Stevia rebaudiana leaf/stem extract is a sweet-tasting extract obtained from Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia gained its fame in 2010 as a natural sweetener and alternative to sugar, although there has been some controversy regarding its safety.
According to the latest reviews, it is considered safe to use as a sweetener in moderate amounts. The compounds responsible for the sweet taste are steviol and its glycosides – which are 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. The only problem is its aftertaste, which some people report as bitter and unpleasant.
Stevia rebaudiana leaf/stem extract can also be added to skincare products and lip balms as a sweetener.
Science
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Salehi, B., López, M. D., Martínez-López, S., Victoriano, M., Sharifi-Rad, J., Martorell, M., F Rodrigues, C., & Martins, N. (2019). Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni bioactive effects: From in vivo to clinical trials towards future therapeutic approaches. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 33(11), 2904–2917.
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