A sweetener for diabetic people
Stevia rebaudiana is a herbal plant native to South America( Brazil,Colombia and Paraguay).It is a short day plant growing up to 0.6 m.
Scientific Classification :-
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Tribe: | Eupatorieae |
| Genus: | Stevia |
It prefers fertile sandy acidic soil with shallow water tables.
Climate: Semi humid subtropical with temperature range of 21-43 degree celcius.
Chemical Properties
Stevia leaves contains di-terpenes glycosides mainly Stevioside and Rebaudioside.These are natural sweeteners with sweetening index 300 more than natural sugar.
1.Stevioside : These are stable upto 180 degree celcius.Used to sweeten baked and cooked foods.
2.Rebaudioside : Stable upto 100 degree celcius. Used as sweetener in cold beverages.
A potent natural sweetener to fight diabetes
The sweetening agents in the leaves have zero calorific value.It is excreated out of the body without being changed.It has been used as sweetener for tea,cold beverages and medicinal preparations in Brazil since long time.It has been reported to have hypo-glycemic in nature. Oviedo et al,reported significant fall in blood sugar levels 6-8 hrs. following the ingestion of stevia leaf extract in the diabetic person.However it does not cause any significant change in blood glucose levels of healthy individuals.
However it may not be recommended for children because of calorie concerns.
Stevia in India
The commercial name of Stevia rebaudiana is Madhu Patra (Sanskrit) in India.It means honey leaves or Sweet leaves.
Tested for cultivation in India in early 90's.
First commercial plant for stevia cultivation and leaf processing was established at Banglore.
Currently being cultivated among farmers in Kerala,Andhra Pradesh,Maharashtra,Gujrat,Assam and Himachal Pradesh.
Value added products made from stevia leaves are available on online shopping.http://www.procarvit.com/ this online offers free stevia sample in India.You can try it.It is also avialble on some of the medical stores in Metro cities.
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