Stevia 2oz Liquid

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) originated in South America, and is often used as a sweetner. Glycosides in stevia, particularly stevoside, give the plant its sweet flavor - anywhere from 100 to 200 times sweeter than sugar.

The leaf of stevia is considered the medicinal part of the plant. Research shows that extracts of the leaf relax arteries and help prevent the buildup of calcium on artery walls -- keeping them healthy and reducing blood pressure.

In a long-term, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, stevia reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. On average, participants' blood pressure reduced from baseline 150mm/Hg to 140mm/Hg systolic and 95mm/Hg to 89mm/Hg diastolic.

An, in another double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, stevia lowered blood pressure quite significantly -- by an average of 14 millimeters of mercury in both systolic and diastolic readings. Those are impressive numbers.

Despite its role as a sweetner, stevia may have a side benefit to for those with hypertension -- blood sugar regulation. Scientific studies show that extracts of stevia regulated blood sugar and reduced blood pressure.

A clinical study showed that stevia extract actually improved glucose tolerance by decreasing plasma glucose levels during the test and after overnight fasting in all participants. Regulating blood sugar is very important for those with high blood pressure. When blood sugar levels are high, blood vessels are inflamed. Many people with diabetes have high blood pressure as well. In a paired, cross-over clinical study, stevioside (one of the compounds in stevia) reduced glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Further scientific studies show that stevia works to control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta cells. It shows great potential in treating type 2 diabetes as well as hypertension.