Stevia Facts
What is Stevia?
Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb in the Compositae family that grows as a small shrub in parts of Paraguay and Brazil. The glycosides in its leaves make it incredibly sweet, a property that is unique among the nearly 300 species of stevia plants. Stevia has been used to sweeten beverages and medicines since Pre-Columbian times. A scientist named Antonio Bertoni first recorded its usage by native tribes in 1887.
Is Stevia safe?
Yes. Scientific research from around the world was exhaustively reviewed when the makers of SweetLeaf® Sweetener™ presented their case for GRAS status (a rigorous FDA designation of food safety). An independent group of outside scientists concluded that their highly purified product met or exceeded FDA standards for safety. A second set of scientists confirmed these results. The comprehensive reviews included studies on toxicity, cancer, reproductive health, long-term use, use at high-volumes, effects on blood-sugar levels and more. Furthermore, after more than 30 years of high volume use in Japan and other countries, as well as more than a decade of use in America as a dietary supplement, there have been no reported cases of ill-effects. Finally, recent scientific reviews by the World Health Organization (2003 and 2007) support these conclusions.
How sweet is Stevia?
High quality Stevia leaves are up to 30 times sweeter than table sugar. The purified extracts of Stevia (called Steviosides) can be 250–300 times sweeter than table sugar.
Can Stevia replace artificial sweeteners in the diet?
Yes. For the past 30 years other countries have approved the use of Stevia as a sweetener and their populations have integrated Stevia into their diet. Stevia-based sweeteners have a nearly 40% market share in some of these countries.
How many calories are in Stevia?
None. And it is also the only Stevia-based sweetener with no carbs and no glycemic index.
Will Stevia raise my blood sugar levels?
No. In fact, Stevia has been shown to help keep blood sugar levels balanced. However, since some stevia-based products contain fillers, you need to be sure the brand you select still offers a zero glycemic index.
Is Stevia safe for diabetics?
Yes. Stevia can be a part of a healthy diet for anyone with blood sugar problems since it does not raise blood sugar levels. Always ask your doctor for information about how any new food can affect your health.
Can Stevia be used in cooking and baking?
Absolutely! Research shows that Stevia and Stevioside extracts are extremely heat stable in a variety of everyday cooking and baking situations.
How are Stevia extracts prepared?
Extracts of Stevia leaves can be prepared by a number of methods. The most natural products use only purified water to extract the wonderful tasting, sweetening agents from the plant. Be aware that some companies use alcohols or other chemical means to attempt to obtain the sweet flavored extracts.
Where can I buy Stevia-based sweeteners?
Whole Foods, Fresh N Easy, Sprouts, Fry’s and other national grocery chains carry some kind of stevia-based sweetener. If you can’t find a stevia product at your grocer, it is available online at www.sweetleaf.com.
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