Stevia is an herbal sweetener that will not raise blood sugar and has been used throughout history for its medicinal properties. There are indications that stevia was used in native beverages since pre Columbian times. However, the first written record was found in the late 1800's in South America. Scientist Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni wrote, "In placing the smallest particle of a leaf or twig in the mouth, one is surprised at the strange sweetness contained therein. A fragment of the leaf only a few square millimeters in size suffices to keep the mouth sweet for an hour. A few small leaves are sufficient to sweeten a strong cup of coffee or tea." A Paraguan chemist named Rebaudi was the first to extract the plants sweet content. Stevia has been known to regulate the body's blood sugar and be a therapeutic and safe alternative to sugars. It is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar without the harmful side effects that sugar causes for diabetics. In Brazil, China and other countries, Stevia is recommended for people living with diabetes or hypoglycemia as a replacement for sugar. Stevia promotes balance in the pancreas, an organ essential for healthy digestion.
Stevia has...
- No fat
- No Calories
- No Carbohydrate
- And does not break down in the body as a sugar
In Down to Earth, Stevia is sold in as a dietary supplement in the form of powder, an extract clear liquid, and concentrate. One way to utilize the healing properties of Stevia is to make it into a "working solution" from the powder form. This is done by using 1 tsp of Stevia powder to 3 tablespoons of water. Place the solution in a glass bottle with a dropper top and refrigerate. This Stevia mixture can be added to tea, coffee, or any beverage that you would normally add sugar to. It may take time to acquire a taste for Stevia; however the health benefits are well worth the transition. Down to Earth also carries several cooking and baking books that are based on the use of Stevia as a substitute for sugar. Since Stevia has no calories, it is an ideal supplement for people watching their weight and counting calories, as compared to sugar, which is high calories often times stored as fat. For more information about Stevia and its forms and uses, please come to Down to Earth where you will find brochures and books on this wonderful alternative to sugar.