You are in Living Better . Several studies indicate that stevia is unlikely to promote tooth decay like sugar does, and there are also a few hints that it might be a useful sugar substitute for diabetics. But you should use it sparingly because no one knows whether large doses are safe.
Stevia is an herb native to Latin America.
Also called sweet leaf or sweet herb, its leaves contain stevioside, a compound about 300 times sweeter than sugar. In Japan, Brazil, and Korea, manufacturers use a liquid or powdered form of stevia to sweeten a variety of foods. Because stevioside keeps its sweet flavor even when heated, stevia can be used in baked goods and hot beverages. Several studies indicate that stevia is unlikely to promote tooth decay like sugar does, and there are also a few hints that it might be a useful sugar substitute for diabetics. A Danish study published in the February 2000 issue of the journal Metabolism suggests that stevia might lower blood sugar by spurring the body to release insulin.