is stevia bad for you or… A Gift from Nature

The answer to the obvious dilemma – is stevia bad for you – may be hiding in the next words. Stevia is a common shrub native to South America, especially to Paraguay and Brazil. Extensive research shows that it has been used by the native Guarani Indians for over 1500 years. Traditionally, the Guarani’s used stevia as a natural herbal sweetener, to sweeten their bitter drinks such as mate, and for medicinal use to treat various ailments. Surprisingly enough, these also include diabetes and hypertension.

Stevia is known to nourish the pancreas. Yet, it does not raise normal blood glucose levels, thus making it safe for use to diabetics and hypergylcemics. Stevia lowers high blood pressure, without bad effects on normal blood pressure.

What does it contain ?

Stevia is made of an abundance of phytonutrients and trace minerals (phytonutrients are essential dietary components derived from plants). Although tasting sweet, it is amazing to discover that the herb does not contain calories or carbohydrates. It offers natural protection with antibacterial properties that even help prevent tooth decay.

So, is stevia bad for you ?

Stevia is an ideal alternative for those who seek natural sweetener, and do not like to use refined sugar and such artificial sweeteners like the abundant aspartame. As the herb has no calories or carbohydrates:
* It functions also as a great weight loss aid

• Assists digestion
• Helps minimize the so challenging cravings for sweets and fatty foods
• Stevia also helps to reduce the attraction and addictions to tobacco and alcohol
   

The plant extract and the leaves are useful for healing a variety of skin problems. Use of the whole leaf can help soften and tighten the skin and smooth wrinkles:

•  Stevia  supreme liquid can be used on acne outbreaks, eczema and lip and mouth sores.
• Studies show that stevia prevents gum disease and prevents cavities.

If you are making any diabetic meal plans, or asking yourself which foods to avoid with diabetes, stevia safety may be quite clear now.

To cover all bases if you are still concerned is stevia bad for you, you may check out the official government reports, research and studies in our stevia links section.