Stevia…a Dietary Supplement

According to the FDA, Stevia is an herb approved under DSHEA for use only as a dietary supplement. As a dietary supplement, research indicates that stevia effectively regulates blood sugar, promoting health in those with diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Would you like a natural dietary supplement that….

 *  Is reported to be 250 to 300 times sweeter than regular sugar…

*  Has no calories …

* Is suitable for diabetics …

*  Does not cause cavities…

*  Is heat stable…

*  Is used to supplement for people with insulin stabilization issues

*  Blends easily with sweeteners so it can be taken in food…

*  And is already widely and safely consumed in many countries around the world for decades…

 What is Stevia?

Stevia, a small green plant bearing leaves that have a delicious and refreshing taste, is native to Paraguay (known there as "honey leaf") and is also grown in China and Brazil.  For centuries, the stevia herb (a member of the chrysanthemum family) has been used by the Indians of South America where it grows wild.  The leaf contains sweet glycosides (Steviosides, Rebaudiosides and a Dulcoside), proteins, high levels of chromium, fibers, carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, rutin, vitamin A, Vitamin C and other constituents. The sweet secret of Stevia lies in a complex molecule called Stevioside which is a diterpine glycoside composed of glucose, rebaudoside A, rebaudoside C, dulcoside A, sophorose and steviol. It is this complex molecule and a number of other related compounds that account for Stevia Reubaudiana's extraordinary sweetness.  Other components include volatile oil (nerolidol and caryophyllene oxide) and flavonoids (apigenin-4'-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside).

Stevia  has been used in other countries for many years as a dietary supplement and sugar alternative.  As a dietary supplement, research indicates that stevia effectively regulates blood sugar, promoting health in those with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Surprisingly, stevia does not seem to have the same blood sugar-lowering effect on normal, non-diabetics. This adaptogenic attribute is just one of the safety features. Studies have also indicated that stevia tends to lower blood pressure in those individuals with elevated levels, but does not seem to affect individuals with normal blood pressure. It also inhibits the growth and reproduction of some bacteria, including bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.  Stevia is a dietary aid in weight loss and management because cravings for sweets and fatty foods are dramatically reduced. Hunger sensations are lessened when 10 or 15 drops are taken 20 minutes before meals.  Additionally, stevia contains no calories, so in other countries when used as a replacement in recipes for sugar, weight management becomes much easier.

Other benefits include improved digestion, gastrointestinal function, and a reduction of cravings for tobacco and alcoholic beverages.  For individuals who are managing a weight problem and trying to quit smoking or drinking at the same time, this is an exceptional benefit.

Stevia Is Safe

In the United States, pharmacies and doctors use the reference entitled "The Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicine" (PDR), which gives the clinical description of all herbal drugs.  Stevia is listed and the pharmacological effects include the ability of the sweetener to significantly clear elevated glucose (positively effecting insulin regulation), and to increase salt excretion and urine flow (thus leading to a significant lowering of blood pressure).   Under the section entitled Precautions and Adverse Reactions, the PDR lists this as "No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper use of the drug as a sweetener."

Stevioside has over 50% of over the commercial sweetening market in Japan, which consumes 90% of the world's supply of Stevia leaves.  Stevioside is 250 - 300 times sweeter than sugar and the amount used in commercial products must be adjusted accordingly.  In Japan, the commercial beverage companies and many in the processed food market have used stevia regularly and have developed appropriate recipes for their products.

Artificial sweeteners are banned in Japan, which explains why the Japanese are the greatest consumers of stevia. In 1970 the Japanese National Institute of Health began investigations of stevia, and by 1980 stevia was being used in food products throughout the country as a commercial sweetening agent.  The Japanese scientific community has stated that stevia is safe for human consumption.  Studies have confirmed that there are no negative effects, such as cancer, birth defects, gastrointestinal effects, nothing for concern.  There have been no complaints about stevia throughout its twenty-year use in Japan. Other countries using stevia as a sweetener of choice include China, Korea, Taiwan, Israel, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay.

 The FDA permits Stevia to be imported and labeled only for its approved use as a dietary supplement.  It has been widely reported that firms that hold exclusive rights to artificial sweeteners currently in use are fearful of the advent of new, safer sweeteners.  Stevia is natural and not patentable.   Because of this, some governments have been influenced to keep this healing herb out of our kitchens and commercial establishments.  Recently, there was a case in the courts regarding stevia.  It appears that the FDA may eventually have to approve stevia as a sweetener in the very near future. 

                                                             Stevia Applications

It is reported that stevia can be used in both HOT and COLD food production, and thus in other countries it is used in baking. This unique extract is even water-soluble! This is a water-based extract with nothing added, no calories, either! It is this authors understanding from a friend who bakes that Stevia-sweetened baked goods do not brown very much, so when baking, she does not use color to check them for doneness. She indicates that Stevia  blends especially well with citrus fruit flavors such as lemon and cranberry. She also said she uses Stevia with a variety of herbal teas.  The South Americans combine stevia with yerba mate, lapacho, and other native herbs. Stevia is nutrient-rich, containing substantial amounts of protein, calcium, and phosphorous and other important nutrients as listed above.  In any health or food product where nutrients enrich the product, stevia is a dietary enhancement.  Stevia’s flavor is strong and a quarter teaspoon will equate to about the same as one teaspoon of sugar.

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