About Stevia
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.
Home