Stevia Leaf Extract
Specifications of Stevia Leaf Extract
Sweetening Components: Mainly steviol glycosides such as Rebaudioside A and Stevioside, often standardized for content (e.g., 95% Rebaudioside A in some products).
Density: Approximately 1.6 g/cm³ density; bulk density about 100-120 ml/100 g powder.
Shelf Life: About 2 years if stored in original packaging, in dry, cool conditions away from odors.
What is Stevia Leaf Extract
Stevia Leaf Extract is a natural, concentrated sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay. The extract contains compounds called steviol glycosides, primarily stevioside and rebaudioside A, that are responsible for its intense sweetness—200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) but without calories.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Odorless white to off-white crystalline powder or fine crystals.
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, making it easy to use in beverages and foods.
Melting Point: 220 °C
Nutritional Information
Proteins: Stevia leaves contain about 11.2–16.0 g protein per 100 g of dried leaves.
Carbohydrates: Approximately 62 g per 100 g dried leaves.
Lipids/Fats: Around 1.9–3.7 g per 100 g dried leaves, including essential fatty acids like palmitic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids.
Dietary Fiber: Between 6.8 and 15.2 g per 100 g dried leaves.
Calories: Vary depending on form; dried leaves provide energy mainly from carbs and fiber, but purified stevia extracts are virtually calorie-free.
Stevia Leaf Extract Benefits
Stevia Leaf Extract offers several health benefits primarily due to its natural compounds, especially steviol glycosides and bioactive phytochemicals. Key benefits include:
Helps Maintain Blood Sugar Levels: Stevia leaf extract can help regulate and lower blood sugar, making it a suitable natural sweetener for people with diabetes by reducing glucose spikes after meals.
Supports Weight Loss: Being non-caloric and low in carbohydrates, stevia reduces caloric intake compared to sugar and may also help suppress appetite and cravings.
Improves Cholesterol Levels: Studies show stevia leaf consumption can reduce total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides, while increasing beneficial HDL cholesterol without adverse effects.
Exhibits Antimicrobial Properties: Stevia extracts have demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activity, suggesting potential for promoting oral and general microbial health.
Supports Healthy Inflammatory Response: Stevia has anti-inflammatory effects and can modulate immune function, helping decrease inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, asthma, allergies, and colitis.
Potential Cardiovascular Support: Some evidence suggests stevia compounds may dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure, though findings are mixed and more research is needed.
Antioxidant Effects: Stevia contains phenolic compounds that neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage, which may contribute to benefits against aging and chronic diseases.