What Is Stevia: A Natural Sugar Substitute and Zero-Calorie Sweetener

Key characteristics of stevia

• Natural sweetener: Stevia is a plant-based sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, native to South America, making it a true natural sugar substitute
• Zero-calorie: The stevia sweetener provides sweetness without adding calories, making it attractive for weight management and diabetes control
• Intense sweetness: What is stevia? It's a sweetener that is 200-400 times sweeter than sugar, allowing for smaller quantities to achieve desired sweetness
• FDA approved: Stevia leaf extract is considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food and cosmetic products

Sweetness mechanism

• Branched glucosides: The stevia sweetener's taste comes from branched glucosides added by the enzyme UGT76G1 to stevioside and rebaudioside A compounds
• Taste bud interaction: The sweetness of this natural sugar substitute is due to multiple parts of the stevia molecule interacting with sweet taste buds on the tongue
• Unique enzyme structure: The UGT76G1 enzyme has a large cavity that allows for the addition of branched glucosides, distinguishing it from other glycosyltransferases in stevia plants

Health benefits

• Sugar reduction: Stevia sweetener helps in reducing added sugar intake while maintaining sweetness in foods and beverages
• Weight management: Replacing sugar with stevia can lead to calorie deficits and potential weight loss in overweight individuals
• Blood sugar control: What is stevia good for? It may help improve glucose regulation and reduce postprandial glucose and insulin levels
• Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest stevia consumption may improve lipid profiles and cardiometabolic health

Uses in food and beverages

• Sugar substitute: Stevia is widely used as a natural sugar substitute in various food and beverage products
• Trending ingredient: There has been a 27% increase in new product releases using stevia sweetener as an ingredient
• Popular categories: This natural sugar substitute is commonly used in soft drinks, hard seltzers, alcohol-based beverages, and sports nutrition products

Potential drawbacks

• Aftertaste: Some stevia products may have an unwanted metallic aftertaste due to the chemical structure of stevioside and RebA
• Overconsumption risk: While stevia sweetener itself is low-calorie, it may lead to overconsumption of other foods if not used mindfully

Other applications

• Skin care: Stevia leaf extract is used in cosmetic products for its potential benefits in calming blemishes, reducing wrinkles, and improving hydration
• Oral care: What is stevia used for besides food? It's used in some toothpaste formulations

FAQ

What is stevia and how does it differ from regular sugar?

Stevia is a natural sugar substitute derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Unlike regular sugar, stevia sweetener is calorie-free and 200-400 times sweeter, allowing for smaller quantities to achieve desired sweetness. It's a popular choice for those looking to reduce sugar intake while maintaining sweetness in foods and beverages.

Is stevia sweetener safe to consume?

Yes, stevia sweetener is considered safe for consumption. The FDA has approved stevia leaf extract as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in food and cosmetic products. However, as with any sweetener, it's best to consume stevia in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What are the health benefits of using stevia as a natural sugar substitute?

Using stevia as a natural sugar substitute can help reduce calorie intake, aid in weight management, and potentially improve blood sugar control. Some studies suggest that stevia may also have positive effects on cardiovascular health by improving lipid profiles and cardiometabolic health.

In what types of products is stevia sweetener commonly used?

Stevia sweetener is widely used as a natural sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. It's particularly popular in soft drinks, hard seltzers, alcohol-based beverages, and sports nutrition products. There has been a significant increase in new product releases using stevia as an ingredient.

Does stevia sweetener have any side effects or drawbacks?

While stevia is generally safe, some people may experience an unwanted metallic aftertaste with certain stevia products. Additionally, although stevia itself is low-calorie, it may lead to overconsumption of other foods if not used mindfully. It's important to use stevia as part of a balanced diet and not rely on it as a sole means of sugar reduction.