About Stevia

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Stevia is a naturally derived sweetener made from a South American plant. It is quite potent, has little or no bitter aftertaste, and has no known harmful side effects. The Japanese have been using stevia for twenty years and many studies have been conducted on its safety. It actually lowers blood sugar and has other beneficial effects. Why, then, is stevia not the default replacement for sugar in the United States? Ask the FDA, which thus far has refused to allow the import of stevia as a food substance. It is allowed in as an additive and is available in health food stores. Apparently Nutrasweet Corp. and its corporate backers are concerned (rightfully) that a natural, harmless sweetener that cannot be patented would kill the profits of the artificial sweetener industry.

We hope this situation will change and stevia will take its rightful place as a healthy alternative to sugar, aspartame and other toxic food additives. Check it out at your local health food store, and read more about it at http://www.healthfree.com/herbgarden/sweetstevia.htm.