The stevia plant is a small, shrub-like plant that can be found growing in Central and South America. It can also be found in sections of the United States. The plant grows wild from Argentina to Mexico. For hundreds of years, it has been used as a sweetener in South America. Now, it is widely used in Japan. There, it is used in soy sauce, chewing gum, and soft drinks. It is also found in many other items. Stevia is easily cultivated and grows like a weed. This makes it extremely attractive to many companies.

Stevia can be extremely beneficial to those who crave sweet foods. It can be used on cereal, for baking, in herbal teas, in soda, in toothpaste, and in ice cream. These only name a few of the items it can be used in. This herb is also beneficial because it contains no calories. For this reason, it can easily be used to replace artificial sweeteners, which have side effects and often cause problems in many individuals. In the United States, stevia is becoming increasingly popular. It can often be found in health foods stores in both liquid and powder form. The majority of people prefer the taste of the powder. Stevia is not affected by heat, so it can be used in teas or hot water. The herb is extremely beneficial, not only as a sweetener, but also as a healing agent.

During World War II, scientists began experimenting with the stevia herb. This was because sugar was in high demand. At the time, stevia was too expensive to manufacture. However, modern techniques have made it much more readily available. This herbal food contains properties that are useful to the body in ways other than just as a natural sweetener. A study done at Hiroshima University School of Dentistry found that stevia may be responsible for suppressing the growth of dental caries. Stevia does not feed bacteria like sugar does. Not only has the herb been shown to have no harmful effects on diabetics and individuals who are suffering from hypoglycemia, but it may actually help blood sugar levels to remain stable. Studies that have been completed have shown a connection between stevia and the regulation of blood sugar levels. In the studies, no harmful effects have been reported.

In short, the leaves of the stevia plant are used to act as a sugar substitute. This herb is very high in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and selenium. Additionally, it contains manganese, silicon, sodium, and small amounts of calcium and iron. Primarily, stevia is extremely beneficial in treating diabetes, food cravings, hypoglycemia, obesity, sugar substitute, and tobacco cravings.

Additionally, the herb is very helpful in dealing with addictions, cavities, hypertension, and hypoglycemia. In order to obtain the best results when supplementing with this, or any herb, it is important to consult your health care provider before beginning any regimen. For more information on the many beneficial effects provided by stevia, please feel free to consult a representative from your local health food store with questions.

Author Bio: Reduce Calories, Fight Sugar Cravings With Natural Stevia Extract Powder. VitaNet ®, LLC Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/searchs/Stevia/Stevia/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Stevia, Sweet Leaf, Fight Sugar Cravings, Diabetic Sugar Alternative, Sweet Herb