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[B895]Brief History Of Universe

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The herb, Stevia rebaudiana, has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay, who had several names for the herb, several of which are Kaa'-he-E, Caa'-ehe, or Ca-a-yupe- all. referring to the sweet leaf or honey leaf. It is commonly known in South America as yerba dulce meaning sweet herb. The Guarani used stevia nutritionally and medicinally. 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. After his report,. stevia became widely used by herbalists in Paraguay.

tevia'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. The first glycoside molecule was isolated from stevia in 1931 by two French chemists named Bridel and Lavieille and called stevioside.

During WW II, sugar shortages prompted England to begin investigation of stevia for use as a sweetener. Cultivation began under the direction of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, but the project was abandoned in the aftermath of the war. Japan began cultivating stevia in hothouses in the 1950's. By the 1970's, Japan started using stevia commercially and today, they are the biggest users of the extract, which has captured 50% of Japan's sweetener industry.

Other aspects of stevia are capturing people's attention. Stevia is sold in some South American countries to aid diabetics and hypoglycemics. Research has shown that a whole leaf concentrate has a regulating effect on the pancreas (insulin) and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Stevia is therefore useful to people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, and Candidiasis.

Other traditional uses of stevia are: lowers high blood pressure (hypertension), hyperactivity, digestive aid that also reduces gas and stomach acidity, and for obesity. Stevia acts as general tonic which increases energy levels and mental acuity.

Stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria (antibacterial) 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 toothpaste and using it, diluted in water, as a daily mouthwash.

Stevia is useful in healing a number of skin problems. Whole stevia concentrates may be applied as a facial mask to soften and tighten the skin and smooth cut wrinkles. Smooth the dark liquid over the entire face, allowing it to dry for at least 30-60 minutes. A drop of concentrate may be applied directly to any blemish, acne outbreak, lip or mouth sore. Stevia concentrate is also effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis, and eczema. Reportedly, cuts and scratches heal more rapidly when stevia concentrate is applied.

Stevia concentrate added to soap eliminates dandruff and other scalp problems and improves the health and luster of the hair, also helping to retain natural hair color.

Refined sugar consumption continues to rise in the United States. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (Nov. 1998), sugar consumption rose by 25 pounds since 1986 to 152 pounds per person per year (calculated from sugar production figures). Sugar displaces nutritive calories leading to numerous health problems and. obesity. A major factor contributing to this high rate is the widespread and continually growing habit of drinking sugar-ladened beverages, in particular soda.

Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Judaism and many other religions use candles as part of their daily worship. So it is believed that the history certainly has been around before Christ.

The manufacturing of them has changed a great deal over the years. When candles were first observed to be in use, it is believed that the most common ingredient in use was tallow. However, that is not the case today in the manufacturing of candles. The most common ingredient used today is paraffin, however, is not the only element being used.

Before the invention of electricity in the 1700's, the candle was the most commonly used form of light outside of the kerosene lamp. It played a tremendous roll in our history because all reading and sight had to be done through the lighting of candles, at night. Back in the 1700 and 1800 hundreds slaves, in America, who wanted to learn to read, often had to learn by candlelight at night because it was forbidden and kerosene set off to much light if they did not want to be discovered.

Chandeliers, in the past, were more commonly used to hold candles as opposed to today's bulbs. The chandeliers which held the candles set off a more romantic or mellow effect as does the bright bulbs in use today. Many people are returning to this source for lighting effect and the along with the less electricity usage. They are discovering the cost effectiveness of candles is just a complimentary portion of the use of candles as a whole.

Candles were used in Northern Europe as a source of light, up until the early 1900 hundreds. They were one of the last cultures to conform to the use of electricity, as a source of light, then most of the world.

Back in the 1800's it was thought that to produce a better-quality of candle would be to use the sperm of a whale. However, this was an expensive and rare ingredient to come across, although it did produce a superior candle.

Eventually paraffin was introduced as a much cheaper chemical form to use in the production of candles. So this made it a very popular ingredient in the making of them. The profession of a candle producer is called a Chandler. It might appear to many as an easy task, but it is not. You are dealing with hot wax over 700 degrees in Fahrenheit and this could be extremely dangerous at times.

Throughout history, there are very few, if any, parts of the world that have not used candles at one time or another. Events, engagements, etc. had to take place at night and the ability to see had to be accommodated. This is really what made candles play such a strong role in our history and this role cannot be ignored. Without the use of candles many things that were invented or discovered may not have never took place without the ability to see and that is what made candles of such an important use.

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