Steviol Glycosides (as OnoSweet™)

Steviol Glycosides, expertly delivered as OnoSweet™, represent a premium, natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the *Stevia rebaudiana* plant, indigenous to South America. For centuries, indigenous communities in Paraguay and Brazil have utilized stevia leaves for their sweetening properties. This ingredient is characterized by its remarkable sweetness intensity, typically ranging from 200 to 400 times that of sucrose, without contributing to caloric intake or impacting blood glucose levels. OnoSweet™ is specifically formulated as a high-purity, standardized extract, ensuring a consistent profile rich in key steviol glycosides such as rebaudioside A (Reb A) and stevioside. The meticulous extraction process involves steeping dried stevia leaves in hot water, followed by filtration and purification steps, which are crucial for achieving a superior taste profile with minimal, if any, bitter aftertaste commonly associated with less refined stevia products. Its natural origin and calorie-free attributes position OnoSweet™ as an ideal and highly sought-after alternative to both caloric sugars and artificial sweeteners across diverse food and beverage applications.

The primary health advantage of steviol glycosides lies in their unique ability to impart intense sweetness without affecting caloric load or glycemic response, making them invaluable for individuals managing diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those pursuing weight management goals. Scientific research, including a comprehensive review published in "Metabolism" in 2010, consistently demonstrates that high-purity steviol glycosides do not alter glucose homeostasis or insulin sensitivity in either healthy or diabetic populations. The key bioactive compounds, including stevioside, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside C, and dulcoside A, are not metabolized in the human upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, gut microbiota break them down into steviol, which is then safely excreted, elucidating their zero-calorie status. While primarily recognized for their sweetening capacity, some preliminary studies suggest that steviol glycosides may also possess modest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though these potential benefits are secondary to their role as a sweetener and warrant further extensive clinical investigation for definitive human health implications.

OnoSweet™ steviol glycosides are exceptionally versatile for integration into a wide array of supplement formulations and food products, including protein powders, functional beverages, meal replacement shakes, and various dietary supplements where a natural, calorie-free sweetening solution is paramount. Its inherent stability across a broad spectrum of pH levels and temperatures ensures its suitability for diverse manufacturing processes, maintaining its sweetening power and integrity. Stringent quality control measures are applied to OnoSweet™, encompassing rigorous testing for purity, absence of contaminants, and a consistent steviol glycoside composition, guaranteeing a reliable and premium ingredient for formulators. Regulatory bodies worldwide, including the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the U.S. FDA, have affirmed the safety of high-purity steviol glycosides for general consumption within established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels, based on extensive toxicological and clinical data. Clinical trials, such as one published in "Appetite," have repeatedly shown that stevia consumption leads to significantly lower postprandial glucose levels compared to sucrose, further validating its benefits in glycemic control.