvement in their oral health after adding stevia concentrate to their tooth paste and using it, diluted in water, as a daily mouthwash. Stevia is useful in healing a number of skin problems. Whole stevia concentrates may be applied as a facial mask to soften and tighten the skin and smooth cut wrinkles. Smooth the dark liquid over the entire face, allowing it to dry for at least 30-60 minutes. A drop of concentrate may be

applied directly to any blemish, acne outbreak, lip or mouth sore. Stevia concentrate is also effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis, and eczema. Reportedly, cuts and scratches heal more rapidly when stevia concentrate is applied. Stevia concentrate added to soap eliminates dandruff and other scalp problems and improves the health and luster of the hair, also helping to retain natural hair color. Refined sugar consumption continues to rise in the United States. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (Nov. 1998), sugar consumption rose by 25 pounds since 1986 to 152 pounds per person per year (calculated from sugar production figures). Sugar displaces nutritive calories leading to numerous health problems and. obesity. A major factor contributing to this high rate is the widespread and continually growing habit of drinking sugar-laden soda pops. This review of the therapeutic properties of stevia in no way

constitutes an endorsement of such uses. Please consult a qualified physician before experimenting with this herb. At this time the FDA permits stevia to be sold only as a dietary supplement and in skin care products. Stevia Extract Stevia extract is a super-sweet, low-calorie dietary supplement that helps regulate blood sugar and supports the pancreas. It is valuable for anyone with diabetes and hypoglycemia. It is a wonderful aid to weight loss and weight management because it contains no calories. In addition, research indicates that it significantly increases glucose tolerance and inhibits glucose absorption. People who ingest stevia daily often report a decrease in their desire for sweets and fatty foods. It may also improve digestion and gastrointestinal function, soothe upset stomachs, and help speed recovery from minor illnesses... Stevia also inhibits the growth of some bacteria and

infectious organisms, including those that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Many individuals using stevia have reported a lower incidence of colds and flu. Many who have used stevia as a mouthwash have experienced a significant decrease in gum disease. When topically applied, it softens the skin and smooths out wrinkles while healing various skin blemishes, acne, seborrhea, dermatitis, and eczema. When used on cuts and wounds, it promotes rapid healing without scarring. PEOPLE'S DESK REFERENCE FOR ESSENTIAL OILS Contents: Stevia Leaf Extract--intensely sweet with a mild licorice-like aftertaste. Companion Products: Thyromin, Megazyme, VitaGreen, AuraLight (oral spray), and Mineral Essence. Companion Oil Blends: JuvaFlex and Thieves. Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement and for skin care. Stevia Select Stevia

Select is the powdered form of a popular South American food supplement and fructooligosaccharides that may balance blood sugar levels and support a healthy pancreas. This product is an excellent supplement for diabetics. Contents: Fructoofigosaccharides (FOS) are one of the best-documented natural nutrients for promoting the growth the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria that are the linchpin of sound health. FOS has also been clinically studied for its ability to increase magnesium and calcium absorption, lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and LDL levels, and to inhibit production of the reductase enzymes that can contribute to cancer. Because FOS may increase magnesium absorption, it may also lead to lowered blood pressure and better cardiovascular health. In addition, FOS also has another benefit: It has a naturally sweet taste. Stevia leaf extract is an all-natural supplement. (See Stevia for

further nutritional information about this wonderful extract). Companion Products: Thyromin, Megazyme, VitaGreen, Stevia, Power Meal, and Mineral Essence. Companion Oil Blends: JuvaFlex and Thieves.

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There is from my studies some misinformation in this article. Stevia

extract, the white powder sweetner,

does not have any of the health benefits of the green or brown leave, or

pastes or such made from such.

The white refined stevia, or liquid made from it, are beneficial simply

as low calorie replacements for sugar, and less likely to set up the

sweet craves that other sugar replacements have. But for the health

benefits described in the article, including balancing blood sugar

levels and supporting the pancreas, the licorice tasting whole leaf,

non-processed stevia is required. you can use it powdered as a

sweetner, but it does have a strong flavor. Great for teas. You can

soak it with water or high proof alcohol and make a liquid sweetner.

You can make a paste of it. Just be aware that running to the health

food store and buying anything with the stevia name on it won't have all

these benefits. Most of the products sold are made from highly refined

stevia extract, and do not have the benefits, other than simply offering

a more healthful sugar substitute. Sara

[Guest guest]

Hi Sara, Thank you for your input on Stevia. You have made a clear distinction between the stevia that is processed and the stevia that is more in its natural state as the herb that it is (plant). I have bought the extract, and I dont like it, I was told to use the leaves, have not bought it yet, however I just wanted a substitute at the time, cutting sugar out of my diet completely for about 7 months. Honestly would rather use honey. I dont have diabetes or sugar related problems, just thought that it would be better not to have sugar in my diet as well as taking salt out too. The extract is very concentrated and guey and is very strong, however I might image that people that have a sugar problem would benefit from Stevia greatly, as the herb does lower sugar levels too. Blessings, Michele Sara Mandal-Joy <smjlists@...> wrote: There is from my studies some misinformation in this article. Steviaextract, the white powder sweetner,does not have any of the health benefits of the green or brown leave, orpastes or such made from such.The white refined stevia, or liquid made from it, are beneficial simplyas low calorie replacements for sugar, and less likely to set up thesweet craves that other sugar replacements have. But for the healthbenefits described in the

article, including balancing blood sugarlevels and supporting the pancreas, the licorice tasting whole leaf,non-processed stevia is required. you can use it powdered as asweetner, but it does have a strong flavor. Great for teas. You cansoak it with water or high proof alcohol and make a liquid sweetner.You can make a paste of it. Just be aware that running to the healthfood store and buying anything with the stevia name on it won't have allthese benefits. Most of the products sold are made from highly refinedstevia extract, and do not have the benefits, other than simply offeringa more healthful sugar substitute. Sara

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