STEVIA, SEETLEAF

Latin: Stevia rebaudiana, Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

Latvian: stēvija (cukurpuķe)

Stevia is a perennial plant, 60-80 cm tall (very rarely more than 1 m). Visually, the

plant resembles a heavily branched bush, but it is not classified as a shrub or semi-

shrub. Root system fringed. The roots are thread-like, weakly branched, up to 60 cm

long. The stem is erect, cylindrical, branched and covered with leaves. Leaves

simple, cross-opposite, entire, without leaflets. The leaf is inverted oval with a weakly

toothed edge. The flowers are white, small, five together in one inflorescence -

cymes, which form a complex inflorescence. The seeds are small, 2-3 mm.

Stevia leaves are used for medicinal purposes. The leaves contain many valuable

substances - diterpene glycoside stevioside (<7%) and other glycosides, vitamin A,

C, P, E, as well as trace elements, flavonoids - rutin, quercetin, etc., essential oils,

tannins, polysaccharides and fibers.

MEDICINAL SIGNIFICANCE

Stevia has a tonic, body-strengthening and preventive effect.

Studies have determined that stevia does not promote fermentation processes in the

intestinal tract, nor does it form deposits on the teeth and does not promote the

formation of bacterial colonies on them that cause caries.

Biologically active substances do not break down under the influence of

temperature, therefore, the plant can also be added to heat-treated foods.

The sweet taste is given to the plant by glucoside - stevioside. In small amounts,

stevia creates the perception of a sweet taste, but in large amounts, this taste

already remains bitter. Stevia in its natural form (fresh) is 10-15 times sweeter than

the sugar we are used to, while the extract of stevizoids is already 300 times

sweeter. Also, two more glycosides were found in stevia, which are 400-500 times

sweeter than beet sugar in terms of sweetness.

Today, steviosides are the sweetest, natural product that has been discovered. It

does not have calories and other negative properties, like classic sugar, steviosides -

it is the most ideal sugar substitute. Also, stevia is much healthier than artificial

sweeteners. Stevia can be used in diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders.

Stevia preparations restore strength after nervous exhaustion and physical overload.Using the plant relieves fatigue, increases muscle strength and dynamics. In this

way, stevia becomes valuable for athletes and people who engage in physically or

mentally demanding work. Stevia slows down aging processes.

NOT RECOMENDED FOR USE

Side effects have not been observed when using stevia. It can be used by both

children and elderly people. Scientists have determined that the substances in stevia

are completely harmless to humans.

An exception may be individual intolerance of a substance!

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