Stevia - May Protect DNA

[Harry Hirsute]

30/11/2007 - Stevia, the natural sweetener causing a whirlwind of interest around the globe, could also be a rich source of antioxidants and may protect against DNA damage and cancer, says a study from India published yesterday.

An extract from Stevia rebaudiana leaves was found to contain an abundance of antioxidant polyphenols, including quercitrin, apigenin, and kaempferol. Subsequent tests showed that the extract could protect against DNA strand scission by hydroxide radicals, states the report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

"These results indicate that Stevia rebaudiana may be useful as a potential source of natural antioxidants," wrote lead author Srijani Ghanta from the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata.

Derived from the South American plant stevia rebaudiana, stevia is said to have up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar. Its taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, and developments in processing methods have already claimed to have solved the problem of the ingredient's liquorice-like aftertaste.

If it is ultimately as easy to use in food and beverage formulations as it claims to be, stevia's 'natural' label could see it take prime spot as the holy grail of sweeteners, as manufacturers increasingly try to adapt their formulations to the demands of the more health conscious consumer.

http://nutraingredients.com/news/ng....idative-stress

[Iggy Dalrymple]

I better buy another 5# bucket before the price triples.