Sep 28 2008
Stevia is Sweet, but is it safe?
Stevia is an all-natural, calorie-free plant. This plant, found mostly in Paraguay is steadily becoming an alternative sweetener. It has about 300 times the sweetness or regular sugar and has been used for centuries to sweeten tea. If the FDA approves the use of Stevia, it could very well be at the forefront of the next health craze.
Stevia was discovered by early explorers who chewed the leaves and noticed the long-lasting flavor that lingered in their mouths. Since 1913, scientists have been trying to bring Stevia to the U.S. to be used as an alternative sweetener.
A Seattle-based company is now selling Zevia; a zero-calorie, zero-fat soda sold as a dietary supplement in stores in the United States. The makers of Zevia are trying to help break addictions to diet sodas by offering this all-natural alternative. They now have 4 flavors; cola, root beer, orange, and twist.
