Currently used in 10 countries, including Japan, Paraguay and Brazil, stevioside is an extract from the leaves of the stevia plant. The leaves are 300 times sweeter than sugar. The leaves are known to be non-toxic and benign. The stevia is a South American shrub also grown in Asia and parts of California. Indian tribes in South American have ued stevia for centuries as a digestive aid and as a topical dressing for wound healing.
Recent studies indicate that it can increase glucose tolerance and decrease blood sugar levels.
Stevia gained great popularity in the 1980's in the United States. Celestial Seasonings used it as a flavoring for many of their teas. In 1986, without warning, the FDA came into their warehouse and seized their stock of stevia. The extract stevioside is presumed safe, although it slightly alters the taste of food and can leave an aftertaste. It is presented and reported here 'as is' for your benefit and research.