Is Stevia Natural?

Sweeten your coffee with stevia.

Stevia is an all-natural sweetener derived from the herb Stevia rebaudiana. It is used as an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners like saccharine. Stevia rebaudiana comes from a wild shrub that is native to Paraguay and Brazil.

Significance

Stevia extract tastes 200 times sweeter than sugar, according to the Mayo Clinic. It has no calories and does not affect your blood sugar. People with diabetes and other diseases that restrict sugar intake can safely use stevia.

Approval

In 2008, the FDA recognized stevia as a safe artificial sweetener alternative. The Mayo Clinic notes that stevia is safe when used in moderate amounts.

Warning

Although stevia is all-natural, the risks associated with the herb are not entirely known. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should avoid using it. Talk to your doctor before making stevia a regular part of your diet.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Stevia--a New Zero Calorie Sweetener
• MayoClinic.com: Stevia--Is it Available in the United States?
• Stevia.com: Stevia Information