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What is stevia?
Stevia (pronounced steh-via) is a leafy green plant that is related to
lettuce, marigold and chicory. Dr. Mioses Santiago Bertoni identified and
classified this plant in the late 1800’s. The Guarani Indians of South
America had been using the leaves of the plant for centuries to sweeten
bitter teas and as a sweet treat. When Dr. Bertoni received samples of the
plant he wrote, “One small piece of the leaf will keep the mouth sweet for
an hour.”
Is stevia safe?
Absolutely! People have used stevia since pre-Columbian times with no
reports of ill effects. Decades of research have proven stevia is safe for
human and animal consumption, unlike other commercial sweeteners. In
December 2009 the FDA approved stevia as a safe food additive.
According to recent research and decades of documented stevioside use in
Japan, stevioside has had no reported negative side effects when used
during pregnancy or nursing.
What are the benefits of using stevia?
* Sugarless with no calories
* Will not effect blood sugar levels like sugar does.
* 100% Natural
* 250 to 300 times sweeter than sugar
* Heat stable to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit)
* Non-fermentable
* Flavor enhancer
* Recommended for diabetics
* Non-toxic
Does stevia have any effect in hypoglycemia or diabetes?
According to scientific research, stevia does not impact blood sugar
levels. It allows the body to regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
Where is stevia grown?
Originally stevia grew wild in the highland region of Northern Paraguay
and Southern Brazil. It was later cultivated for use as a sweetener until
the introduction of sugar cane by the Spanish and Portuguese. Today Stevia
is grown around the world from China, Japan and other Asian countries to
South America, Europe, India, the Ukraine and even North America. |
