Stevia extract is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.
Being up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, it provides a potent way to replace added sugars in the diet while avoiding carbohydrates and their metabolic impacts.
Stevia has little to no carbohydrates, meaning it does not cause blood sugar spikes.
It can be a helpful tool for individuals managing diabetes or prediabetes.
Because it adds virtually zero calories to your diet, stevia is an excellent substitute for sugar in weight-loss and keto-friendly diets.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on standard sugar, creating enamel-degrading acids.
Stevia prevents these acidic conditions, actively helping in the prevention of cavities.
Some research suggests that stevia may have a vasodilatory effect—helping to expand blood vessels—which could assist in lowering blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.
Stevia contains natural compounds that combat oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially protecting against conditions like liver and kidney damage. Gut Health: Emerging studies indicate that natural stevia extracts can positively influence the gut microbiome’s alpha diversity.
In the U.S., stevia sweeteners are primarily found in table sugar products and reduced calorie beverages as sugar substitutes.
Extracts from the stevia leaf have been available as dietary supplements in the U.S. since the mid-1990s, and many contain a mixture of both sweet and non-sweet components of the stevia leaf.
The sweet components in stevia sweeteners are naturally occurring.
This may further benefit consumers who prefer foods and beverages they perceive as natural.
Worldwide, more than 5,000 food and beverage products currently use stevia as an ingredient. Stevia sweeteners are used as an ingredient in products throughout Asia and South America such as:
