Some smokers may realize the dangers of smoking to their health. They may decide to quit and this might be the best decisions of their lives. Of course, who don’t want to be cigarette-free? After quitting for only 20 minutes, the smoker’s pulse and blood pressure would start to drop back to normal as well as his hands and feet warm up to its normal temperature. However, some would experience drawbacks and some of its symptoms are as follows:
- Headaches
- Intense cravings to smoke
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Hunger
- Insomnia
There are people who are more vulnerable to these symptoms, depending on how many cigarettes they have smoked and for how many years.
In a study conducted at the University of Southern California, results revealed that there is a direct link between tobacco smoking and blood sugar levels. Sugar was found to be the main culprit of the high that smokers experience. Sugar is capable of allowing nicotine molecules to transmit that “high” to neurons. This research only shed a lot of light on the relationship between nicotine cravings and blood sugar levels and why people experience the symptoms mentioned above.
According to the researchers, stevia might be the best home remedy to quit smoking.
Stevia is a green leafy herbal plant with extremely sweet leaves. It is primarily used as an alternative sweetener to sugar but contains zero calories and carbohydrates.
For those who suffer from diabetes mellitus, stevia can be an excellent sweetening agent as it does not impact blood sugar levels.
In research conducted in Germany, experts have found that stevia is effective when it comes to suppressing nicotine alcohol cravings. For this purpose, they recommend the use of liquid stevia. Using a dropper, simply add 3 drops of it directly on the tongue for farther absorption.
Other Health Benefits of Stevia
Helps Prevent Cancer
In a report published in The Open Obesity Journal, Dr. Jocelynn E. Thomas and Dr. Michael J. Glade stated that stevia leaf extracts exhibit a high degree of antioxidant activity and can help prevent various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Thanks to its quercetin, kaempferol, and the other glycoside compounds that all helps eliminate free radicals in the body, prevent premature aging, cognitive malfunction, and various other conditions like heart disease.
Good For Skin Care
Topical application of Stevia can help with conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. It prevents the spread of bacteria and acts as steroids.
Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Stevia contains glycosides that can help relax the blood vessel, facilitate the elimination of sodium, and increase urination. Due to this, less stress is put on the cardiovascular system and there can be a drop in blood pressure. This scenario protects our heart and lowers our risk for conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
Helps Maintain Oral Health
Stevia has been a popular additive for mouthwashes and toothpaste due to its ability to reduce bacterial formation in the mouth thus preventing gingivitis and cavities.
