| A good and natural sweetener is Stevia rebaudiana, indicated specially to be consumed in case of diabetic disease. It is a plant that grows in temperate climates and there are 150 species of it which can be used. |  |
The leaves of this plant have steviosides y rebaudosides, the main active components which gives the sweet flavour. Its leaves can even be sucked by a kid as if it were a candy.
The Guaraníes aborigines used this plant and they called it Kaá-heé, which means “sweet herb”.
In 1919, at the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary, in the Argentine Republic, Stevia leaves were analyzed and studied, and it was shows that they have a great sweetening power.
| In 1921 this Stevia leaves were recognized by the Unión Química Internacional (International Chemical Union) as a substance 300 times sweeter than sugar. |
In 1970 in Japan, the Sanitation Authorities discovered that this herb could be used as a sweetener; and Brazil, South Korea, Israel and China also adhered to this usage later on. It was Japan which discovered that Stevia leaves are innocuous.
When used as a sweetener, this herb is processed in such a way that appears as a crystalline white, odorless, hygroscopic, nonfermentative and sweet powder, even very soluble in water”.
These nice leaves are 30 times sweeter than sugar and have the advantage that they do not have calories as. This is because this sweetener is nonmetabolic, that is it provides a sweet flavour to drinks, infusions and meals, but it is not metabolized in the organism since it is noncaloric.
It also has therapeutic properties. The most important property is “hypoglicemiant”, that is, it helps to reduce blood sugar levels, which means that it is a glucose regulator.
It also directly stimulates pancreas beta cells generating a considerable insulin secretion.
Therapeutic Properties: It is highly hypotensor, diuretic, digestive, antacid, it regulates the Ph in the digestion and in the blood and urine.
It is very good for the respiratory tract.
It helps to reduce the cholesterol level. It is also a vasodilator agent, that is why it helps to reduce heart problems
This is also an antioxidant with characteristics similar to the Green Tea. It is an antimycotic agent, currently studies about its action in vaginal mycosis are been carried out.
Toothpastes are also manufactured with this herb since it helps to prevent the bleeding of gums and tooth decay.
In its natural state this herb contains iron, manganese and cobalt. It is soluble in cold and hot water. It does not caramelize or crystallize.
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