Helps lower blood sugar and treat hyperlipidemia
The sweetness in stevia is mainly due to steviol glycosides, which are about 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Stevia contains more than 30 different steviol glycosides, of which stevioside and rebaudioside A have high content, creating the characteristic sweetness of this plant. Stevia is used as a sweetener to replace sugar and has many other effects such as anti-hypertension, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidation, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and improving kidney function.
Stevia contains substances that can increase insulin sensitivity, improving the effect of insulin in transporting glucose into skeletal muscle. Consuming stevia extract for 8 weeks caused random blood sugar levels to decrease by 73.2% and fasting blood sugar to decrease by 66.1%.
Another study also showed that stevia extract can reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides... This is the basis for treating hyperlipidemia and obesity.
How to use stevia
The parts used of stevia are the young buds and leaves of the stevia plant. The accepted daily intake of stevia is 4 mg/kg.
Stevia is commonly used as a tea. Stevia leaf powder can replace regular sugar as a sweetener in foods, drinks or recipes. Take fresh leaves (amount depends on need) and wash with water. Let dry in a dark, dry place. When the leaves are dry, grind into powder, put in a container, and cover tightly.
One thing to note is that powdered stevia is 10 to 15 times sweeter than table sugar. One ground stevia leaf is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of white sugar. One teaspoon of stevia is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.
Support diabetes treatment with stevia: Take about 2.5g of dried stevia leaves, boil and drink 1-2 times/day for a long time. However, before using, you should consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage for your condition.
How to use for weight control: Take 5-10g of dried stevia leaves, boil and divide into several times to drink during the day. Use continuously for many days.
