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Stevia rebaudiana
also known as sweet herb or honey leaf is a small perennial shrub that
belongs to the chrysanthemum family of plants. Stevia rebaudiana is the
only known species at present which possesses an inordinate ability to
sweeten. Stevia in its natural lerbal form is approximately 10 to 15 times
sweeter than common table sugar. The Stevia is extracted from the leaves of
the plant and the refined powder is rated at 200 to 380 times sweeter than sugar.
Stevia may well be the most remarkable sweetener in the world. The
following are some of its the characteristics:
• It is suitable for diabetics
• calorie free
• does not adversely affect blood sugar
• is non toxic
• inhibits the formation of cavities and plaque
• contains no artificial ingredients
• can be used for cooking and baking
Stevia has also been
known to possess herbal properties and was used by South American Indians
for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. Here is a list of some of the
possible medicinal uses: Diabetes, Obesity, Hyperactivity, High blood
pressure, Carbohydrate cravings, Tobacco and alcohol cravings,
Hypoglycemia, Indigestion, Yeast infections, Skin toning and Healing.
Consumption is most
extensive in Japan, Korea and China making up 80% of the world's
consumption. It is also consumed in many other parts of the world.
As a result of the
1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act signed by then President
Clinton, Stevia was finally approved by the FDA for use as "Dietary
Supplement" and all labeling must state that. This is why if you try
to find Stevia in your local health food store it will be in the supplement
section not the sweetener section.(that is...if the store carries it all.)
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