Rishikesh: Refined sugar is harmful to the body, eating more sugar increases the amount of calories in the body, which leads to weight gain and obesity. Sugar raises blood sugar levels. It also causes diabetes. Not only this, eating sugar increases the level of triglyceride and cholesterol in the blood, which invites heart diseases. Sugar is high in calories that increase the risk of certain cancers such as colorectal cancer, but stevia is a great alternative.
Stevia is a natural sweetener, sweeter and more beneficial than refined sugar. It contains zero calories, which makes it ideal for weight and diabetes control. The stevia plant belongs to the Asteraceae family and contains 8 types of glycoside compounds. These compounds are obtained from plants.
Dr Rajkumar (DUM) of Rishikesh-based Kayakalap Herbal Clinic said that stevia is a natural sweetener, mainly found in South America. It is also known as ‘Mithi Tulsi’. Stevia is a medicinal plant, also known as Madhuraguna. This medicine is as sweet as sugar and can be grown in the backyard or garden. This herb is very beneficial for diabetic patients as it contains zero calories and does not cause any harm. Apart from this, stevia can be used in the treatment of high blood pressure, hypertension, gas acidity, skin diseases etc. This medicine is also very beneficial in weight loss. It is also used to make sugar free products.
Benefits of Stevia
Stevia helps control blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. It contains high amounts of antioxidants, which eliminate free radicals from the body and strengthen the immune system. Stevia can also be used for skin and hair health. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce skin irritation and infection. Its regular use improves the skin and also improves the quality of hair. In addition, stevia is helpful in weight loss as it is calorie free and sweeter than sugar.
Can use in tea and coffee
Including stevia in the regular diet improves metabolism and helps reduce excess fat. Stevia can be used in place of sugar in tea, coffee, desserts and other recipes. This not only improves health but also reduces the risk of many serious diseases by consuming it. However, it should be used in moderation, as excessive consumption may cause stomach pain or other problems.
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