Health Benefits of Stevia

Almost everybody wants to have a great sweet tasting coffee drink and Stevia is one of the sugar substitutes that can actually add a dose of sweetness to your everyday coffee.

Stevia is a class of shrub and herb which is in the sunflower family.  It is commonly known as sweet leaf and sugar leaf because of its sweet taste.   Stevia plants are native to the rainforests of Paraguay.   According to history, Paraguay’s Guarani Indians have been using Stevia to enhance the taste of their beverages and medicines for more than 1500 years.    In fact, the word “Stevia” originated from the name, Petrus Jacobus Stevus, a Spanish botanist and physician who researched about Stevia plants in 1500s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Stevia has some sweet compounds which do not have any carcinogenic activity. It contains most of the important vitamins and minerals required for good health.   Since it is a plant, it has a lot of phytonutrients.  

According to research, the following are the health benefits of Stevia:

1. Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
2. Lowers elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
3. Reduces gas and stomach acidity
4. Good for obesity
5. Good for hair and scalp
6. Good for gums and teeth
7. Can increases energy level
8. Can increases mental acuity
9. May help with wrinkles, fine lines, skin blemishes, dermatitis, eczema, acne outbreaks, scarring, rashes, itchiness, chapped lips and other skin problems

Gastritis

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an irritation of the lining of stomach often caused by medications, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, spicy or acidic food, skipping of meals and emotional stress. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

People with chronic gastritis have been shown to be infected with bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) and require special tests and possibly antibiotic treatment to cure their condition.

Signs And Symptoms

1. stomach pain concentrated at the upper portion of the abdomen
2. crampy, spastic and burning sensation in the stomach
3. abdominal bloating
4. indigestion
5. hiccups
6. loss of appetite
7. nausea
8. vomiting
9. black, tarry stools

Diagnosis

1. upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
2. biopsy of the stomach lining
3. blood test
4. stool test

Medications

1. Antacids (Kremil S, Maalox)
2. Acid blocking medicines (Axid, Prevacid, Losec, Nexium, Zantac)
3. Medicines that control vomiting
4. Stay away from spicy food, alcohol, acidic fruit juices, softdrinks, chocolates, coffee, tea, milk and milk products.
5. Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid.
6. Don't skip meals.
7. Manage stress appropriately.