
Botanical Name: Stevia rebaudiana
Components: Over 200 species of stevia grow throughout Central and South America, but none are as sweet as this one. The active phytochemical in stevia’s serrated leaves is at least a hundred times sweeter than sugar.
Overview: More than just a calorie-free sugar substitute, the active component in the leaf, stevioside, has been shown to markedly lower blood sugar levels, suggesting a possible therapeutic use for people with diabetes.
Uses: The dried leaf may be added to teas and herbal preparations.
Origin: Paraguay