This type of leaf has been shown to have health benefits for people with diabetes and obesity, positively impacting cardiovascular health and skin.

Amidst the trend of healthy living and the need to reduce sugar in daily diets, a type of natural herb is gaining increasing attention for its impressive sweetness yet almost zero calories. This is stevia – a type of herb often referred to as "natural sugar," with a sweetness that can be 200-300 times greater than cane sugar.

Not only is stevia used to make tea and refreshing drinks, but it also appears in many products for people on diets and those trying to control their weight. So what is stevia, does it really not cause weight gain, and how should it be used correctly? Let's find out in detail.

 This type of sweet leaf is 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, has a refreshing taste, is not fattening, and does not cause weight gain.

What is stevia?

Stevia, commonly known as sweet grass, is an herbaceous plant native to South America. Its leaves contain compounds that create a natural sweetness, most notably stevioside and rebaudioside A.

The special thing is that these substances create a very strong sweet taste, but the body hardly absorbs them like regular sugar, so the calorie count is almost zero.

It is precisely because of this characteristic that stevia is often used as a sweetener in:

• herbal tea
• detox water
• Cakes for people on a diet
• Products for people who need to control their blood sugar.

Why is stevia 300 times sweeter than cane sugar?

The sweetness of stevia does not come from sucrose like cane sugar, but from a group of natural glycosides that have a very high sweetness level.

Just a very small amount of stevia leaves or stevia extract powder is enough to add a distinctly sweet flavor to a large pot of tea or a large glass of water.

For example:

• 1 teaspoon of cane sugar ≈ just a few stevia leaves
• A pinch of stevia powder can replace a few teaspoons of sugar.

As a result, users can significantly reduce their daily sugar intake.

It's refreshing to drink, not fattening, and won't cause weight gain.

This is why stevia is favored by many healthy eaters.

Because it contains almost no calories, stevia does not provide excess energy like refined sugar.

This means that when using stevia to replace sugar in tea or drinks, you can:

• Reduce your daily calorie intake.
• Limit fat accumulation
• weight management support
• Reduce cravings for sweets.

Especially for those on a weight loss diet, replacing sugar with stevia is a simple way to cut calories while still maintaining a delicious taste.

However, it's important to note that not gaining weight doesn't mean you can drink as much as you want. If combined with a diet high in fat, fried foods, or other high-calorie drinks, weight can still increase.

Is stevia suitable for people who need to control their blood sugar?

Many people choose stevia because it doesn't raise blood sugar as quickly as cane sugar.

Some studies suggest that stevia may be a suitable option for people who need to limit sugar in their diet. However, if you or a loved one has a medical condition such as Type 2 Diabetes, its use should be discussed with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure it is appropriate for your specific health condition.

Common ways to use stevia

1. Brew tea to drink daily.

The simplest method is to steep a few stevia leaves in hot water for 5–10 minutes.

It can be combined with:

• chrysanthemum
• artichoke
• lotus leaf
• green tea

To create a refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage.

2. Use it as a sugar substitute in cooking.

Stevia powder extract can be used as a sugar substitute when baking, making coffee, or adding to plant-based milk.

3. Boil water to cool down.

Many families also boil stevia leaves with coriander or pandan leaves to create a cooling drink for the summer.

Should it be used every day?

Stevia is a convenient option for people who want to reduce their sugar intake, but it should still be used in moderation.

Excessive use of sweetness, even from natural sources, can lead to a preference for sweetness and make it difficult to reduce cravings.

The advice is to use it as a smart alternative, combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Stevia is a type of herb with a very high sweetness level, up to 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, but it contains almost no calories, so it is loved by many people in healthy diets.

When consumed correctly, this is a refreshing drink that helps reduce sugar intake while still maintaining a pleasant taste.

However, for effective weight management, the most important factor remains overall diet and daily lifestyle.