Stevia is a natural, low-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant. The herb came to the attention of the rest of the world when South American naturalist, Dr. Moises S. Bertoni, "discovered" the herb in the late 1800's. Stevia's most obvious and notable characteristic is its sweet taste. However, the sweet taste is not due to carbohydrate based molecules, but to several non-caloric molecules called glycosides. Individuals who cannot tolerate sugar or other sweeteners can use stevia.

Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, and is very likely to be much safer than chemical/artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium. However, it does have an aftertaste that is similar to artificial sweeteners but by combining it with fructose, lactose, or other natural sugars it tends to overcome that problem.

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Stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, making it an excellent addition to toothpaste and mouthwash for dental hygiene. Many people have reported improvement in their oral health after adding stevia concentrate to their diet. Stevia has also been found out to aid in the battle of certain diseases such as hypertension or high blood pressure and diabetes.

Unlike nutritionally void sugar, Stevia offers a multitude of health benefits that have been proven in more than 500 studies:

* Does not effect blood glucose levels, so it is safe for diabetics to use

* Prevents tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the mouth

* Aids in digestion and helps to soothe an upset stomach

* Is excellent for weight management as it helps curb cravings for high-caloric sugary foods.

Stevia is sold in various forms: live plant, dried leaves, powder or liquid; each with it's own unique flavor and sweetness. Due to increased customer demand, more health, nutrition and grocery stores are stocking their shelves with Stevia. But you should

If you're looking for a safe, natural substitute to sugar, than Stevia is what you need.