- Stevia is an herb that comes from the stevia rebaudiana plant, which grows primarily in South America and has been used by the Guarani Indians there for hundreds of years.
- In addition to being beneficial to diabetics, stevia also has vitamins A and C, protein, iron, calcium, zinc, fiber, potassium and sodium, all of which are important to the immune system. It doesn't cause allergic reactions, has zero calories, and has not been shown to cause cavities.
- In 1995, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeled stevia as a food supplement but not as a sweetener. As of last year, the FDA allowed stevia to be used in food and drink products.
- Some supermarkets will carry versions of stevia such as Truvia and PurVia, but as of 2008, stevia itself can't be sold in major supermarkets as a sweetener due to lack of research. It is often sold in health-food stores.
- Japan has used stevia since the 1970s, and stevia makes up 41 percent of its sweetener market. The Japanese use it in ice cream, vegetables, pickles, candies, breads and soft drinks.
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