Stevia, a shrub native to South America, has leaves that are naturally sweet. It is used as a food sweetener in a number of countries. Sold exclusively as a dietary supplement in the United States for years, it was approved by the FDA for use as a food additive in 2008. Herbalists use stevia to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, high blood pressure, heartburn, diabetes, water retention and heart problems; however, scientific evidence has not conclusively established the efficacy of these treatments, according to RxList.com.
Safety
Rigorous peer-reviewed safety studies have examined hormonal, metabolic, pharmacologic and general health effects of stevia in humans and animals. This research has established that stevia sweeteners are safe for human consumption as a food additive, according to Food Insight.
Some limits to use may apply under certain circumstances, reports the website RxList.com. Stevia functions as a diuretic in some patients, may interact with lithium, and has unknown effects on fetal development and infants, so should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Stevia may trigger an allergic reaction in those who are sensitive to Asteraceae/Compostiae plants, such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies and chrysanthemums.
Low-Calorie Sweetener
Refined stevia extracts are used as a sweetener in confections, gums, cough drops, juices, carbonated and alcoholic beverages and tabletop sweeteners. Composed of purified steviol glycosides extracted from the stevia plant, stevia is estimated to be 200 to 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, reports Food Insight. The extract has no calories, and offers nonfat, non-caloric sweetness to dieters and weight watchers.
Useful for Baking
Unlike artificial sweeteners such a aspartame or saccharine, stevia does not lose its sweetness when heated, so it can be used in baked or cooked foods.
Diabetes Control
Lacking the chemical properties of sucrose, glucose or other sugars that trigger an insulin response, stevia serves as a safe sugar substitute for people with diabetes. Consumption has been demonstrated to not increase blood glucose, according to Food Insight. On the contrary, stevia can lower blood glucose and may cause low blood sugar if taken in conjunction with diabetes medications that also reduce blood sugar.
Dental Health
Stevia does not contribute to cavities or tooth decay, a benefit that makes everybody smile.
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