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Stevia is a safe, all-natural
alternative to artificial sweeteners and refined sugar in the
diet. It has been used for centuries by native Indians in
Paraguay, and consumed safely in massive quantities world-wide
for the past 20 years. The Japanese use it in sugar-free versions
of Wrigley's gums and diet Coke. It has undergone dozens of tests
world-wide and was found to be free of toxins.
Stevia has many uses besides its traditional use as a
sweetener. It has also been used as a medicine, a cosmetic
ingredient, as a pickling agent, and as a dentifrice. As a
"flavor enhancer," Stevia helps to bring out the true
flavors in cereals, breads, juices, berries, sherbets, candies,
yogurt, ice cream, chewing gum, pickles, toothpaste and
mouthwash.
Stevia has also been used for alleviating bleeding gums, sore
throats and cold sores due to its mild anti-bacterial functions.
It has also been shown to inhibit the development of plaque and
aid in the prevention of cavities. There has also been some
claims that Stevia functions as an anti-diabetic agent.
Since Stevia does not break down when it is heated, it can be
used in foods that are baked or cooked. Stevia does not
caramelize, brown, or crystallize like sugar does, so meringues
and caramel may be difficult to make. The refined Stevia extracts
are considered to be calorie free and does not raise blood sugar
levels. Whereas the raw herbal form of Stevia contains nearly 100
identified phytonutrients and volatile oils, Stevia extracts
contain negligible nutritive benefits.
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