Stevia

Stevia is a sweetener and sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana, native to Brazil and Paraguay. The active compounds of stevia are steviol glycosides (mainly stevioside and rebaudioside), which have up to 150 times the sweetness of sugar, are heat-stable, pH-stable, and not fermentable. The body does not metabolize the glycosides in stevia, so it contains zero calories, making it a popular sweetener choice for people on carbohydrate-controlled diets.

History

The use of stevia as a sweetener has a long history, dating back to the indigenous Guarani people of South America, who used it for more than 1,500 years. The first recorded use by Europeans was by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. However, it was not until the 20th century that stevia was studied for its sweetening properties, leading to its commercial cultivation in various countries.

Cultivation

Stevia is now cultivated worldwide, with China, Kenya, and the United States being among the top producers. The plant prefers sandy, well-drained soils and subtropical climates with ample sunlight. It is propagated from cuttings rather than seeds, as the germination rate from seeds is low.

Extraction and Production

The sweet compounds of stevia are extracted through a process of harvesting the leaves, drying them, water extraction, and then purification. This process results in a high-purity stevia extract that is used in various food and beverage products.

Health and Regulatory Status

Stevia's health benefits, due to its non-caloric nature, include potential for weight control, blood sugar control, and dental health. It has been approved for use as a sweetener and food additive by many international food safety authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

Uses

Stevia is used in a wide range of food and beverage products, including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, sauces, and confectionery. It is also available as a tabletop sweetener for consumer use.

Controversies and Research

While generally recognized as safe, some studies have raised concerns about potential health effects of stevia, including effects on blood sugar and reproductive health. However, these studies often involve doses much higher than those typically consumed by humans.

Environmental Impact

The cultivation of stevia has been noted for its low environmental impact compared to traditional sugar crops. It requires less water, and because it is much sweeter than sugar, less land is needed to produce the same amount of sweetness.

Conclusion

Stevia represents a significant advancement in the search for natural, low-calorie sweeteners. Its growing popularity reflects a shift towards healthier dietary choices and sustainability in food production.