Stevia

Azucacaa; Capim Doce; Erva Doce; Kaa Jhee; Stevia eupatorium; Stevia rebaudiana; Sweet Herb; Sweetleaf; Yerba Dulce

... In the United States and Canada, stevia is not approved for use as a food additive. It may, however, be purchased as a dietary supplement.

In South America, stevia has been used to lower blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. Evidence from laboratory and animal studies seems to show that stevia may help to control blood sugar levels by delaying the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Additionally, chemicals – primarily the glycosides stevioside and rebaudioside A – in stevia may also encourage the production of insulin by the body. Glycosides are substances, generally produced by plants, that contain both sugar and non-sugar components. In the body, the sugar part usually separates from the rest of the molecule, producing many different possible effects that depend on the total composition of the glycoside. Many glycosides affect heart function. The potential anti-diabetic property of stevia needs to be verified by larger scientific studies in humans. ...

?Stevia A young Stevia rebaudiana plant Scientific classification ...