STEVIA: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage and more

                                                                                                 OVERVIEW

The International Diabetes Federation projects that the number of Indians with diabetes will soar to 123 million by 2040. Currently, 5% of the Indian population suffers from diabetes.

On the other hand, the World Health Organization estimated 3.4 million deaths due to high blood sugar in India. In the year 2000, the total number of diabetics in India stood at 31.7 million and is expected to rise by more than 100% in the year 2030 to account for 79.4 million. It currently affects an estimated 143 million people worldwide and the number is growing rapidly.

Diabetes is a chronic illness where one’s body is unable to control its blood glucose level, which may also lead to potential complications  such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision impairment and even can affect your digestive system.

In this situation, eating added sugar or any type of food sweetener may increase your risk of diabetes.

Stevia, also known as Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, is a bushy shrub that is part of the sunflower family. There are 150 species of stevia. Stevia is used as a healthful alternative to added sugar in many meals and beverages.

Stevia has antioxidant properties that protect against diseases like cancer. This allows people with diabetes to eat a wider variety of foods and comply with a healthful meal plan.

What is Stevia,

Stevia is an Ayurvedic medicine, which is  200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar  with "no calories''. People with diabetes can enjoy their favorite desserts without ruining their health, it has no negative health effects like other no-calorie sweeteners do.

Stevia is a sweetener made from the leaves of the stevia plant. It does not spike, using stevia instead of sugar to make some of the favorite indulgences is a good alternative.

Stevia triggered  significant reductions in blood glucose and glucagon response after a meal. Glucagon is a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the blood, and the mechanism that secretes glucagon is often faulty in people with diabetes. It regulates the Glucose level too.

Diabetes can lead severe health complications such as, heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision impairment 

Benefits of Using Stevia Instead of Sugar and Sugar Substitutes,

Many people have stopped using sugar and have switched to Stevia because it’s healthier, and not chemically processed like artificial sweeteners.

Stevia is an herb that comes from the same family as lettuce and marigolds and is native to the rain forests in Paraguay; although now it is grown all over the world.

It is credited for lowering blood sugar levels, aiding in digestion, weight loss, and can help with skin and teeth.

Dosage of Stevia for diabetic patients,

There’s no federally recommended guideline for how much Stevia you should take. In 2008 the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted an extended study that determined a daily intake of 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (about 2 milligrams per pound) is safe.

That said, upper limits will vary by individual. Another study found that individuals with diabetes could safely consume 15 milligrams per kilogram per day. A study assessing the effects of sugar substitutes in patients with high blood pressure found that study subjects could take up to 1,500 milligrams daily without experiencing adverse effects. It is important to note that 1/4 teaspoon of ground Stevia is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of sugar. You do not need much to get the sweet flavor.

Individuals with hypertension should take no more than 500 milligrams of Stevia three times daily. And individuals with hyperglycemia and diabetes can safely enjoy up to 1,000 milligram of Stevia with meals.

Make a powder by drying Stevia leaves, then use it.

How to use Stevia instead of Sugar,

Make a powder by drying Stevia leaves, then use it.

Diabetic patients can use it by mixing it in curd, tea, coffee, lemon water, and smoothie.

It works much better in food with bolder flavors, like cheeses, chocolate, coffee, berries, dressings, sauces, and more. .

Depending on the quality and brand of your Stevia, it can be 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar! So start with a pinch and work your way up from there.  Start using Stevia with this conversion calculator so you know exactly how much to start with.

If you are just starting out with Stevia in your desserts, choose fruity dishes, it pairs best with fruits.  Stevia is hardly noticeable when mixed with berries, citrus and smoothies.

One of the main reasons people don’t enjoy Stevia is it’s aftertaste, however, add a pinch of salt to help reduce it’s aftertaste. A pinch to your smoothie, a pinch to your yogurt, even a pinch to your hot chocolate.

If you are new to using Stevia, don’t start by adding it to chocolate. It really doesn’t blend well with chocolate. Stevia doesn’t blend well with chocolate.

Is there any side-effects of Stevia,

Scientists have considered Stevia a safe sugar alternative for years, but a new study raises the question of whether it can be harmful to gut health. Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, so only a very small amount is necessary to achieve a sweetening effect.

Consumed in moderation, Stevia is safe for most people. However, some people have reported mild side effects, including bloating, cramping, dizziness and headache.

Very high doses can cause blood pressure to drop significantly. Nonetheless, individuals with diabetes or low blood pressure should talk to their doctors before taking stevia extract to determine whether it can worsen either condition.

It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to Stevia. Those with allergies to ragweed, daisies, marigolds or other related plants may react to it. Children and pregnant or nursing women should talk to their doctors before taking Stevia supplements.