Get to Know !! What is Stevia.

Stevia is a plant whose scientific name is Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni, native to Brazil. And it was discovered by South American scientists in 1887, which is 113 years ago. Originally, the Paraguayans used this sweet substance. Mix tea for more than 150 years, after which it was discovered by scientists. Japan It has been used extensively since 1982 and for Thailand. The stevia variety was planted in 1975, where it was found that the planting area was Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Phayao and Nan because it is a temperate plant. and will grow well at a height of 600-700 meters above sea level

Get to know stevia

Stevia is a long-term herbaceous plant in the family Astcraceac. It looks like basil or basil in our house. in stevia herb leaves It has the same anti-oxidants as green tea leaves. But there are highlights in terms of natural sweetness. which is equivalent to sugar Stevia leaves are 10-15 times sweeter. and when undergoing the extraction process to obtain stevia extract Also known as "Stevioside and Rebaudioside", which is a type of glycosides (Glycosides = an important group of organic compounds obtained from the extraction of higher plants), which this type of stevioside. There are many advantages that sugar in many aspects, such as not causing tooth decay. Able to withstand heat and acid Does not brown food when heated to a high temperature, can be cooked hot on the stove Not decomposed by microorganisms, therefore, when used in some types of cooking will not cause spoilage And most importantly for those who control weight. or those who are diabetic not absorbed in the digestive system therefore do not give energy No matter how much you eat, you won't get fat.

Research Conclusions of Stevia

Stevia has been used for a long time since the past. until more widespread when it becomes more popular Therefore, a study on the negative effects of stevia was published in 1985 by American scientist John M. Pezzuto and colleagues, which was published in the journal Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci. Stevia is dangerous Because it causes mutagenic or very high mutation in rats. As a result of this research The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that this grass is not safe. Do not use as a food additive. causing a wide family impact around the world including in Thailand

such research has led another scientist named Emily Procinska to continue his research. and make them know John M. Pezzuto's research is flawed. They published their own research in the journal Mutagenesis, indicating that stevia had no mutagenic effect, as evidenced by repeated experiments. And there are many other researches that have shown that Stevia is non-toxic. Or any carcinogens, but still the FDA has not suspended the ban in any way until the World Health Organization or WHO (World Health Organization) has reported the results of a detailed assessment of various research and has indicate that This grass is not harmful in any way until in 2009 the FDA has announced that. Stevia is a safe plant. and recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe).

In terms of research in Thailand, it was found that a research team from Chiang Mai University It can be concluded that the research results Stevia extract was safe in all cases, with the maximum safe oral dose being 7.938 mg/kg. This is very high compared to mixing in about 73 drinks per day, which the average person consumes only 1-2 glasses per day.

For the taste of stevia Many people who have just consumed it will know that it is very sweet unlike normal sugar. and smells like grass That's because of the herbal flavor that comes out of the stevia leaves. But when used to cook properly can create a variety of menus Or it can be brewed as a healthy drink as well.

Properties of stevia according to academic data

1. Stevia leaf herb increase strength (be healthy)

2. Help nourish the blood.

3. Regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Help to reduce blood fat

5. Helps nourish the pancreas