Zandu Ayurvedic Stevia Products (Natural Sweeteners)

Sweet Wellness: Explore Ayurvedic Stevia Products from Zanducare

Stevia, derived from a bushy shrub belonging to the sunflower family, is widely recognised as one of the most popular sweeteners available today. Its origins can be traced back to North and South America, specifically Brazil and Paraguay, although it also thrives in Japan and China. Remarkably, it is one of the oldest sweeteners known to mankind, with historical evidence suggesting its use in sweetening tea and beverages as early as the 16th century.

Regarded highly in Ayurveda, Stevia holds value as both herbal medicine and a completely natural nutritive sweetener. Notably, it possesses an almost negligible calorie content, making it a highly effective alternative to artificial sweeteners and those high in calories. As a result, it serves as a preventive measure against specific ailments that can arise from excessive sugar consumption, including diabetes and obesity.

What is Stevia or Natural Sweetener?

Stevia Rebaudiana, a sunflower family member, is a widely cultivated plant initially discovered in South America. For centuries, the indigenous populations in that region have utilised Stevia to sweeten their bitter medications. This remarkable plant possesses a sweetness 300 times stronger than sugar while containing zero calories. Moreover, numerous studies have validated its natural and safe consumption. With these attributes, Stevia is a wholesome substitute for added sugar in various meals and beverages, undoubtedly making it a good choice.

Referred to as Madhupatra in Ayurvedic practices, Stevia is acknowledged for its medicinal properties. It goes by several other names, including Seeni Tulasi, Madhu Pattha, and Madhu Parani.

Nutritional Value of Stevia

Stevia is primarily recognised for its sweet leaves, making them an ideal sugar substitute. However, it is essential to note that Stevia also harbours a rich array of antioxidant compounds, including triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, kaempferol, caffeic acid, and quercetin.

Furthermore, a stevia plant contains various beneficial components such as protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, vitamin C and vitamin A. Nonetheless, when Stevia is consumed as a natural sweetener form, these additional elements are present in negligible amounts. Instead, it is the presence of the smaller organic compounds that contribute to the numerous health benefits associated with Stevia.

Benefits of Stevia (Natural Sweetener)

Using Stevia offers numerous advantages. The sweetness in Stevia originates from a plant source that can be cultivated in your garden, similar to chrysanthemums. Many rely on Stevia plant leaves to sweeten their tea and other beverages naturally.

For individuals with diabetes, Stevia is a highly recommended alternative for sweetening their food and drinks. By incorporating ayurvedic Stevia products, they can enjoy hot and cold beverages with a delightful sweetness while remaining conscious about their health. This allows them to relish the pleasant taste without consuming detrimental carbohydrates in artificial sweeteners.

1. Manage Diabetes 

Stevia offers many health benefits, and one notable advantage is its ability to assist in blood sugar management. Foods with a Glycaemic Index (GI) below 50 are considered safe for individuals with diabetes. Regular table sugar, with a GI of 65, falls on the higher end of the scale, which goes up to 100. In contrast, Stevia has a GI of 0, meaning it does not impact blood sugar levels.

By incorporating natural sweeteners, it is possible to reduce overall calorie and carbohydrate intake, which is beneficial for managing diabetes. Studies have shown that consuming Stevia with a meal resulted in lower blood sugar levels than those who consumed other sweeteners. Therefore, Stevia can be a valuable tool in maintaining blood sugar control and supporting individuals with diabetes.

2. Helps in Weight Management

Stevia, a natural sugar substitute, benefits individuals aiming to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a non-nutritive sweetener, it contains minimal to no calories, setting it apart from other sugar substitutes. Excessive sugar consumption is a significant contributor to obesity and weight gain. However, by transitioning to Stevia, you can relish the sweetness in your favourite treats and beverages without the adverse effects associated with sugar. This natural sweetener allows you to enjoy the flavours you love while supporting your weight management goals and promoting a healthier overall lifestyle.

3. Regulates Blood Pressure

Stevioside belongs to a group of compounds known as glycosides, and within Stevia, other glycosides possess beneficial effects. These glycosides can promote blood vessel relaxation, enhance urination, and aid in eliminating sodium from the body. As a result, the cardiovascular system experiences reduced stress, leading to a potential decrease in blood pressure. This protective effect contributes to preserving heart health and serves as a preventive measure against conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

4. Cancer Prevention

With its diverse array of antioxidant compounds, Stevia offers great potential as a dietary supplement for cancer prevention. The presence of quercetin, kaempferol, and other glycoside compounds in Stevia assists in neutralising free radicals within the body, inhibiting the transformation of healthy cells into cancerous ones.

Furthermore, the antioxidants present in Stevia play a crucial role in preventing premature ageing, cognitive impairment, and the development of serious conditions such as heart disease. By incorporating Stevia into one's diet, individuals can harness the protective properties of these antioxidant compounds, contributing to their overall well-being and reducing the risk of various ailments.

5. Child Health

To support children's growth, they must receive an adequate intake of essential micronutrients. Incorporating naturally sourced Stevia into their diets can help reduce the consumption of artificial sweets. Nowadays, various products are available that utilise Stevia as a natural sweetener. These include salad dressings and snack bars, among others. By opting for such products, children can maintain regulated blood sugar levels, thus contributing to overall health and minimising the risk of illnesses or diseases.

6. Allergy free

One notable advantage of the Stevia plant is its non-allergenic nature. Natural plants like Stevia are considered safe for individuals of all ages. The organic and herbal composition of the plant ensures its safety in various food applications.

Stevia offers a beneficial alternative to artificial sweetening products for individuals with potential allergy risks. By utilising Stevia, they can avoid potential allergens while still enjoying the sweetness in their beverages and dishes, safeguarding their health and preventing allergic reactions.

The glycosides found in the Stevia plant are non-reactive and natural, making them highly unlikely to trigger allergies. There is no documented evidence of allergies related to Stevia consumption, further emphasising its safety profile.

Types of Stevia in Ayurveda with The Recommended Dosage

In the case of ayurvedic treatment, Meethi Tulsi or Stevia may be used for creating different forms of herbal medications. It is most commonly used to form all-natural stevia drops or tablets. If you are worried about the right dosage of Stevia when taking it in tablet or drops form, you are advised to follow this dosage information:

1. Stevia Drops

Add three to five drops of all-natural stevia drops in your beverages or dessert once or twice a day.

2. Stevia Tablets

Add one or two tablets of Meethi Tulsi or all-natural stevia powder or as much as you need in your beverage or Stevia two times a day or as the physician recommends.

How to Use Stevia?

Here are a few helpful tips if you're wondering how to incorporate Stevia into your daily routine. Firstly, you can replace your regular table sugar with Stevia. Mix it into your coffee or tea for a delightful and relaxing beverage experience. Remember that the Stevia plant's sweetening power is high, so a pinch of Stevia equals approximately one tablespoon of table sugar.

Expand your usage of natural sugar by adding it to other foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, lemonade, cereal, smoothies, and unsweetened yoghurt. If you enjoy baking, consider substituting Stevia for sugar in your recipes. It's important to note that Stevia may leave a subtle aftertaste reminiscent of liquorice.

Furthermore, you can incorporate Stevia into various homemade dishes as a great sugar substitute that helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels. It's worth mentioning that Stevia is approximately ten times sweeter than regular sugar so you can achieve desired sweetness with smaller amounts. Embrace the benefits of Stevia, knowing that it has no known side effects and boasts a long shelf life, allowing you to sweeten your food confidently.

List of Stevia (Natural Sweetener) Products Zanducare Products

1. Stevia (Meethi Tulsi) - Table Top Sweetener

Zandu Stevia Powder is a stevia product derived from Stevia extract, sourced entirely from natural ingredients, offering a suitable form of this time-tested health benefactor. This Stevia powder is suitable for individuals with diabetes, and regularly substituting sugar in your diet with Zandu Stevia natural can assist in maintaining healthy sugar levels, acting as a supportive companion on your wellness journey. Zandu Stevia powder effortlessly replaces sugar in various culinary creations such as cakes, sweets, desserts, and hot and cold beverages. With its wide range of applications, Zandu Stevia lets you enjoy your favourite treats while prioritising your health.

2. Stevia (Meethi Tulsi) Tablets

Zandu Stevia tablets are created using Stevia extract, sourced entirely from a 100% natural and reliable source, providing valuable health benefits. This diabetic-friendly product is entirely safe for consumption. The tablets are free from added preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours, offering zero calories per serving. Designed with consumer convenience in mind, these tablets are simple to consume, allowing you to conveniently replace your regular sugar with this Stevia tablet in your beverages throughout the day. Embrace the benefits of Zandu Stevia tablets as a healthy and flavourful alternative to traditional sugar.

Source

• Stevia offers many health benefits, and one notable advantage is its ability to assist in blood sugar management. (NIH)
• For individuals with diabetes, Stevia is a highly recommended alternative for sweetening their food and drinks. (NIH)
• Notably, it possesses an almost negligible calorie content, making it a highly effective alternative to artificial sweeteners and those high in calories. (NIH)
• With its diverse array of antioxidant compounds, Stevia offers great potential as a dietary supplement for cancer prevention. (NIH)