There has never been a complaint that Stevia, in any of its consumable forms, has caused any harmful side effects in the 1,500 years of use in Paraguay and about 20 years in Japan. Scientists who have studied Stevia state that it is safe for human consumption.

Following extensive research, Doctors reported "More elaborate safety tests were performed by the Japanese during their evaluation of Stevia as a possible sweetening agent. Few substances have ever yielded such consistently negative results in toxicity trials as have Stevia. Almost every toxicity test imaginable has been performed on Stevia extract (concentrate) or stevioside at one time or another. The results are always negative. No abnormalities in weight change, food intake, cell or membrane characteristics, enzyme and substrate utilization or chromosome characteristics. No cancer, birth defects, no acute and no chronic untoward effects. Nothing."

In all of its current forms, Stevia has a taste unique to itself. Along with its sweetness there is also a bitter taste when the pure whole leaf extract or the white Stevioside powder is placed in the mouth. However, this bitter flavor disappears as does the slight licorice taste when the product is appropriately diluted in water or other liquid prior to use.

Where else can you provide yourself and family a sweetener that offers so many benefits and properties that are great for you!

This brief review of the Stevia and its world-wide uses in no way constitutes an endorsement of such uses. At this time the FDA permits Stevia to be imported and labeled only for its approved use as a dietary supplement.

Stevia as a dietary supplement.

The majority of reported health benefits, both from research laboratory and consumer experience, comes from the daily use of a water based whole leaf Stevia concentrate. Scientific research has indicated that Stevia effectively regulates blood sugar and brings it towards a normal balance. It is sold in some South American countries as an aid to people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Since its introduction into the US, numerous people have reported that taking 20-30 drops with each meal brought their blood glucose levels down to normal within a short time period. Obviously each individual's condition is different and such experimentation should be done under the supervision of a qualified physician. An important benefit for hypoglycemics is Stevia's tonic action, which enhances increased energy levels and mental activity.

Studies have also indicated that Stevia tends to lower elevated blood pressure but does not seem to affect normal blood pressure. It also inhibits the growth and reproduction of some bacteria and other infectious organisms, including the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This may help explain why users of Stevia enhanced products report a lower incidence of colds and flu and why it has such exceptional qualities when used as a mouthwash or added to toothpaste. Many people report significant improvement in oral health after adding Stevia concentrate to their toothpaste and using it, diluted in water, as a daily mouthwash.

Stevia is an exceptional aid in weight loss and weight management because it contains no calories and reduces one's cravings for sweets and fatty foods. Hunger sensations are lessened when 10 or 15 drops are taken 20 minutes before meals. Preliminary research data indicates Stevia may actually reset the hunger mechanisms in people where the pathway between the hypothalamus and the stomach has become obstructed. If so, Stevia would help people to feel satiated sooner, helping them eat less.

Other benefits of adding Stevia to the daily diet include improved digestion and gastrointestinal function, soothed upset stomachs and quicker recovery from minor illness. Users have also reported that drinking Stevia tea or Stevia enhanced teas helped to reduce their desire for tobacco and alcoholic beverages.