Green stevia powder is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, an herb indigenous to high-altitude regions of Brazil and Paraguay. Stevia is now cultivated internationally, particularly in Korea, Israel and China. Stevia has been popular in Japan since the 1970s and now makes up approximately 40 percent of the Japanese sweetener market.
Nutritional Value
Stevia contains no appreciable nutritional value. There are no significant amounts of vitamins, minerals, proteins or fats within the herb. A 3g serving, or approximately 1 tsp. of green powdered stevia, contains just a little over 2.8g of carbohydrates, providing only 3 calories per serving, according the the USDA. The rest consists of indigestible components and water.
Government Approval
Until 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had not approved Stevia as a food additive that was "generally recognized as safe." Because stevia was labeled as a dietary supplement, however, it was not subject to the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act for food additives. This opened the way for green stevia to be made available to consumers, who can then use it as a sweetener. In 2008, according to the Mayo Clinic, the FDA approved stevia as an artificial sweetener, allowing it to be used as a food ingredient.
Active Ingredients
The sweetening agents in green stevia powder are steviol glycosides, the majority of which consist of the chemicals stevioside and rebaudioside A. Together, these are around 200 to 300 times sweeter than sucrose, which is regular table sugar. While stevia powder cannot be used as an ingredient in foods, the refined glycosides from stevia are allowed by the FDA for inclusion in food products.
Benefits
As a replacement for sugar, stevia can help reduce caloric intake for individuals who are trying to lose weight. It does not affect blood sugar and is relatively safe for diabetics to use. Unlike sugar, stevia dose not cause tooth decay. It is also safe for individuals who cannot metabolize phenylalanine, a major constituent of other artificial sweeteners.
Health Concerns
The FDA banned stevia in 1991 because of concerns that it was not safe. This ruling was revised in 1995 and again in 2008 to lift the ban, but research continues concerning the safety of stevia as a food additive and nutritional supplement. While the University of Maryland Medical Center lists stevia as an artificial sweetener that dose not affect blood sugar, the Mayo Clinic recommends exercising caution if you are diabetic when using stevia, because it may contribute to hypoglycemia.
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