Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana)

🌱 What it is

Stevia is a South American herb whose leaves yield intensely sweet glycosides used as a natural, zero-calorie sugar substitute.

📜 Where it comes from

Stevia is a leafy herb native to Paraguay, where the Guarani people traditionally used its sweet leaves to sweeten foods and medicinal teas for centuries before European contact. Japanese food scientists began commercial development of stevia extracts in the twentieth century, and it eventually spread worldwide as a popular natural, zero-calorie alternative to sugar.

✨ Why it's good for you

• Zero-calorie sugar substitute
• Does not spike blood sugar at normal sweetener amounts
• Easy substitute in drinks and recipes

🥄 How to use it

Use stevia powder or liquid extract in place of sugar in beverages and food; choose products at least 95% pure with rebaudioside A for the best taste.

How much: Use as directed on the product label to taste, as a sugar substitute.

Why it works: Glycosides such as stevioside provide sweetness without calories or carbohydrates; some studies suggest modest blood-pressure and blood-sugar benefits, but these were seen at doses far above typical sweetener use.

📚 Learn more

💬 Ask Remy about Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana)

📚 Resource confidence

Based on mentions in health references

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