Stevia Leaf, Cut & Sifted (Stevia rebaudiana) – Dried Herb, Organic

Stevia is an evergreen shrub that is native to South America. In temperate regions it grows as an annual or herbaceous perennial. Stevia has been used for 1500 years by the Guarani tribe who used it for its health benefits and to sweeten the taste of their teas. It is a member of the Asteraceae plant family. They called Stevia “kaa he-he”, which means sweet herb. They chewed a few leaves or added crushed leaves to thier Mate tea.

While Stevia is typically used as a sweetener, it is also has some antimicrobial and liver-protecting properties. As an added consequence of replacing sugar with Stevia, people may experience benefits of decreasing sugar intake.

Some studies have shown that Stevia has had positive effects on overall cholesterol profiles.

Properties:

Taste is sweet with a bitter aftertaste. Stevia is a good source of chromium and other minerals. Chromium is the fore element in the glucose tolerance factor, which works with insulin to help process carbohydrates.

Stevia may be safely used as a sweetening agent by both diabetics and hypoglycaemics in small quantities.

How to use:

The leaf can be used as a dried leaf or as a powder. Use to your own level of desired sweetness.

Note: It is generally thought to be about 15 times sweeter than sugar.

Cautions & contraindications:

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.