ABSTRACT
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a desirable sugar substitute due to the presence of natural sweeteners (steviol glycosides). In 2011 steviol glycosides from this plant were accepted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a harmless sweetener added to foods.The plant contains 9 different steviol derivatives commonly referred to as steviol glycosides. The largest share among them are: stevioside and rebaudioside A (the main components responsible for the sweet taste of the plant), while the others are rebaudioside B, C, D, E, F, dulcoside A and B and steviolbioside. The highest concentration of these substances is observed in the leaves. Stevia leaves may differ in the content of steviosides depending on the source. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the content of steviosides in stevia leaves (Stevia rebaudiana) from different countries and in products produced on the basis of this plant. On the basis of stevia leaf analysis, it was shown that the content of steviol glycosides in stevia leaves – rebaudioside A and stevioside, depends on the place and conditions in which it is grown. In addition, the amount of these substances in products based on this plant was analyzed. The study showed that they can be a substitute for dried leaves provided that the recommended daily intake is not exceeded.
Support the magazine and subscribe to the content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
