Stevia is in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and is related to lettuce and marigolds. Also known as sweet leaf and sugar leaf. Stevia is a type of plant that has very sweet leaves. These leaves have been used to sweeten drinks and as a sugar substitute.

It has no calories, no carbohydrates, and a zero glycemic index which makes it a great natural alternative to sugar and chemical sweeteners. Stevia is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.

It also has many medicinal properties such as aiding digestion and lowering blood sugar levels.

Health Benefits:

There are numerous reasons to include Stevia in your diet.

No Harmful Side Effects - Stevia does not have any of the negative side effects that have been associated with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

Diabetes - Stevia is nurturing to the pancreas. It can be used by diabetics as a sweetener and also as a method for controlling blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that Stevia actually helps to regulate blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Hypertension - Studies have shown that Stevia lowers high blood pressure and does not affect regular blood pressure.

Teeth and Gums - Stevia will not cause cavities and actually helps to prevent them. It has antibacterial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other infectious organisms. Some manufacturers are adding Stevia to toothpaste and mouthwash.

Skin Care - Stevia can be applied to the skin to treat acne and other skin ailments. It has also been shown to protect against premature aging. A few drops of liquid Stevia extract can be placed directly in a cut to help quicken healing.

Digestion - Stevia has been shown to aid with digestion and soothe upset stomach.

Weight Loss - Stevia does not have any calories nor carbohydrates which make it excellent as a weight-loss aid. Some reports suggest that Stevia can help to minimize the sensations of hunger and cravings for sweets or fatty foods.