Stevia, belonging to the Asteraceae family, has gained immense importance because of its nutritional content that has beneficial effect on human health. Native to North America and South America, this herb is popular as an artificial sweetener and hence the name sweet leaf. Stevia is in fact 40 times sweeter than regular sugar but has no side effects on the body. Stevia contains rebaudiosides – the sweetening agent – that passes onto the digestive tract but does not get absorbed by bloodstream and hence does not increase blood sugar. Apart from rebaudiosides, stevia contains antioxidant compounds such as tannins, triterpenes, flavonoids, quercetin, etc. It is rich in minerals like potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium, etc. Vitamins present in stevia include vitamins A and C. All these nutrients help the body function better. Here is a list of the best health benefits of stevia.
Organicfacts – Top 7 Health Benefits of Stevia
