Stevia is a word for both a plant and for a sweetener extracted from the leaves of a plant. Stevia has been grown and used in South America for centuries, and it spread to the rest of the world during the 18th century. This plant was first imported to Europe where it was consumed in large volumes.

In the early 1900s, stevia exploded into popularity in several markets, with the turn of the 20th century stevia was accompanied by vicious battles around the world. Some people hail the extract as a healthy all natural alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners, while others generally the government has health concerns about it when used continually.

Stevia is considered one of the most health restoring plants on earth because of its uses inside and outside the body on the skin. Native to Paraguay, it is a small green plant bearing leaves which have a delicious and refreshing taste that can be 30 times sweeter than sugar. Besides the intensely sweet glycosides (Steviosides, Rebaudiosides and a Dulcoside), various studies have found the whole leaf to contain proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, rutin, vitamin A, C and an oil which contains 53 other constituents. Quality Stevia leaves and whole leaf concentrate are nutritious, natural dietary supplements offering numerous health benefits.

Some suggest that stevia is the sweetener of the future, because the human body does not metabolize the sweet glycosides from the leaf or any of its processed forms, the body obtains no calories from Stevia. Processed forms of pure Stevia can be 100 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Whether these products are called Stevia, Stevioside, Rebaudioside, Stevia Extract, or Stevia Concentrate, if they are in their pure unadulterated form they do not adversely affect blood glucose levels and may be used freely by both diabetic and hypoglycemic individuals. For people with blood sugar, blood pressure or weight problems Stevia is the most desirable sweetener to cut calories and still keep their sweet tooth.

How do you use stevia?

When using stevia in foods, remember that it not only sweetens but also enhances the flavor of the foods it is added to. If you try to use stevia to foods with little or no flavor it will get “lost" and will be unsuccessful as a flavor enhancer. Where stevia shines is in foods with strong or bold flavors such as chocolate, lemon, berries, coffee, cheeses, dressings, sauces, etc.

When adding this sweetener to recipes, simply use the same one teaspoon to one cup of sugar, one quarter teaspoon to tablespoon full of sugar, and one sixteenth (a pinch) of stevia for recipes that call for one teaspoon of sugar. What could be easier?

When cooking with this sweetener, always experiment with different dosages to get the taste you desire for that is what really matters. Stevia will not interfere with medications that most people are consuming, but it is always best to consult your physician before taking the product. Pure stevia can be found at your local or internet vitamin store.