Stevia
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) or sweetleaf - a genus of the sunflower family - has been used nutritionally and medicinally for centuries by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay. Stevia's most obvious and notable characteristic is its sweet taste. However, the sweet taste is not due to carbohydrate-based molecules, but to several non-caloric molecules called glycosides. Medical research has shown possible benefits of Stevia in treating obesity and hypertension (high blood pressure). Because Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose tolerance, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets and diabetics, as it has properties which help stabilize the blood sugar level. It inhibits the bacteria that causes plaque on teeth, and is thus effective for cavity prevention.