Used for hundreds of years by the Guarani Indians of South America to sweeten drinks and food for weight management and traditional medicines, Stevia's popularity has skyrocketed in the last 3 years. Since 2014, its worldwide market value has grown from 336 million US to a projected 578 million US in 2017, an increase of more than 70%.[1]
Worldwide Market Value of Stevia 2014 and 2017
According to 2016 US Census data, over 138 million Americans, or almost half the population, used sugar substitutes in 2016.
Why has Stevia become so popular?
This natural sweetener derived from the Stevia plant can taste 200 - 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar, has no calories or carbohydrates and has no impact on the glycaemic index, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes and those on carbohydrate-controlled diets.
Sweetener: artificial vs. natural
Since the late 1880's when the first artificial sweetener, saccharine, was created accidentally by two John Hopkins University scientists[1], there has been an ongoing struggle between the market desire and the safety concerns for low calorie sugar substitutes.
These sugar substitutes which include aspartame, acesulfame K, sucralose and neotame, provide a sweet taste like sugar while containing significantly less food energy.
Stevia FDA approved in 2008
With research studies indicating that the regular use of artificial sweeteners may contribute to health issues such as tooth decay, weight gain, obesity and cardiovascular disease, Stevia was generally recognized as safe ("GRAS") and added to the FDA list of food additives in 2008. Since then, it has been used as a natural sweetener in hundreds of food and beverage applications produced by well-known companies including market giants PepsiCo, Coca Cola and Hain Celestial Group.
Benefits of Stevia
The steviol glycosides, stevioside and rabaudioside A are the main active compounds that give Stevia its natural sweetness, 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar. These glycosides are just two of the seven glycosides found in Stevia leaves.
Stevia also contains the phytochemicals quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, and chlorogenic acid, which may contribute to healthy weight management and heart health. Human studies have shown that taking Stevia as a supplement may help support healthy blood pressure, blood sugar and uric acid levels. Stevia may also help improve oral health, digestion and help maintain healthy hair and scalp.
Product Specifications and Applications
NP Nutra's Organic Stevia P.E. 90% is composed of 90% Steviol glycosides with >40% Rebaudioside A (Reb a). Produced in an ISO 22000 certified facility, this soluble fine white powder is organic and processed without chemicals or GMO additives, unlike many available stevia extracts on the market. It can be used as a stand-alone sugar substitute or in combination with other alternative sweeteners such as erythritol, monkfruit, nopal and xylitol.
Stevia works particularly well with dairy products such as yogurts, ice cream, smoothies, functional beverages and foods. It is also used in skincare products, helping to tighten skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Contact us for a sample and the special promotional price we have this summer for Stevia P.E. 90% (organic).
References:
1) https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/8846759/Nill,_Ashley_-_The_History_of_Aspartame.pdf?sequence=3
2) https://www.statista.com/statistics/329748/stevia-s-global-market-value/
