What is Stevia?
Stevia
Certified Organic Stevia – A Natural Herbal Sweetener.
While Equal and Saccharine continue to dominate the non-caloric sweetener market, a remarkable herb called Stevia remains relatively unknown. Anyone who suffers from blood sugar disorders or who needs to limit their caloric intake needs to know about the remarkable properties of Stevia. Stevia offers an ideal alternative to other sugars or sugar substitutes. This herb also has numerous therapeutic properties and has been proven in safety and effectiveness for hundreds of years.
Stevia is a small perennial shrub with green leaves that belongs to the aster or chrysanthemum family of plants. It grows primarily in the Amambay mountain range of Paraguay but over 200 species of Stevia have been found around the world. Stevia rebaudiana is the only species at present, which possesses the ability to sweeten.
The leaves of the Stevia shrub contain specific substances (glycosides), which produce a sweet taste but have no caloric value. Stevia also contains protein, fibers, carbohydrates, phosphorus, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, rutin (flavonoid), zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
The sweetening power of Stevia is amazing. It is rated between 70 to 400 times sweeter than white sugar. What is really intriguing about Stevia is that it is completely calorie-free, never initiates a rise in blood sugar, and does not provide an intestinal source for bacteria and yeasts.
History of Stevia
Like many of the other herbs from South America, the Spanish Conquistadors first introduced Stevia to Europe in the 16th century. In the late 1880′s Moises S. Bertoni, Director of the College of Agriculture in Paraguay began to study the Stevia plant. In 1905 Bertoni published an article about the incredible sweetening power of Stevia. The first crop of Stevia was harvested in 1908 and subsequently Stevia plantations began cultivating the herb all over South America.
During the 1970′s the Japanese developed a new method to better refine the active ingredient in Stevia. The result was a compound called stevioside, which is 200 to 300 times sweeter than white sugar. The Japanese approach artificial sweeteners with great caution and they believe stevioside to be safer and more effective than other artificial sweeteners.
Stevia enjoyed some popularity during the 1980′s as a natural sweetener and was found in a variety of consumer products. However, in 1986, the FDA stopped the sale of Stevia and in 1991 said it was not suitable as a food additive. Advocates for Stevia say that this happened because the herb is a natural, inexpensive and non-patentable sweetener, and poses a threat to pharmaceutical sweeteners. As of now Stevia has received approval by the FDA to be sold only as a dietary supplement, not as a sweetening agent.
Currently Stevia is grown commercially in Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Central America, Israel, China, Thailand, and the United States. It is considered an important natural sweetener in both Japan and Korea. Extracts of Stevia and related products make up a considerable portion of the Japanese market for natural sweetening agents. They use Stevia in sweet sauces, pickles, beverages, etc., making Japan one of the largest single consumers of Stevia.
Today the demand for Stevia is on the increase and several Paraguayan organizations are looking to expand the commercial cultivation of the plant. Canadian researchers and chemists are working to provide even better Stevia supplements and may end up teaming up with government agencies to raise Stevia crops as economic replacements for tobacco leaves. Stevia has not been officially approved by Canadian agencies, but is still available in tea.
Although the herb is found growing wild, the most potent hybrids, the stevia plants richest in steviosides, are cultivated on plantations. The herbs are carefully nurtured and harvested at only certain times of the year. For insured safety and quality only buy Stevia that is organically grown without chemicals or pesticides.
It starts with the highest premium quality stevia extract available, which is 96% steviosides with over 30% rebaudiosides (the active ingredients in the stevia leaf). Many companies use alcohol and/or chemicals to extract the stevioside from the plant. However Stevita uses a natural water process to obtain the stevioside. This method offers a superior stevia product.
This extract is blended with erythritol, a natural granulated filler from fruits and vegetables. Unlike other fillers it is easily digested, dissolves quickly, is safe for diabetics, promotes healthy teeth, and has no calories or carbohydrates per serving. Since it is also naturally sweet, erythritol is a perfect companion for the best tasting stevia supplement on the market. This superior stevia blend can be used in hot or cold liquids, sprinkled on cereals and fruits, or in any other way you wish to use this dietary supplement.
Testimonials:
PHYSICIANS LABORATORIES – “Stevita brand stevia has been a true blessing for our patients. Stevita’s organic cultivation, water extraction and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) manufacturing make it the clear choice for me.” Aaron T., MD
“Without a doubt, Stevita is an outstanding product, not harmful and tastes great as well as being organic…I have had and used other stevia but my favorite is Stevita.” Judy H.
“I just received my first bottle of pure, unadulterated, and otherwise organic Stevia. Put just the tip of a teaspoons worth in a Burger King large plastic cup (I’m a bachelor) of ice tea and MAN!!! That stuff sure works. Ive got to cut back a little. I will be writing to order again. Thanks.” Mike H.
“Recently, I used your packet at a local restaurant. I really like the convenience and the portability of the individual packets. Thanks so much.” Corie G.
“Hi, I ordered some of your products last month. I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with them. I had formerly been using another brand. They aren’t nearly as good as yours. The other brands gave me a pounding headache every single time I used them. The other brands were so non-sweet, that I had to use 2 to 3 tablespoons in my beverages to get any effect. A big thank you goes out to you. Best regards.” Kathy C.
“I was introduced to Stevita today and I am very pleased. I am hypoglycemic, and therefore must avoid sugar in nearly all forms. For many years, I have used another brand of liquid stevia and was never very happy with the product. As a matter of fact, I was nearly ready to abandon all use of stevia due to its licorice-like taste. However, after trying your product, I am convinced that this will be a staple in my diet.” Marti R.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not evaluated this page’s information. The products described are intended solely as food supplements to enhance general health, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.