The shrub Stevia rebaudiana from an area between Paraguay and Brazil. For the inhabitants of South America beieindruckende this plant has been known for many centuries, of course in the preparation of drinks, various foods and the manufacture of drugs. Also known as "sweet herb" or "honey leaf" designated plant is used mainly in Asia for different purposes.
Stevia has been in Europe until the 16th Century known, but little attention. End of the 19th Century focused on the science for the first time in more detail with the plant. It brings together approximately 100 active ingredients, are of particular importance here eight glycosides, which provide for the extraordinary sweetness of the crop. For example, the stevioside is 300 times sweeter than our conventional table sugar sucrose. However, this sweetener to replace sugar is not perfect, because ordinary table sugar in desserts, where it represents the main component, is more advantageous. Here he provides through the right size for a soft dough. For pastry in turn can be safely used stevia.

Unbelievable, but true: stevia promotes dental health, because it inhibits the formation of caries. Furthermore, this sweetener suitable for diabetics and contains virtually no calories. Thanks to the great demand for stevia sweetening power is relatively low. Since it does not trigger an additional cravings, the sugar substitute also for overweight people great hope. In addition, of course, is the fact that stevia can not be produced artificially, but is a purely natural product.

Yet there is much discussion about the effect of stevia continues to be. Population of Brazil and Paraguay consider the sweetener for granted and seem no permanent damage caused by the consumption of sugar substitute to carry off. In addition, the plant is said to act strengthens the heart and even reduce blood pressure.
Animal experiments end of the nineties, however, showed that Stevia has a negative impact on male fertility, and toxicity may develop one. It is now clear that the rats were tested on the effectiveness of that sweet cabbage, too high a dose were administered. To accommodate this amount, a person would have half his body weight in Stevia eat. This experiment was very unrealistic and probably unfairly burdened the plant.
Is used in Japan, a country where for over 25 years, stevia to sweeten foods, no problems have come to the public.

Because of this uncertainty was the sweetener banned in Germany from the nineties as a food additive and is now rarely seen yet. It is still used in some blends, and according to the EU commission is an introduction of stevia in the German market for the year of 2010. Stevia is already located in dental care articles, because it affects plaque-resistant.
Through the Internet, there is a brisk trade from abroad. As a powder, syrup or leaves of the sweetener is available. This type of sale is not completely legal and the consumer has no guarantee of faultless goods. Since it is not officially approved, it is not inspected by the Food Authority.

Other interesting information:

1. Stevia in cosmetic products
2. Stevia in diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure
3. Cooking and Baking with Stevia