Stevia Leaf Extract
Stevia Leaf Extract
Snapshot
Stevia Leaf Extract is a concentrated source of steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana leaves, offering intense natural sweetness without calories and supporting healthy blood sugar balance.
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What is Stevia Leaf Extract?
Stevia Leaf Extract is the purified form of steviol glycosidesโprimarily rebaudiosideโฏA and steviosideโobtained directly from the dried leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It delivers highโpotency sweetness in a stable powder or liquid form.
Where It Comes From
Fresh stevia leaves are harvested, dried, and subjected to water or ethanol extraction to isolate steviol glycosides. The crude extract undergoes purification and decolorization steps before sprayโdrying into a fine white powder or formulating into a liquid concentrate.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides a standardized blend of steviol glycosidesโchiefly rebaudiosideโฏA (up to 95%) and steviosideโalong with trace flavonoids and phenolic compounds that contribute to antioxidant activity.
Health Benefits
Stevia Leaf Extract delivers sweetness without affecting blood glucose or insulin levels; supports calorie reduction and healthy weight management; exhibits antioxidant properties; and may help maintain healthy blood pressure in sensitive individuals.
Recommended Dosage
Typical dosing of purified extract ranges from 200โฏmg to 1โฏg of steviol glycosides per day (equivalent to 4โฏmg/kg body weight per day). Follow product labeling to ensure intake stays within acceptable daily limits.
How to Use It
Use powder or liquid extract to sweeten beverages, cooking, baking, or tabletop use. Begin with small amounts due to high sweetness potency and adjust to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
Who Should Use It?
Ideal for individuals seeking zeroโcalorie sweeteners, those managing blood sugar or weight, and anyone replacing sugar in diets. Not recommended for those allergic to stevia or with known sensitivity to sugar alcohols in blended products.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Generally well tolerated. Some may experience mild digestive discomfort or a bitter aftertaste at high doses. Avoid combining with other highโintensity sweeteners if sensitive to flavor profiles. Discontinue if adverse reactions occur.
Final Thoughts
Stevia Leaf Extract is a versatile, plantโbased sweetening solution that supports metabolic health goals when used responsibly within recommended daily limits.
Scientific Studies
CarakostasโฏMC, CurryโฏLL, BoileauโฏAC, BrusickโฏDJ. Overview: the history, technical function, and safety of rebaudiosideโฏA, a naturally occurring steviol glycoside, and its use in food and beverages. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008;46(Supplโฏ7):S1โS10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.05.027
ChatsudthipongโฏV, MuanprasatโฏC. Stevioside and related compounds: therapeutic benefits beyond sweetness. Pharmacol Ther. 2009;121(1):41โ54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2008.09.009
GeeraertโฏB, VandenbergheโฏK, Van CampโฏJ, Van BeeumenโฏJ. The antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive effects of stevioside in humans. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;101(1โ3):139โ143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.010