Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is notable for its ability to produce sweetness without raising blood sugar, thanks to the presence of special compounds called steviol glycosides. These are naturally occurring compounds, including stevioside and rebaudioside A, which are 200-300 times sweeter than regular sucrose. However, the special thing is that they contain no calories and do not cause a rise in blood sugar when consumed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), steviol glycosides provide natural sweetness because they interact with taste receptors on the tongue, creating a sweet sensation similar to sugar. However, when entering the body, they are not broken down into glucose like regular sugar. Instead, they are metabolized mainly in the intestines without participating in the process of increasing blood sugar. This helps consumers feel the sweetness without worrying about increasing blood sugar levels.
In addition, stevia also has the ability to support blood sugar reduction through a number of other mechanisms. First, studies show that stevia can improve insulin sensitivity - a hormone that helps transport glucose from the blood into cells for use as energy. This helps reduce blood sugar levels after meals. Second, stevia can also slow the absorption of glucose from the small intestine into the blood, helping to prevent sudden increases in blood sugar.
Thanks to these properties, stevia is not only a safe sugar alternative for diabetics or those looking to control their weight, but also acts as a natural herb that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
