Stevia – Sweet and Nutritious Herb, Useful as a Safe Sugar Supplement
for Diabetics
Learn About Nature’s Natural Sweetener – Stevia – You may never put sugar in your tea or coffee again. This natural herb may
change your life and your health forever.
Stevia is one of the most beneficial plants on earth and this small plant with sweet green leaves offers a refreshing and delicious taste which can be up to thirty times sweeter than sugar.
Stevia is native to Paraguay and in its unprocessed form the plant is rich in nutrition. It contains such vitamins as Niacin, Magnesium, Potassium,
and Vitamin C, etc. Marketed in the US as a dietary supplement it is used as a no-calorie sweetener although it is widely used in other countries throughout the world as a natural substitute for processed sugar.
Why Has the FDA Not Approved of Stevia? What are the Dangers of Stevia?
Question for Dr. Leia: I have heard some controversial views on stevia, that it causes adverse reactions, and that New zealand and Australia won’t allow it in there products. What’s the truth. I’m trying to find out what may be the dangers of stevia, but it’s so confusing.
Dr. Leia’s Answer: Stevia comes from the leaf of the honeyleaf plant or Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, which is a herb native to Paraguay. It has a long history of safe use age in Asia and South America. However, it was only recently introduced to the US during the early part of the 20th century. Stevia can be up to 300 times sweeter than refined sugar. Just a few drops go a long way when using stevia. If you overdose, the taste will be bitter.
In the U.S., stevia has not yet earned the status of GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe, so it is not approved as a food. However, it is sold legally in stores as a nutritional supplement or herb for internal consumption.
So far, there have not been any implicating research studies to prove that stevia is harmful to the body in low or moderate doses. Stevia enjoys widespread use in Japan, China, and Korea, countries which actually ban the chemical and artificial sweeteners which are abundantly used in the US. The acceptance of stevia has been slow and hindered in the US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, possibly due to the lack of research and the conflict of the strong sugar and substitute sugar companies who would rather not see stevia become successful.
To read more about the story of stevia you can go here for an in depth examination of a history
of Stevia’s discovery and development along with comments by researchers.
As it currently stands, I would consider stevia safe if taken in low or moderate doses and probably would avoid it if you are pregnant or nursing, just to be on the safe side. It doesn’t appear to be any more toxic than the current artificial sweeteners which are available today. In fact, some research shows that it might possess health benefits for tumor reduction, digestion, dental health, diabetes, weight control, and skin problems such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis. With these redeeming qualities, and because of its widespread historical use, I feel that it proves it’s merit in the substitute sugar arena.
I hope that this helps you to make an informed decision upon whether it is something which you would like to use in your diet.
Dr. Leia Melead
Find Quality Stevia Products
When purchasing Stevia products you want to find the best quality stevia which has the least amount of processing.
Stevia
Plus: Achieve all the healthful benefits of Stevia with a daily dose. Improves regularity. Helps produce vitamins
in both heating and freezing. Ingredients: Frutafitnulin Fiber – FOS, Stevia powder Extract (standardized to a
minimum of 90% Steviosides)Stevia
Concentrate Tincture: Stevia is much sweeter than sugar and is primarily used as an alternative to sugar. Stevia
may also help individuals with diabetes, hypoglycemia, nicotine. This quality product is made by concentrating
nutritious, whole Stevia leaves in pure water by a special cooking process. This nutritious Stevia product is a
dark thick liquid with a strong, sweet herb flavor.
Stevia
Clear Liquid Tincture: Stevia is an excellent diabetic
aid which can has been found to nourish the pancreas. It helps the body regulate blood sugar levels even though it is much sweeter than sugar. This is why Stevia can actually support individuals with ailments that sugar negatively effects, such as those who are diabetic or hypoglycemia.
Stevia
Powder Green: Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) powder is a healthy alternative because it contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, milk, preservatives
or additives. This green powder has a delicious and refreshing taste and is up to thirty times sweeter than sugar. You can safely enjoy the taste that Stevia adds to any food or beverage.
Stevia
Extract White Powder: Achieve all the healthful benefits of Stevia with a daily dose. Improves regularity.
Helps produce vitamins. Assists and strengthens the immune system. Helps prevent toxic compounds from forming.
Helps control the formation of free radicals. Prevents overgrowth of candida albicans.
Stevia Recipes and Information
Baking
with Stevia, Recipes for The Sweet Leaf: Fifty-two tested recipes using the white powder Stevia extract. Contains
a full range of dessert and beverage recipes glossary, baking tips section, substitution chart, directions for
making Stevia extract, and a resources section. Author: Rita DePuydt.
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