HEALTH BENEFITS OF STEVIA

The herb, Stevia rebaudiana, has been used for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay, who had several names for the plant, several of which are Kaa'-he- , !aa'-ehe, or !a-a-yupe- all" referring to the sweet leaf or honey leaf" It is commonly #nown in South $merica as yerba dulce meaning sweet herb" The Guarani used stevia nutritionally and medicinally" The plant came to the attention of the rest of the world when South $merican naturalist, %ertoni, &discovered& the plant in the late '())'s" $fter his report," the herb became widely used by herbalists in Paraguay" Stevia's most obvious and notable characteristic is its sweet taste" *owever, the sweet taste is not due to carbohydrate-based molecules, but to several non-caloric molecules called glycosides" Individuals who cannot tolerate sugar or other sweeteners can use stevia" The first glycoside molecule was isolated from stevia in '+,' by two -rench chemists named %ridel and .avieille and called stevioside" /uring 00 II, sugar shortages prompted ngland to begin investigation of stevia for use as a sweetener" !ultivation began under the direction of the 1oyal %otanical Gardens at Kew, but the pro2ect 'was abandoned in the aftermath of the war" 3apan began cultivating stevia in hothouses in the '+4)'s" %y the '+5)'s, 3apan started using stevia commercially and today, they are the biggest users of the e6tract, which has captured 4)7 of 3apan's sweetener industry" 8ther aspects of stevia are capturing people's attention" The herb is sold in some South $merican countries to aid diabetics and hypoglycemics" 1esearch has shown that a whole leaf concentrate has a regulating effect on the pancreas and helps stabili9e blood sugar levels" Stevia is therefore useful to people with diabetes, hypoglycemia, and !andidiasis" 8ther traditional uses of stevia are: lowers elevated blood pressure ;hypertension<, digestive aid that also reduces gas and stomach acidity, and for obesity" The herb acts as general tonic which increases energy levels and mental acuity" Stevia has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay, ma#ing it an e6cellent addition to tooth pastes and mouthwashes" =any people have reported improvement in their oral health after adding stevia concentrate to their tooth paste and using it, diluted in water, as a daily mouthwash" Stevia is useful in healing a number of s#in problems" 0hole stevia concentrates may be applied as a facial mas# to soften and tighten the s#in and smooth cut wrin#les" Smooth the dar# li>uid over the entire face, allowing it to dry for at least ,)-?) minutes" $ drop of concentrate may be applied directly to any blemish, acne outbrea#, lip or mouth sore" Stevia concentrate is also effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis, and ec9ema" 1eportedly, cuts and scratches heal more rapidly when stevia concentrate is applied"

Stevia concentrate added to soap eliminates dandruff and other scalp problems and improves the health and luster of the hair, also helping to retain natural hair color" 1efined sugar consumption continues to rise in the @nited States" $ccording to the !enter for Science in the Public Interest ;Aov" '++(<, sugar consumption rose by B4 pounds since '+(? to '4B pounds per person per year ;calculated from sugar production figures<" Sugar displaces nutritive calories leading to numerous health problems and" obesity" $ ma2or factor contributing to this high rate is the widespread and continually growing habit of drin#ing sugar-laden soda pops" This review of the therapeutic properties of stevia in no way constitutes an endorsement of such uses. Please consult a qualified physician before experimenting with this herb. At this time the FDA permits stevia to be sold only as a dietary supplement and in skin care products.

Stevia Extract Stevia e6tract is a super-sweet, low-calorie dietary supplement that helps regulate blood sugar and supports the pancreas" It is valuable for anyone with diabetes and hypoglycemia" It is a wonderful aid to weight loss and weight management because it contains no calories" In addition, research indicates that it significantly increases glucose tolerance and inhibits glucose absorption" People who ingest stevia daily often report a decrease in their desire for sweets and fatty foods" It may also improve digestion and gastrointestinal function, soothe upset stomachs, and help speed recovery from minor illnesses""" Stevia also inhibits the growth of some bacteria and infectious organisms, including those that cause tooth decay and gum disease" =any individuals using stevia have reported a lower incidence of colds and flu" =any who have used Stevia as a mouthwash have e6perienced a significant decrease in gum disease" 0hen topically applied, it softens the s#in and smooths out wrin#les while healing various s#in blemishes, acne, seborrhea, dermatitis, and ec9ema" 0hen used on cuts and wounds, it promotes rapid healing without scarring" P 8P. 'S / SK 1 - 1 A! -81 SS ATI$. 8I.S !ontents: Stevia Leaf Extract--intensely sweet with a mild licorice-li#e aftertaste" Companion Products Thyromin, =ega9yme, CitaGreen, $ura.ight ;oral spray<, and =ineral ssence"

Companion Oi! B!ends 3uva-le6 and Thieves" Su""ested #se $s a dietary supplement and for s#in care"

Stevia Se!ect Stevia Select is the powdered form of a popular South $merican food supplement and fructooligosaccharides that may balance blood sugar levels and support a healthy pancreas" This product is an e6cellent supplement for diabetics" Contents Fructoofi"osacc$arides %FOS& are one of the best-documented natural nutrients for promoting the growth the lactobacilli and bifid bacteria that are the linchpin of sound health" -8S has also been clinically studied for its ability to increase magnesium and calcium absorption, lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and ./. levels, and to inhibit production of the reductase en9ymes that can contribute to cancer" %ecause -8S may increase magnesium absorption, it may also lead to lowered blood pressure and better cardiovascular health" In addition, -8S also has another benefit: It has a naturally sweet taste" Stevia !eaf e6tract is an all-natural supplement" ; ee tevia for further nutritional information about this wonderful extract!. Companion Products Thyromin, =ega9yme, CitaGreen, Stevia, Power =eal, and =ineral ssence" Companion Oi! B!ends 3uva-le6 and Thieves"

%eware of *igh %lood Sugar /owsing *ome Page