Are you looking for a sugar substitute to support your endeavor to lose weight or because you are diabetic? Stevia extract may just be the answer to your need. This natural sweetener does not just sweeten your drink or food without the extra calories and effect on blood sugar levels, it also offers other health benefits.

Stevia extract is a white powder that comes from the herb with the same name belonging to the family of Chrysanthemums and daisies. Its green leaves hold huge quantities of the sweetener, stevioside, which is rated to be 250 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar.

Stevia extract can be used as an aid in weight loss by suppressing your craving for sweets and fatty foods without the calories. It is suitable for diabetes patients as it does affect blood sugar levels. It has also been shown in studies to have anti-hypertensive effects, without affecting normotensive people. Children can also have this sweet treat without becoming hyperactive and exposing them to the danger of forming tooth cavities. On the contrary, it has been reported by some people to significantly improve their oral health by adding them to their toothpaste and using its diluted form as a daily mouthwash. This is because, it is believed to hinder the growth and spread of bacteria and other infectious organisms. This anti-bacterial property may be the reason why products enhanced with this natural sweetener have been reported to reduce ocurrence of colds and flu.

Stevia extract has also been credited for improving digestion and gastrointestinal function by soothing upset stomachs and facilitating rapid recovery from minor ailments.



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