All About Stevia

It’s True! Stevia: Sweet, Zero-Calories, All-Natural, Endless Uses

If you haven’t heard of stevia, you aren’t alone. Stevia rebaudiana is a small shrub-like plant native to Paraguay; stevia is the product harvested from the plant that can be used as an all natural sweetener for food and drink. It is completely calorie-free, and despite being sold in many countries around the globe as a common alternative for sweetening, in the United States, however, it must be sold generally as a “dietary supplement.”

One may cook and bake with stevia, stir it directly into coffee, tea, or beverages—its uses are endless. It is 20 to 30 times sweeter that sugar, so refining of recipes may be necessary, as you will require much less amounts to achieve the same effect. Stevia may purchased packaged individually or in bulk (often with added fiber) at health food stores, such as Whole Foods or Wild Oats. Another fun suggestion is to try is to go to your local garden store and purchase the Stevia herb and plant right in your garden (it prefers partial sun and moist, well drained soil)-- I like to place my herbs in pots close to the house.
Unlike sugar alcohols, like xylitol, it won’t upset your stomach or gastrointestinal tract after consumption, and because it isn’t artificial, there less concern regarding its cause, association, or possible implication to disease or cancer.

Remember: for a sweet, natural and calorie free alternative, try Stevia!
Visit www.sweetleaf.com for more information about this all-natural herb.