Is stevia safe for diabetics to use. What are the potential benefits of stevia for blood sugar control. Are there any risks or side effects associated with stevia consumption for people with diabetes. How does stevia compare to other sugar substitutes for diabetics.

Understanding Stevia: A Natural Sugar Alternative

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. This zero-calorie sugar substitute has gained popularity among health-conscious individuals, especially those managing diabetes. The key compounds in stevia, known as steviol glycosides, are 150-300 times sweeter than sugar, allowing for minimal use with maximum sweetening effect.

While stevia offers a sweet taste, it’s important to note that some products may have a slight bitter aftertaste. To counteract this, many commercial stevia products include additional ingredients. When considering stevia as a sugar alternative, it’s crucial to understand its composition and potential effects on blood sugar levels.

The Safety Profile of Stevia for Diabetics

For individuals with diabetes, finding safe alternatives to sugar is essential for managing blood glucose levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has categorized high-purity steviol glycosides as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). This designation allows manufacturers to incorporate stevia extracts into various food and beverage products.

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) have jointly stated that stevia can be beneficial for people with diabetes when used appropriately. However, they caution against compensating for the reduced calorie intake by consuming additional calories later in the day.

Is stevia safer than artificial sweeteners for diabetics?

Stevia’s natural origin often leads people to perceive it as safer than artificial sweeteners. While stevia has shown promising results in various studies, it’s essential to remember that “natural” doesn’t always equate to “better” or “safer.” Each individual may respond differently to sweeteners, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable when making dietary changes.

Blood Sugar Control: Stevia’s Potential Benefits

One of the primary concerns for people with diabetes is managing blood glucose levels. Several studies have investigated stevia’s effects on blood sugar, with encouraging results:

• A 2016 study found that dried stevia leaf powder significantly lowered blood sugar levels in diabetic participants, both during fasting and after meals.
• Research from 2018 observed that blood glucose levels began to decrease 60-120 minutes after consuming a stevia-sweetened coconut jelly, even before insulin secretion.
• A 2013 study on rats suggested that whole stevia leaf powder as a dietary supplement led to lower blood sugar levels.

These findings indicate that stevia may play a role in blood sugar control, making it a potentially valuable tool for diabetes management.

Beyond Blood Sugar: Additional Health Benefits of Stevia

While blood sugar control is a primary concern for diabetics, stevia may offer additional health benefits:

1. Antioxidant properties: Some studies suggest that stevia may have antioxidant potential, which could help combat oxidative stress and related diseases.
2. Improved satiety: Research indicates that stevia may help reduce hunger and improve feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management.
3. Cardiovascular health: The 2016 study mentioned earlier also reported reductions in triglyceride and cholesterol levels among participants.
4. Organ protection: Animal studies have suggested that stevia might offer some protection against liver and kidney damage.

These potential benefits underscore the importance of further research into stevia’s effects on overall health, particularly for individuals with diabetes.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Stevia Consumption

While stevia is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects:

Can stevia cause digestive issues in some individuals?

Some people may experience mild digestive discomfort when consuming stevia, particularly if they are sensitive to sugar alcohols often used in stevia blends. Symptoms may include bloating, nausea, or gas. If you experience these symptoms, consider reducing your intake or trying a different brand of stevia product.

Does stevia interact with diabetes medications?

There is limited evidence suggesting that stevia might interact with certain diabetes medications. While most studies have not found significant interactions, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating stevia into your diet, especially if you’re taking medications to manage your blood sugar levels.

It’s worth noting that the majority of studies on stevia have used whole leaf extracts or purified steviol glycosides. Commercial stevia products often contain additional ingredients, which may affect their overall impact on health. Always check product labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.

Incorporating Stevia into a Diabetic Diet

Stevia’s versatility makes it an attractive option for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake. Here are some ways to incorporate stevia into your diet:

• Hot and cold beverages: Use stevia to sweeten tea, coffee, or homemade lemonades.
• Breakfast cereals: Sprinkle stevia over oatmeal or other breakfast cereals for added sweetness without the sugar.
• Baking: Some stevia products are suitable for baking, though they may not caramelize like sugar. Experiment with recipes designed for stevia use.
• Yogurt and fruit: Add a touch of stevia to plain yogurt or sprinkle it over fruit for a sweet treat.

How much stevia is safe to consume daily for diabetics?

The FDA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for steviol glycosides of 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. For a 150-pound (68 kg) person, this translates to approximately 272 mg of steviol glycosides per day. However, it’s important to note that individual tolerance may vary, and it’s always best to start with small amounts and gradually increase as tolerated.

Comparing Stevia to Other Sugar Substitutes for Diabetics

When considering sugar alternatives, it’s helpful to understand how stevia compares to other options:

Stevia vs. Artificial Sweeteners

Unlike artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose, stevia is derived from a plant source. Some people prefer this natural origin, believing it to be safer or healthier. However, both stevia and artificial sweeteners are considered safe for consumption when used in moderation.

Stevia vs. Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol provide sweetness with fewer calories than sugar. While they can be useful for diabetics, they may cause digestive issues in some people. Stevia, being calorie-free and less likely to cause digestive discomfort, may be preferable for some individuals.

Stevia vs. Natural Sugars

Compared to natural sugars like honey or agave nectar, stevia has the advantage of not raising blood glucose levels. This makes it a potentially better choice for individuals needing to closely monitor their blood sugar.

When choosing between sweeteners, consider factors such as taste preference, digestive tolerance, and individual blood sugar response. It may be helpful to work with a registered dietitian to determine the best options for your specific needs.

The Future of Stevia Research and Diabetes Management

As interest in stevia grows, so does the body of research surrounding its effects on health, particularly for individuals with diabetes. Future studies may focus on:

• Long-term effects of stevia consumption on blood sugar control and overall health
• Potential interactions between stevia and various diabetes medications
• The role of stevia in weight management for individuals with type 2 diabetes
• Comparisons between different forms of stevia (whole leaf, purified extracts, etc.) and their respective health impacts

As research progresses, our understanding of stevia’s benefits and potential risks will continue to evolve, potentially leading to more targeted recommendations for its use in diabetes management.

Can stevia replace medical treatments for diabetes?

It’s crucial to understand that while stevia may offer benefits for blood sugar control, it is not a replacement for medical treatments or a comprehensive diabetes management plan. Stevia should be viewed as a complementary tool that, when used in conjunction with proper diet, exercise, and prescribed medications, may help in managing blood glucose levels.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or diabetes management strategy. They can provide personalized advice based on your individual health status, medication regimen, and treatment goals.

Practical Tips for Using Stevia in Diabetes Management

If you’re considering incorporating stevia into your diabetes management plan, here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1. Start small: Begin with small amounts of stevia to assess your taste preferences and any potential side effects.
2. Monitor blood sugar: Keep track of your blood glucose levels when introducing stevia to understand how it affects you personally.
3. Read labels carefully: Some stevia products contain additional ingredients that may impact blood sugar levels. Choose pure stevia extracts or carefully review the ingredient list.
4. Experiment with cooking and baking: Stevia behaves differently than sugar in recipes. Look for stevia-specific recipes or be prepared to adjust cooking times and liquid ratios when substituting stevia for sugar.
5. Be mindful of overall diet: Remember that using stevia doesn’t give license to consume more carbohydrates or calories elsewhere in your diet.
6. Stay hydrated: Some people find that stevia can cause a dry mouth sensation. Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.

How can diabetics balance stevia use with overall carbohydrate intake?

While stevia itself doesn’t contribute to carbohydrate intake, it’s important to consider the context in which it’s used. For example, using stevia to sweeten a high-carb dessert doesn’t negate the carbohydrate content of the dessert itself. Focus on incorporating stevia as part of an overall balanced diet, using it to reduce added sugars while still paying attention to total carbohydrate intake from all sources.

Working with a registered dietitian can be invaluable in developing a personalized meal plan that incorporates stevia while maintaining optimal blood sugar control and meeting nutritional needs.

Safety, benefits, risks, and side effects

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Stevia is a sugar substitute that contains very few calories. There is growing interest in its use to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from a shrub that is native to North and South America. It is an ingredient in many brands of sweetener, including SweetLeaf, Truvia, and Pure Via.

Stevia contains compounds called steviol glycosides that are about 150–300 times sweeter than sugar. However, stevia is so low in calories that it is technically a “zero-calorie” product.

Although they are sweet, steviol glycosides can leave a bitter aftertaste, so most stevia products contain other ingredients to counteract this.

As a sweetener, stevia has grown in popularity, especially among people with diabetes. In this article, we look at the benefits of stevia for people with diabetes and if there are any risks when consuming this sweetener.

Share on PinterestStevia is a safe alternative sweetener for people with diabetes.

In a joint statement, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) said that stevia and similar sweeteners can be beneficial for people with diabetes if they use them appropriately and do not compensate by eating extra calories at later meals.

In a 2018 study, researchers tested the effects of a stevia-sweetened coconut jelly on participants 30–120 minutes after consumption at half-hour intervals.

The research found that blood glucose levels started to reduce 60–120 minutes after eating the jelly, even before the secretion of insulin.

Scientific studies we highlight in this article suggest that stevia may offer the following benefits for people with diabetes:

• possible antioxidant properties to fight disease
• blood sugar control, both when fasting and after meals
• improved satiety and reduced hunger
• less desire to eat extra calories later in the day
• protection against liver and kidney damage
• reduced triglyceride and cholesterol levels

Another benefit of stevia is its versatility. It is suitable for hot and cold beverages, and people can sprinkle it over oatmeal or fruit.

Stevia may also be suitable for baking, depending on the particular sweetener product and the recipe. However, it does not caramelize and is not a substitute for sugar in all types of cooking and baking.

Stevia extracts are usually safe for most people in moderate amounts.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorize steviol glycosides as “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS. As a result, manufacturers may add high-purity steviol glycosides to foods and beverages.

Steviol glycosides are often present in sugar-free drinks, jams, and dairy products.

Learn more about stevia here.

Share on PinterestMany studies on stevia have used the whole leaf. Stevia extract often contains other ingredients.

Several studies have investigated the effects of stevia on blood sugar levels.

A 2016 study reported that dried stevia leaf powder significantly lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, both while fasting and after eating. The participants in the study also saw a reduction in their triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

The researchers concluded that stevia is safe for people with diabetes to use as a substitute for sugar and other sweeteners.

A 2013 study in rats reported that using whole stevia leaf powder as a dietary supplement led to lower blood sugar levels. The results also suggested that stevia could reduce liver and kidney damage in the animals.

Other research from 2015 found that nonnutritive sweeteners such as stevia had antioxidant potential and significantly lowered blood sugar levels in mice.

Stevia may also reduce hunger and improve satiety in people.

In a small-scale study, researchers gave participants a snack to eat before their main meal, which is a dieting technique known as preloading. The preload snack contained either stevia, aspartame, or sucrose, also known as table sugar.

The sucrose preload had 493 calories, while both the stevia and aspartame preloads only contained 290 calories. Despite this, all three groups of participants reported similar hunger and satiety levels.

The people who ate the stevia preloads had significantly lower blood glucose levels after meals when the researchers compared them with the sucrose group. They also had lower insulin levels than those in both the aspartame and sucrose groups.

However, a more recent review of 372 studies suggested that evidence for harmful or beneficial effects is inconclusive.

It is also important to note that most of the research uses dried stevia leaf rather than stevia extracts.

Stevia extracts typically contain other ingredients, some of which may affect blood sugar levels. However, stevia leaf does not have GRAS status with the FDA, who do not allow manufacturers to use it as a sweetener.

Due to the focus on stevia for people with diabetes, many people wonder if it can treat or cure the condition.

There is currently no cure for diabetes, but people can manage the condition with medications and lifestyle changes. Stevia can help to support these lifestyle adaptions.

A 2018 study on rats, appearing in the International Journal of Endocrinology, suggests that stevia could stimulate insulin production when in large enough doses. The study authors put this down to the plant compounds in stevia.

Using stevia in place of sugar in sweetened foods and drinks may help people with diabetes stabilize their blood glucose levels.

This replacement for sugar may also reduce the number of calories that a person consumes, which is likely to aid weight loss. Excess weight is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and its complications, which include heart and kidney problems.

Read more about herbal remedies that can support diabetes treatment.

Share on PinterestSome stevia products contain sugar alcohols. These might leading to stomach pain and cramping in some people.

Safety studies on stevia do not report any negative side effects, as long as people consume the sweetener in moderate quantities.

The FDA recognize purified stevia products as being generally safe for most people.

Some stevia products contain additives that may cause side effects. For example, sugar alcohols may cause the following symptoms in some individuals:

• bloating
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach pain and cramping
• other digestive issues

However, sugar alcohols are otherwise safe for people with diabetes. According to the ADA, sugar alcohols contain fewer calories than sugar and do not affect blood glucose levels as much as other carbohydrates.

People with diabetes should check that their chosen stevia product does not contain other sweeteners that might increase blood glucose levels.

Other artificial sweeteners may help people with diabetes manage any cravings for sweet foods and beverages.

According to the ADA, the FDA have approved the following artificial sweeteners:

• acesulfame potassium (Sunnet, Sweet One)
• advantame
• aspartame (NutraSweet)
• neotame
• saccharin (Sweet’N Low, Sugar Twin)
• sucralose (Splenda)

Some of these sweeteners are available for purchase online, including Sweet’N Low and Splenda.

The body does not break down these sweeteners with the exception of aspartame. Instead, they pass through the digestive system and leave the body in the urine and stool. As with stevia, these sweeteners do not provide extra calories.

Sugar alcohols also increase sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels. The sugar alcohols that manufacturers commonly add to foods and beverages are:

• erythritol
• isomalt
• lactitol
• maltitol
• sorbitol
• xylitol

However, many foods with artificial sweeteners as an ingredient still contain calories and carbohydrates. Sometimes, these foods can have almost as many carbohydrates as the sugar-rich versions.

For this reason, people should check nutrition labels carefully before selecting products to eat or drink.

People sometimes used agave syrup as an alternative for sugar. Find out why this is not helpful for managing diabetes.

Stevia is a sugar substitute that has almost no calories. Stevia products contain a highly purified extract from the stevia plant that the FDA consider to be generally safe.

Some scientific evidence suggests that stevia may help people reduce their risk of diabetes or help those with the condition manage their blood sugar levels.

However, research is often inconclusive, and other substances often accompany stevia extract in a consumer product due to stevia’s naturally bitter aftertaste.

Stevia alone is unlikely to affect a person’s blood sugar control significantly, but it could be beneficial alongside other treatments and lifestyle changes.

When choosing a stevia product, it is always essential to check the label for other ingredients that may affect blood sugar levels. Anyone who is unsure should seek advice from a doctor or dietician or contact the manufacturer of the sweetener.

A range of stevia products is available to purchase online.

Which Sugar Substitutes Are Good for Diabetes? Stevia, Monk Fruit, Mo

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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Despite sometimes being labeled as “diabetes-friendly,” artificial sweeteners may not be the best choice if you’re trying to monitor your blood glucose.

With a low to no calorie sugar count, artificial sweeteners may seem like a treat for people with diabetes. But recent research indicates that artificial sweeteners may actually be counterintuitive, especially if you’re looking to manage or prevent diabetes.

In fact, the increased consumption of these sugar substitutes may correlate to the increase of obesity and diabetes cases.

The good news is that there are sugar alternatives you can choose from, including:

• stevia or stevia products such as Truvia
• tagatose
• monk fruit extract
• coconut palm sugar
• date sugar
• sugar alcohols, such as erythritol or xylitol

You’ll still want to watch your intake for glucose management, but these options are far better than the products marketed as “sugar-free.”

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener that has antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. It’s been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unlike artificial sweeteners and sugar, stevia can suppress your plasma glucose levels and significantly increase glucose tolerance. It’s also not an artificial sweetener, technically speaking. That’s because it’s made from the leaves of the steviaplant.

Stevia alsohas the ability to:

• increase insulin production
• increase insulin’s effect on cell membranes
• stabilize blood sugar levels
• counter the mechanics of type 2 diabetes and its complications

You can find steviaunder brand names such as:

• Pure Via
• Sun Crystals
• SweetLeaf
• Truvia

While steviais natural, these brands are usually highly processed and may contain other ingredients. For example, Truvia goes through 40 processing steps before it’s ready to be sold. It also contains the sugar alcohol erythritol.

Future research may shed more light on the impact of consuming these processed stevia sweeteners.

The best way to consume stevia is to grow the plant yourself and use the whole leaves to sweeten foods.

Shop: stevia

Tagatose is another naturally occurring sugar that researchers are studying. Preliminary studies show that tagatose:

• may be a potential antidiabetic and antiobesity medication
• can lower your blood sugar and insulin response
• interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates

A 2018 review of studies concluded tagatose is “promising as a sweetener without major adverse effects observed.”

But tagatose needs more studies for more definitive answers. Talk to your doctor before trying newer sweeteners such as tagatose.

Shop: tagatose

Monk fruit extract is another alternative that is gaining popularity. But no processed sweetener can beat using fresh whole fruit to sweeten foods.

Another excellent option is date sugar, made of whole dates that are dried and ground. It doesn’t provide fewer calories, but date sugar is made of the whole fruit with the fiber still intact.

You can also subtract fiber from total grams of carbohydrates, if you count carbs for meal planning. This will give you net carbs consumed. The more fibrous a food, the lower impact it will have on your blood sugar.

Shop: monk fruit extract or date sugar

Some artificial sweeteners say “sugar-free” or “diabetic-friendly,” but research suggests these sugars actually have the opposite of effect.

Your body responds to artificial sweeteners differently than it does regular sugar. Artificial sugar can interfere with your body’s learned taste. This can confuse your brain, which will send signals telling you to eat more, especially more sweet foods.

Artificial sweeteners can still raise your glucose levels

One 2016 study saw normal-weight individuals who ate more artificial sweeteners were more likely to have diabetes than people who were overweight or obese.

Another 2014 study found that these sugars, such as saccharin, can change your gut bacteria composition. This change can cause glucose intolerance, which is the first step towards metabolic syndrome and diabetes in adults.

For people who don’t develop a glucose intolerance, artificial sweeteners may help with weight-loss or diabetes control. But switching to this sugar replacement still requires long-term management and controlled intake.

if you’re thinking of replacing sugar regularly, talk to your doctor and dietitian about your concerns.

Artificial sweeteners may also contribute to weight gain

Obesity and being overweight is one of the top predictors for diabetes. While artificial sweeteners are FDA-approved, it doesn’t mean they’re healthy.

Marketing for food products can lead you to think non-caloric artificial sweeteners help with weight loss, but studies show the opposite.

That’s because artificial sweeteners:

• may lead to cravings, overeating and weight gain
• alter gut bacteria which is important for weight management

For people with diabetes looking to manage their weight or sugar intake, artificial sweeteners may not be a good substitute.

Being overweight or obese can also increase your risk factors for several other health issues such as high blood pressure, body pain, and stroke.

Safety rating for artificial sweeteners

The Center for Science in the Public Interest currently deems artificial sweeteners a product to “avoid.” Avoid means the product is unsafe or poorly tested and not worth any risk.

Sugar alcohols are naturally found in plants and berries. The types most often used in the food industry are synthetically created. You can find them in food products that are labeled as “sugar-free” or “no sugar added.”

Labels such as this are misleading because sugar alcohols are still carbohydrates. They can still raise your blood sugar, but not as much as regular sugar.

Common FDA-approved sugar alcohols are:

• erythritol
• xylitol
• sorbitol
• lactitol
• isomalt
• maltitol

Swerve is a newer consumer brand that contains erythritol. It’s available in many grocery stores. The brand Ideal contains both sucralose and xylitol.

Shop: erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, isomalt, or maltitol

Different from artificial sweeteners

Sugar alcohols are often synthetic, similar to artificial sweeteners. But these two classifications of sugar alternatives aren’t the same. Sugar alcohols are different because they:

• can be metabolized without insulin
• are less sweet than artificial sweeteners and sugar
• can be partially digested in the intestine
• don’t have the aftertaste of artificial sweeteners

Research suggests that sugar alcohols can be a sufficient replacement for sugar. But reports also say that it won’t play a significant role in weight loss. You should treat sugar alcohols the same as sugar and limit your intake.

Sugar alcohols are also known to produce side effects such as gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. However, erythritol is usually better tolerated, if you’re concerned about these side effects.

Recent studies indicate that artificial sweeteners are no longer the healthy alternatives to sugar. In fact, they may increase a person’s risk for diabetes, glucose intolerance, and weight gain.

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try stevia. Based on research to date, this alternative sweetener is one of your better options. It’s known for its antidiabetic properties and ability to stabilize blood sugar levels.

You can get stevia in raw form, grow the plant yourself, or buy it under brand names such as Sweet Leaf and Truvia.

However, you should still limit your total added sugar intake rather than switching to sugar substitutes.

The more you consume any kind of added sweeteners, the more your palate is exposed to sweet tastes. Palate research shows that the food you prefer and crave is the food that you eat most often.

You’ll see the most benefit for managing your sugar cravings and diabetes when you reduce all forms of added sugar.

benefits, harms, contraindications, use in diabetes

During the growth period, a unique component called stevioside accumulates in the leaves. It is he who gives the grass an unusual sweetness. In its natural form, there is a slight bitterness, but after special production processing, this aftertaste disappears. Natural sweetener has a lot of useful properties, due to which it is used for various pathologies. The plant is especially popular among the inhabitants of Japan – the most famous adherents of proper nutrition. They add it instead of refined sugar to dishes, use stevia to neutralize harmful and aggressive components in some products.

Composition and characteristics

The leaves of the perennial grass contain about 18% stevioside glycoside, due to which the plant is considered a substitute for harmful natural sugars. The composition is also represented by other components:

• vitamins C, E, A, B,

• amino acids,

• antioxidants (quarcetin, rutin),

• essential oils,

• tannins,

• phosphorus, iron, selenium, zinc, calcium.

The sugar substitute has a minimum calorie content (18 kcal) and a glycemic index of 0. It is thanks to these properties that the product is simply indispensable for losing weight and people with diabetes.

Stevia dissolves well in water, does not precipitate during heat treatment, and does not undergo a fermentation process. These characteristics make it possible to use the product in the food industry. Regular use of a sweetener helps to normalize the functioning of many body systems, strengthen immunity, and lower blood pressure.

Applications and features

Honey grass has a positive effect on health, has a minimum of contraindications and restrictions for use. Due to its sweet taste and valuable composition, the product is widely used for culinary purposes.

Cooking

Stevioside, which is the main component of herbal leaves, is almost several hundred times sweeter than refined sugar. Therefore, the sweetener in minimal quantities can be added to lollipops, confectionery and pastries. At the same time, ready meals will be absolutely safe for health. Stevia is recommended to be used instead of sugar for sweetening hot drinks: tea, coffee, cocoa.

Based on processed sweet grass, you can make cookies, cakes, jams, ice cream and yogurts. Unlike the usual refined stevia, it does not cause thirst, therefore, with its addition, excellent refreshing home-made drinks are obtained: lemonades, compotes, fruit drinks.

Diabetes and other diseases

The therapeutic effect of honey grass is due to its rich composition. With regular use, additional protective forces are produced in the body, which normalize the work of the digestive organs, and also prevent the occurrence of inflammation of the respiratory system.

The leaves of a perennial plant are equally suitable for both insulin-dependent 1st form of diabetes and 2nd, often accompanied by the problem of obesity. The zero glycemic index vegetable product helps to diversify a limited diet with sugary drinks and dishes. The herb is beneficial in diabetes due to its ability to lower blood sugar levels. At the same time, it helps to strengthen blood vessels and increase their elasticity.

Natural sweetener is recommended for use in the following cases:

• with violations of the liver, thyroid gland;

• to prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors;

• with high blood pressure;

• for the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis;

• in order to relieve the manifestations of allergies in a child with diathesis;

• to normalize the functioning of the kidneys;

• with strong overvoltage and loss of strength.

Stevia improves blood circulation, thins the blood, and also reduces the risk of blood clots and removes bad cholesterol from the blood.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is no exact medical data on whether honey grass is dangerous during pregnancy. According to women, stevia does not cause any complications during this period. The only thing you should pay attention to is the possibility of developing an allergic reaction. A natural product allows you not to gain excess weight, maintain immunity and blood sugar levels at a normal level. It is relevant to take stevia in the first trimester, when a woman has severe toxicosis.

During breastfeeding, it is important that the diet is balanced. With the normal development of the child, stevia does not have a negative effect. If the baby is not allergic to this plant, a natural sweetener can be included in the daily menu. Grass increases resistance to infections, strengthens the protective barrier of the body.

Slimming

This sweetener is also popular among those who follow their figure or follow a diet. The leaves have a low calorie content, are able to suppress hunger and reduce appetite, preventing overeating. In addition, when used, toxins and toxins are removed from the body faster, metabolism is accelerated.

For effective and safe weight loss, it is recommended to cook various dishes with the addition of stevia: vegetable and fruit salads, cottage cheese, natural yogurt, cereals. A special herbal infusion will help improve well-being, get rid of extra pounds and normalize metabolism. Fresh leaves should be poured with boiling water and left to infuse for at least 10 hours. Before each main meal, drink a glass of drink 3 times a day.

Possible harm and contraindications

Stevia is a valuable product that has a beneficial effect on the work of the whole organism. However, there are contraindications to the use of this sugar substitute. Among them are:

• low blood pressure;

• hormonal disorders;

• allergy to plants related to Compositae;

• individual intolerance.

With the abuse of honey grass, the risk of developing hypoglycemia is not excluded, so people with diabetes should consult a doctor about the dosages of this sweetener.

There are certain rules that should be followed when receiving:

1. Do not use drugs that stabilize the level of lithium, as well as drugs that lower blood pressure or blood sugar at the same time as stevia.

1. You need to add a substitute in small portions.

1. It is best to add stevia to black or green tea. The combination of the plant with milk can cause intestinal upset.

Excessively large dosages of the product can cause muscle numbness, dizziness and severe nausea.

Selection tips

Products made from honey grass can be found in the diabetic and diet sections of grocery stores or pharmacies. The sweetener is available in various forms: from herbal teas and dried leaves of the plant to ready-made pastes, syrups, tablets and powders. Many prefer herbal tea, noting the convenience of brewing and getting a rich drink with a minimum of time. When choosing a syrup, you should pay attention to its concentrated composition. In drinks, add a maximum of 5 drops per full glass of liquid.

Stevia tablets are considered one of the most popular forms of sweetener. The ease of calculation, dosage, pleasant taste without bitterness, rapid dissolution of pills in water are noted. If desired, the tablets can be crushed to a powder. If you plan to add stevia to prepared dishes, such as salads, it is best to use fresh leaves.

Regardless of the form of release, when choosing a natural sweetener, you should pay attention to the composition. A healthy product should not contain chemicals and additional sweeteners. In addition, it is best to choose stevia without agave derivatives and silicon dioxide, which is added by manufacturers in order to maintain a good consistency of the product in the package.

Stevia – a sweetener that prevents the development of diabetes

Yu.S. Kotikovich

• Editorial staff of the Ukrainian Medical Journal

Summary. Its use contributes to the normalization of blood glucose levels

Why does stevia taste extremely sweet to us, but at the same time its use contributes to the normalization of blood glucose levels? Finding an answer to these questions was the goal of a study by scientists from the University of Leuven, Belgium. They determined that stevia stimulates the activity of a protein necessary for the process of sweet taste recognition and the release of insulin after a meal. The researchers believe that the findings open up new possibilities in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Stevia extract is a popular non-caloric sugar substitute. Some researchers believe that the use of the plant itself has a positive effect on glycemic control and contributes to the normalization of blood glucose levels, however, the mechanism underlying this effect has long remained unknown. In the course of this work, scientists led by Dr. Konrad Philippaert (Koenraad Philippaert) experimentally proved that the active components of the stevia extract – stevioside and steviol – stimulate TRPM5 ion channels. A protein called an ion channel is a microscopic pathway through which charged particles can enter and exit a cell.

TRPM5 is one of the most important channels involved in the process of sweet and bitter taste recognition. The use of stevia (through TRPM5 stimulation) enhances the sensitivity of taste buds. This may explain the extremely sweet taste of stevia and its bitter aftertaste. In addition, the scientists noted that TRPM5 is involved in controlling the level of insulin released by pancreatic cells after meals. This action prevents an excessive increase in glucose levels and contributes to the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by impaired insulin synthesis, often as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle.

The scientists explained that laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet for a long time eventually developed type 2 diabetes. At the same time, additional daily use of stevioside significantly reduced the risk of endocrine pathology. Scientists tend to explain this protective effect by stimulation of TRPM5.

The authors of the work believe that the obtained results can become the basis for the development of new methods of treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.