Stevia Rebaudiana is a small plant native to Paraguay and Brazil. It was discovered in 1887 by a South American scientist named Antonio Bertoni who learned of the herb from the Guarani Paraguayan Indians. Stevia was known locally as Caa'-ehe or Kaa'-he-e wh

A good quality Stevia leaf is estimated to be 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, or sucrose. Also known as “honey leaf” and yerba dulce, stevia is not absorbed through the digestive tract, and is therefore non-caloric. Although stevia adds sweetness to foods, it cannot be sold as a sweetener because the FDA considers it an unapproved food additive. However, under the provisions of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) passed in 1994, stevia can be sold as a dietary supplement.