Due to the potential toxicity and unknown long-term consequences of using artificial sweeteners, it is good to know that there is a safe alternative.
Stevia is a slow-release sweetener that can be used by those who do not want to use sugar or artificial sweeteners and who are sensitive to both. It is also wonderful for diabetics.
The Indians of Paraguay have used Stevia for centuries. Europeans found out about Stevia when Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century sent a message to Spain that the natives of South America had used it. Stevia comes from a shrub native to the northern regions of South America. It is now also grown in Brazil, Uruguay, Central America, the United States, Israel, Thailand, and China. Here in the US we simply refer to it as the Stevia plant.
It has very powerful sweetening properties and can be used in place of sugar in cooking, baking, and sweetening just about anything in place of the sugar or artificial sweeteners used in virtually everything processed today. It is probably one of the safest sweeteners on the market.
Stevia is completely natural and does not affect blood sugar levels like sugar does, nor does it pollute our bodies like artificial sweeteners do. Also, you don’t need to use much as it is very concentrated. You most likely won’t find Stevia on your grocery store shelves yet, but it is available in natural and whole foods stores everywhere. It generally comes in liquid or powder form. For those concerned about sugar intake, Stevia is a wonderful alternative.