Due to the potential toxicity and unknown long-term consequences of using artificial sweeteners, it’s good to know that a safe alternative exists.
Stevia is a slow release sweetener that can be used by those who do not want to use sugar or artificial sweeteners and are sensitive to either. It is also wonderful for diabetics.
The Indians of Paraguay have used Stevia for centuries. Europeans found out about Stevia when the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century sent a message to Spain that the natives of South America had used it. Stevia comes from a shrub native to the northern regions of South America. Now it is also grown in Brazil, Uruguay, Central America, the United States, Israel, Thailand and China. Here in the US we simply refer to it as the Stevia plant.
It has very powerful sweetening properties and can be used in place of sugar in cooking, baking, and to sweeten just about anything instead of the sugar or artificial sweeteners used in just about everything processed today. It is probably one of the safest sweeteners on the market.
Stevia is completely natural and does not affect blood sugar levels like sugar does, nor does it pollute our bodies like artificial sweeteners do. Also, you don’t need to use much, as it is very concentrated. Chances are, you won’t find Stevia on your grocery store shelves yet, but it’s available in whole food and health food stores everywhere. It usually comes in liquid or powder form. For those concerned about sugar intake, Stevia is a wonderful alternative.