Stevia- A wonder plant for sweetening food
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Times' and did some study about it. I found the following which is
quite interesting for those suffering with diabetes and skin diseases
and also will help agriculturists with a new way of making more money
than sugar cane cultivation which requires large areas and also lots
of water. The stevia plant consumes less water, does not require that
much attention, can grow anywhere and the leaves contains around 150
to 300 times more sweetener. The process of sugar extraction is simple
and much less expensive.
In Paraguay there is a herb called Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)
which for generations is used as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. It
has an added advantage is that it is having no caloric to offer to
people who consume it. It is also sold in USA as a dietary
supplement. Stevia even though belongs to Paraguay it can be grown in
any part of the world whether cold or hot. . Stevia's leaf is
estimated to be 150 to 300 times sweeter than refined sugar.
Stevia plant is found to have insect repelling properties so it is
possible to grow them even in your back yards, sit out or
terraces.
It's easy to grow, very good sweetener, contains medicinal properties,
is non-caloric, safe to cook with, and has great potential in
agriculture. It's widely used in South America and Asia. . Stevia's
leaf is estimated to be 150 to 300 times sweeter than refined sugar.
It is difficult to raise plants from seeds and hence it is advisable
to buy the plants from a nursery and grow them to full plants. Too
much watering could spoil the plants and hence care may be taken to
see that watering is done under supervision. Fertilizers could be
added to them for a better growth.
The leaves of the Stevia contain the sweetness along with the stems
and hence the tips of the stems can also be cut and used. The stems
contain as much stevioside as the leaves. The cuttings from the
plants can be used to raise new plants since the Stevia looses its
productivity after 3 years.
Once we collect all the leaves we have to dry the leaves either in sun
or inside a well ventilated room with dry air. Or in full sun for
about 2 days. Or you could even use a drier. But again, if the drying
is for long then the stevioside is reduced.
Now comes the final part of extracting the sweetness from the plant.
Now the dried leaves . are crushed either manually or even we can
use coffee blender or mixer or we could make the liquid stevia by
mixing with half glass of warm water to the dried leaves of stevia.
This liquid should be allowed to settle and keep in refrigerator for
use.?
Medicinal uses
It is found that by using Stevia for many years , it is possible to
reduce blood sugar levels in patients who suffer from diabetes. South
Americans who are diabetic have used Stevia for years as a sugar
supplement and had no need for insulin. There is a report in
Australian national Broadcasting company's report (http://
www.abc.net.au) stevia can be when consumed in droplets with meals
could bring down glucose levels to near normal levels.
Naturalists and users of this Stevia in North America say that by
using Stevia they are having less bouts of cold and Influenza . It can
also reduce appetite and reduce in the food intake and hence reduce
the weight of the person consuming it. Stevia leaf contains various
vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and C, zinc, rutin,
magnesium and iron also.
The Healthfree.com website also espouses stevia's use for skin care.
It can be applied to enhance the skin's appearance or to heal acne and
other blemishes and skin disorders including dermatitis, eczema and
seborrhea. The website also reports that stevia can be used to heal
cuts and scratches quickly and without scarring.