A Brief about the main ingredient i.e. Stevia
Latin Name: Stevia Rebaudiana
Family: Chrysanthemum
Common Name: Stevia
Parts Used: Leaves
Introduction:
Although stevia has been used for last more than 20 years in the countries like Japan, Paraguay, Brazil etc. but now has created a mark by becoming the certified safe sweetener in USA (FDA) & Australia etc. Stevia leaves have functional and sensory properties superior to those of many other high potency sweeteners. Stevia is likely to become a major source of high potency sweetener for the growing natural food market in the future. Although Stevia can be helpful to anyone, there are certain groups who are more likely to benefit from its remarkable sweetening potential. These include diabetics, those interested in decreasing caloric intake, and children.
Description:
Stevia rebaudiana is a small perennial growing up to 65-80cm tall, with sessile, oppositely arranged leaves. Different species of Stevia contain several potential sweetening compounds, with Stevia rebaudiana being the sweetest of all. Stevia is a semi-humid subtropical plant that can be grown easily like any other vegetable crop even in the kitchen garden. The soil should be in the pH range of 6.5-7.5; well-drained red soil and sandy loam soil. Saline soils should be avoided to cultivate this plant.
Contribution:
Stevia is been successfully cultivated in the recent years at many areas of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerela and Orissa. The increasing demands for natural sweeteners have driven the farmers in India for Stevia cultivation in large scale.
Uses of Stevia:
. Stevia is safe for diabetics, as it does not affect blood sugar levels but infect support Immune System and has regulatory effects on the Pancreas.
. Stevia does not have the neurological or renal side effects as of some of the artificial sweeteners.
. Stevia possess anti-fungal and anti-bacterial property also in addition to its other versatile uses. It can be safely used in herbal medicines, tonics for diabetic patients and also in the daily usage products like mouthwashes, and tooth pastes.
. Mild Stevia Sweetener tea offers excellent relief for an upset stomach and being a low calorie sweetener it aids Weight Management too.
