Post by Tim Wescott on Mar 31, 2005 15:00:01 GMT -5
ALL ABOUT STEVIA:
By Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Stevia rebaudiana is an inconspicuous herb native to sections of Paraguay and Brazil in the subtropical part of South America. The plant resembles mint, but reaches 2-3 feet in height and does not spread so readily. The stems take root easily and form new plants, but propagation from seed is more difficult because of low germination rates.
Native Guarani Indians used Stevia for centuries before M.S. Bertoni "discovered" it in 1887. Outsiders had some catching up to do, but soon Stevia was being scrutinized with that new world mainstay, the scientific research study.
According to Jeffrey Goettemoeller, author of Stevia Sweet Recipes, Stevia is one of the great botanical discoveries of all time. In the United States, the potential for Stevia has not yet been fully realized as it has in other countries.
Here are some key points:
1)Green Stevia Powder & dried Stevia leaves are up to 15 times sweeter than cane sugar and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
2)Stevia has gone through numerous toxicity tests. None of these tests have shown any harmful effects.
3)The number of calories we get from Stevia is almost "0".
4)Stevia is thought to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels.
5)The long term use of Stevia is thought to produce mild strengthening of the heart & vascular system, however, more research is needed.
6)Research has shown that strains of harmful bacteria do not thrive in the presence of stevioside. Unlike sugar, it is actually good for your teeth!
7)While this action has not been proven, Stevia has been used in Brazil as an aid to digestive functioning.
By Jeffrey Goettemoeller
Stevia rebaudiana is an inconspicuous herb native to sections of Paraguay and Brazil in the subtropical part of South America. The plant resembles mint, but reaches 2-3 feet in height and does not spread so readily. The stems take root easily and form new plants, but propagation from seed is more difficult because of low germination rates.
Native Guarani Indians used Stevia for centuries before M.S. Bertoni "discovered" it in 1887. Outsiders had some catching up to do, but soon Stevia was being scrutinized with that new world mainstay, the scientific research study.
According to Jeffrey Goettemoeller, author of Stevia Sweet Recipes, Stevia is one of the great botanical discoveries of all time. In the United States, the potential for Stevia has not yet been fully realized as it has in other countries.
Here are some key points:
1)Green Stevia Powder & dried Stevia leaves are up to 15 times sweeter than cane sugar and up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
2)Stevia has gone through numerous toxicity tests. None of these tests have shown any harmful effects.
3)The number of calories we get from Stevia is almost "0".
4)Stevia is thought to have a regulating effect on blood sugar levels.
5)The long term use of Stevia is thought to produce mild strengthening of the heart & vascular system, however, more research is needed.
6)Research has shown that strains of harmful bacteria do not thrive in the presence of stevioside. Unlike sugar, it is actually good for your teeth!
7)While this action has not been proven, Stevia has been used in Brazil as an aid to digestive functioning.
