ABC News Stevia The 'Holy Grail' of Sweeteners

What is Stevia? Stevia is of the Composite family, related to lettuce, marigold and chicory. It was "Officially" discovered in the late 19th century by Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni. He was given samples of the plant and he reported that "one small piece of the leaf will keep the mouth sweet for an hour". He named the plant Stevia Rebuadiani Bertoni in honor of a Paraguayan chemist name Rebaudi. Bertoni found that the Guarani Indians had been using the leaves of the plant to sweeten bitter teas and as a sweet treat. What are the benefits of Using Stevia? Studies have shown the following benefits from using Stevia in one's diet. These benefits have not been approved or confirmed by the FDA. * 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 * Plaque retardant Anti-caries (prevents cavities) * Recommended for diabetics * Non-toxic Extensively tested in animals and Extensively used by humans with no adverse effects 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. more ...

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