The Natural Stevia Extract

Stevia Rebaudiana is an herb native to parts of Paraguay, Brazil and other South American countries. There are actually hundreds of related plants in the same genus but this species is known for its intense sweetness. It is commonly known as sweetleaf or sugarleaf for its high concentrations of two glycoside compounds: stevioside and rebaudoside.

Stevia extracts and raw leaves have been used for centuries by natives of South America but it wasn't until fairly recently that it gained the popularity it enjoys today. It has some definite benefits in today's world, where obesity is on the rise and sugar has developed a somewhat dangerous reputation. Stevia extracts can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, yet its caloric value is virtually nonexistent.

To people for whom diabetes is a current or approaching problem, it can be very useful. Any diabetics should of course consult a doctor before trying a new dietary supplement, but stevia does not raise blood sugar levels and may eventually even be shown to help lower it.

Unfortunately for consumers in the U.S., Stevia extract and other products have yet to be approved by the F.D.A. for use as official sweetening agents. There are concerns about the plant's long-term safety but this may well have more to do with lobbyists and big business concerns than any serious danger. As a naturally occurring plant, Stevia cannot be patented and what's more, it's fairly easy to cultivate. In any case, it's widely used in food products in other parts of the world with Japan consuming the most. In Asia stevia can be found in Coke and other foods as a primary ingredient.

In the U.S. it can be a bit harder to find as it can only be sold as a "dietary supplement." You probably won't find Stevia extract on the shelf next to the confectioner's sugar, but it's readily available at some supermarkets and most health food and supplement stores. Stevia extract can be used for cooking, baking or just to sweeten a glass of tea. It's also remarkably easy to make your own Stevia extract from water or grain alcohol.