Stevia rebaudiana : Chemical Composition, Uses and Health Promoting Aspects

This book discusses critical findings about the significance of Stevia rebaudiana, a natural calorie free sweetener and ways to incorporate it in our diet. Stevia is a plant used in the food industry as a sweetener but empirically used for the treatment of diabetes. Scientific literature has reported anticariogenic, antineoplastic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperglycemic effects. It is important to people in developed countries, and designed for product developers, nutritionists, dieticians, and regulatory agencies. This book explores a range of topics related to this plant and their components as stevioside, rebaudiose, dulcoside, etc. The chapters in this volume provide a survey of chemical composition, functional properties, the impact on human health, but also the opportunities for Stevia as ingredient to be incorporated into foods for the benefit of consumers.