Stevia, the natural plant sweeter than sugar

Stevia is a sugar substitute made from leaves of the plant species Stevia Rebaudiana. In its natural form, it is a green leafy plant with origins from Brazil and Paraguay where it has been used for centuries as a sweetener and treatment for colic, burns and stomach problems. At maturity, stevia leaves are dried to get rid of all the moisture, and then ground into powder. It is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories and low glycemic index. Enjoy your cakes and bakes, sweet drinks, tea or coffee without thinking about the effects on your body. Stevia is known to help control blood sugar and insulin levels. It is a sweetener that is not harmful to your teeth. In fact, it is said to fight cavities, strengthen bones, lower blood pressure and benefit diabetics and those with metabolic syndrome. When baking, in place of a cup of sugar you would need just one teaspoon of liquid stevia or half a teaspoon of stevia powder. It is available in supermarkets and health shops for Sh1,000 or more per 150g of 100 per cent pure stevia.