Its Rise in Popularity
For centuries, stevia species were used as a sweetener
for treating heartburn and other ailments. Medical researches show that
stevia can help in treating conditions like obesity and high blood pressure.
With the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate and low-sugar food
alternatives, its popularity has increased many folds in the recent times.
Today it is extensively used in food products to sweeten food &
beverages and/or serve as a dietary supplement.
Stevioside
The aqueous extract of plant leaf generates purified
stevioside, producing distinctive sweetened taste. Stevioside contains zero
calories and can be used as a healthy sugar substitute in cooking and
baking. Stevia is a valuable dietary supplement for the people who have
blood-sugar disorders (like diabetes) or those who are concerned about
calories intake. It is the only well known natural substitute to sugar
having virtually zero calories and being 150-170 times sweeter than sugar.
Unlike aspartame, stevia sweeteners are heat stable up to 200 degrees
centigrade. They are acid stable, and do not ferment, making them suitable
for use in a wide range of products and for everyday cooking purposes.
Some Uses for Stevia Products and Extracts
