An Overview on Stevia: A Natural Calorie Free Sweetener

Abstract

Various sweetening agents are available in the market. Among all stevia rebaudiana is one which can be utilized by diabetics. Stevia not only imparts the sweet taste but also maintain the normal sugar level and also suitable for high blood pressure patients. Along with that the least quantity can produce sufficient sweetness because it is about 320 times sweeter than table sugar. There are over 80 species of stevia however sweetening properties have been found in Stevia rebaudiana. Due to its sweetness property it has wide range in home-made recipes, in soft drinks, in ayurvedic formulations and allied Industries. It’s found calorie free, non toxic in acute toxicity studies with rats, rabbies, guinea pig.