All You Need to Know About Stevia Plants

Introduction:

Stevia plants have been used as flavor enhancers and sweeteners for hundreds of years in South American countries and are widely used in Japan. Stevia is now becoming more and more popular in the U.S., Canada and Europe where it's available as a dietary supplement. It is a natural sweetener, low in calories, high in nutrients, and is at least fifteen times sweeter than sugar.

Food And Dessert

Stevia plants are grown from seeds and thrive in sunshine which is why they are generally found in South American countries. But they can also be successfully grown in greenhouses.

How stevia is used:

Stevia is used primarily as a exchange for sugar and an alternative to synthetic sweeteners in a wide range of products. For example, in Japan, it is used as an ingredient in sugar-free gum, cola drinks, yogurts, pickles, confectioneries, vegetables and seafoods.

Research has shown that Stevia extracts are heat unyielding and can therefore be used in daily baking and cooking.

The benefits of stevia:

Stevia has antiseptic and antioxidant properties and is, therefore, a huge benefit in the medicine of the following health conditions: hypertension, continuing fatigue syndrome, diabetes, heartburn, indigestion, obesity, influenza, colds, throat infections, bacterial infections and skin conditions, among others It's a phenomenal alternative to sugar It's polite on teeth when compared to sugar which causes serious dental decay Stevia contains no fat It is rich in fiber Stevia is an vigor booster, ideal for a more vigorous lifestyle

The history of stevia:

The South American Guarani Indians used the stevia herb on a daily basis to improve the taste of food, drinks and medicines. By the 19th century, daily consumption of stevia was common-place in Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

When explorers reach the 'New World', it was the Italian botanist, Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni, who studied the plant and introduced it to Europe and in turn, North America.

Processing and Packaging:

Manufacturers get ready stevia by extracting the liquid from the stevia leaves, removing the color and purifying it.

It is sold in health food stores in both liquid and powdered form and also comes pre-used as an ingredient in varied drinks and foods. There are two liquid versions. One is transparent and normally has a glycerin, water or grapefruit base. The second liquid is a thicker, dark brown liquid which makes an ideal substitute for molasses and brown sugar. The powdered form of stevia is white and has normally been blended with fiber and comes in sachets, packets and boxes.

Ideas for using stevia:

You can use stevia in beverages such as hot cocoa, yogurts; in breads and cakes such as banana bread and muffins; in pancakes and in desserts such as carrot cake, custard pie and apple pie and, last but not least, in jams and soups.

In summary:

So either you use them as an easy and healthy alternative to sugar in your tea or coffee or as a vital component of a healthcare plan, stevia plants will furnish you with a wide range of benefits that you'll feel in no time.

All You Need to Know About Stevia Plants