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Even though The Baby Boomers' Guide to Living Forever tells us that we should not eat sugar and that most artificial sweeteners are unhealthy as well, all is not lost for those of us who enjoy sweet tastes. There is at least one sweetener, which we can use that is even good for us! Yet, if you are like most Americans, you have never heard of stevia. The FDA has tried to see to that. Stevia is a plant indigenous to South America, and is a natural food supplement that is 30-100 times sweeter than table sugar. It has been used for its medicinal effects and natural sweetness in Paraguay for 1500 years. It has been used similarly in Japan for the last two decades and has recently become popular in the US as an all-natural, healthy sweetener. Its popularity has brought it under the magnifying glass.
Stevia poses a major threat to the patent holders of aspartame and saccharin, and to the entire sugar industry. Because of this, a mini-war has begun. In 1998 the FDA attempted to place a ban on this little plant. The truth is there has never been an adverse reaction reported from the use of stevia. This goes for all countries in which it has been used. Numerous studies have been performed on stevia in Japan and in the US regarding its effects on cell membranes, enzymes systems and cancer. No negative effects have ever been discovered. In fact, many amazing benefits have been observed. Here is a brief summary of its benefits:
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It is highly nutritious.
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It lowers blood sugar in diabetics, but has a regulatory effect on blood sugar in non-diabetics.
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It lowers blood pressure of people with high blood pressure.
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It acts as a cardiotonic (strengthens the heart).
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It has a mild antibacterial property towards the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
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It increases energy levels and mental activity.
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10-20 drops taken in a little water or tea 20 minutes before eating resets hunger patterns in the hypothalamus, helping reduce overeating.
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It has been found to help reduce alcohol and tobacco cravings.
Compare this list of benefits found with stevia with the hazards associated with aspartame, the synthetic, patented sweetener. Stevia grown in Paraguay is said to be of higher quality. Stevia has a slight bitterness to it, which may account for many of its medicinal properties. This bitterness is completely masked, however, by its overwhelming sweetness. Stevia is sweet, safe and inexpensive. Use it!
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