Health Benefits of Stevia (Sweet Grass)

Stevia, also known as sweet grass, has been recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is widely used in the food industry as an alternative to artificial sweeteners. Health Benefits of Stevia (Sweet Grass) include:

1. Prevention of Hypertension

Research on stevioside—a compound found in stevia—shows its potential to lower blood pressure. In studies where hypertensive rats were injected with 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of stevioside, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure dropped significantly. The effect lasted up to 60 minutes with a dose of 200 mg/kg.

Other glycosides in stevia also support cardiovascular health by dilating blood vessels, improving urinary function, and promoting sodium excretion.

2. Support for Diabetic Patients

Stevia helps control blood sugar levels, especially in type 2 diabetes patients. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, consuming stevia-based sweeteners can significantly lower blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels compared to carbohydrate-based sugars.

3. Safe Sugar Alternative for Pregnant Women

The glycoside steviol in stevia has been studied and found not to affect blood sugar or fertility in pregnant women. For the safety of both mother and child, pregnant women can choose FDA-approved glycoside steviol products in appropriate amounts.

4. Breast Cancer Prevention

A study conducted by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Kalyani University, India, examined the anti-cancer properties of stevioside. Results demonstrated its ability to induce apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells, marking it as a promising candidate for future cancer research.

5. Cholesterol Reduction

A 2017 study on 20 women showed that consuming stevia extract significantly reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing HDL-C (good cholesterol).

6. Oral Health Benefits

Stevia helps reduce bacterial growth in the mouth, making it a popular ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash. Studies also show its ability to prevent cavities and gum disease, unlike sucrose, which promotes tooth decay.

7. Skin Care Support

Concentrated stevia extract, when fermented and applied to skin conditions like burns, acne, rashes, eczema, and contact dermatitis, inhibits bacterial spread, promotes blood circulation, and aids healing.

8. Osteoporosis Prevention with sweet grass

Animal studies indicate that stevia can improve bone mineral density and calcium metabolism, potentially aiding in osteoporosis prevention.

Forms of Stevia

Stevia is available in several forms, depending on the level of processing:

1. Green Leaf Stevia: The least processed form, made from dried, ground stevia leaves. It’s 30-40 times sweeter than sugar with a slight bitterness.
2. Stevia Extract: Sweeter than sugar by 200 times and less bitter than green leaf stevia. Available as liquids or powders.
3. Processed Stevia: Highly processed, often combined with other sweeteners, making it 200-400 times sweeter than sugar but considered the least pure form.

Safe Dosage

Global regulatory bodies, including the FDA, deem high-purity stevia extracts safe for consumption. The FDA recommends a daily intake of up to 4 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Uses of Stevia Products

1. Stevia Powder:
   • Fresh leaves are dried, ground into powder, and stored in sealed containers.
   • A single teaspoon of stevia powder can replace one cup of sugar due to its sweetness.

2. Stevia Tea or Extract:
   • Steep fresh stevia leaves in boiling water to make a drink that supports conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
     For example: Vinh Tien Stevia Filter Tea box of 100 filter bags

     

3. Sweetener for Diabetic-Friendly Products: Examples include low-sugar cakes, almond cookies, and stevia-infused teas like butterfly pea tea or chrysanthemum tea.

   3.1. Soft Marble Quatre Quart Cake (Vegetarian)
   A light and moist marble cake with reduced sweetness, suitable for vegetarians.

   

   3.2. Almond Cake with Stevia Sugar Version
   A delicious almond-based cake sweetened with stevia, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
   

   
   

   3.3. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea with Stevia
   A vibrant blue herbal tea infused with butterfly pea flowers and sweetened with natural stevia.
   

   

   3.4. Chrysanthemum Tea with Stevia
   A calming and fragrant chrysanthemum tea naturally sweetened with stevia, great for relaxation.
   

   

   Vinh Tien Chrysanthemum Tea – For Detoxification and Vision Improvement
   

   3.5. Natural Stevia Tea
   A simple, naturally sweet tea made from stevia leaves, offering health benefits with every sip.
   

Potential Side Effects

While stevia has numerous health benefits, excessive consumption may lead to side effects such as bloating, dizziness, nausea, muscle pain, or numbness in extremities.

Stevia is a versatile and natural alternative sweetener, but like any supplement, it should be used responsibly.