August 13,  2004

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Looking for a 'Sugar Fix'?

Conservative estimates indicate that the average American consumes between 125-133 lbs of sugar every year; the average teenager almost 2 times as much. The result? Obesity is now a national epidemic, and blood sugar concerns such as diabetes, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance top the lists of major health crises. The solution? Among other things, making healthy food choices, which includes limiting sugar intake. 

Many people include sugar alternatives in their diet to help satisfy their 'sweet tooth' without compromising taste or calories. But are there any natural alternatives? Yes, and it's called Sweet Leaf, Honey Leaf, Candy Leaf, or more commonly- Stevia.

A Sweet Success Story
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is native to the South American countries of Brazil and Paraguay. For hundreds of years, the leaves have been used by the indigenous cultures of that region both as a tea and a sweet food ingredient. In fact, it is commonly used to sweeten the national beverage, Yerba Mate, hence Stevia's other common name, Honey Yerba. 

Over time, its use for medicinal purposes have been incorporated into the South American traditional healing systems. Stevia preparations are employed for: 

• Diabetes

• Hypoglycemia

• Sweet cravings

• Fatigue 

• Oral tonic to prevent tooth decay (included in toothpastes and other oral care products around the world)

• Digestive aid

• Skin care 

• Weight loss (contains no calories and can help regulate appetite)

• And the list goes on..

Currently, the above uses for Stevia preparations continue to be used worldwide, and its many benefits are enjoyed by thousands, but particularly in Japan, where Stevia extract is an approved food additive. 

Stevia Session 101
While many of you may already be familiar with Stevia, some of our new readers may want to learn more about this remarkable sweet leaf. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q. Can I use Stevia if I have diabetes? 

A. Stevia preparations for sweetening purposes can be used safely by diabetics. However, regular consumption of Stevia tea have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics should therefore consult with their healthcare professional for monitoring of their blood sugar levels and possible medication adjustment. 

Q. If Stevia does not contain sugar, why is it so sweet?

A. Like all whole herbs, Stevia contains scores of natural constituents. Current research indicates that it contains compounds known collectively as glycosides, some of which can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar! Yet it contains no calories, does not cause cavities, and does not adversely affect blood sugar levels.

Q. Is is safe?

A. See "Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist" section below.

Q. What is the difference between the different Stevia preparations, some are white, while others are green? 

A. White Stevia powder is an extracted, concentrated form of one of the above-mentioned glycosides, known as stevioside. This form is used primarily for sweetening purposes only. 

The green powder is the whole form of Stevia leaf. It can be made into sweetening preparations as well, but is preferred by those who want the benefits of the whole herb. Stevia leaf contains protein, fiber, calcium, vitamins, trace minerals and other naturally occurring phytonutrients. 

Q. How does it taste?

A. Stevia does not taste like sugar. It has a unique, mild, licorice-like taste. When used for culinary or sweetening purposes, it is important to use it sparingly or according to instructions, as too much can result in an intensely sweet, slightly bitter aftertaste.

Q. How can it be used?

A. Stevia can be enjoyed as a pleasant tea, or used to replace sugar or other artificial sweeteners. Experiment and decide which form works best for you. It can also be used along with other sweeteners such as honey and molasses. There are several cook books available featuring scrumptious and creative Stevia recipes. Here's one healthy and delicious recipe idea:

Blueberry Muffins
(Makes 12)

6 oz Pineapple juice
1/4 cup Oil
1 Egg
1 and 1/2 tablespoons Stevia leaf powder (adjust to your preference)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup plain Yogurt  (fruit flavored can be used for extra flavor)
2 oz Milk
1 cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries 
1/2 cup Rolled Oats
1 3/4 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees; oil muffin pans; soak oats in the pineapple juice for 10-15 minutes in a small bowl. Beat together the egg, oil, and vanilla in a mixing bowl; thin the yogurt with the milk and add to the other ingredients. Mix well, add the soaked oats, sift together the flour, baking soda, Stevia and salt, fold the dry ingredients into the wet stirring as little as possible, fold in the blueberries just before the flour is completely blended, spoon into muffin pans and bake for 25-30minutes-enjoy!

"Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist": About Stevia    
"Ask The Penn Herb Pharmacist" is a new HerbNews feature, which will endeavor to answer some the questions we receive from many of our customers about herbs, supplements and natural health.
Our pharmacist, Karl C. Ruch is a graduate of the Temple University Pharmacy School. He has been a part of the Penn Herb family since 1966, where he has used his working knowledge of both drugs and herbs to help customers. Over the years, Karl has applied his professional expertise to not only advising customers but also to formulating some of our popular natural remedies. 

Q. What do you know about the efficacy and safety of Stevia?  

A. "Stevia is more than just an herbal sweetener. It can be very helpful for those who are looking to "kick" the sugar habit with all of its harmful effects. Studies have shown it helps regulate blood sugar and it's used in some cultures for diabetes and hypoglycemia. Stevia is an effective aid in weight loss and control, and can especially benefit people whose weight problems stem from a craving for sweets. It contains no calories while significantly increasing glucose tolerance and inhibiting glucose absorption. Many have also reported that Stevia decreases their desire for sugary foods. 

Is Stevia safe for use? The American Herbal Products Association commissioned the Herb Research Foundation (HRF), which is a scientific research organization, to conduct a complete safety review of Stevia. The HRF contacted Dr. Douglas A. Kinghorn, Professor of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy in Chicago, and one of the world's leading experts in the filed of plant derived sweeteners. His extensive review determined "there is no cause for concern about the safety of Stevia or its extracts for human consumption." He also noted that "Stevia has been used extensively in South America for hundreds of years without any reports of adverse reactions." 

It has been used commercially in Japan, South Korea, and other countries without any reports of adverse reactions. HRF President Rob McCaleb, cited the fact, that Stevia has already been used for the past 20 years in Japan and has captured over 40% of the Japanese sweetener market. Artificial sweeteners on the other hand have hazardous side effects such as dizziness, headache, seizures and brain tumors. Stevia has none of these or any other known side effects."

If you have any questions you'd like to direct to Karl, write to pharmacist@pennherb.com and put 'Ask the Pharmacist' on the subject line.  We'll get back to you with Karl's suggestions and recommendations. Some of these inquires and Karl's answers may even be published in future issues of HerbNews.

A Sweet Deal! 

Just for our HerbNews reader, we're offering a 16 oz package of Stevia leaf tea- your choice cut or powder- for only $9.99 (Regularly $17.00) That's A $7.00 Savings!!!!

Get it now and enjoy it as a tasty tea or in a low-calorie recipe. Try it in this cookie recipe

Monster Cookie Balls*

2 Cups Rolled Oats
1 Large Apple, Finely-Diced
3/4 Cup of Raisins or Currants
1 Cup of Nut Butter (Your Choice)
1/4- 1/2 pound Whole Pecans
1/2 Stick of Butter or Non-Hydrogenated Margarine
1/2 Cup Carob Chips (Optional)
2 Whole Eggs
1 Cup of Spring or Filtered Water
2 teaspoon Stevia Herbal Powder 

Combine rolled oats, eggs, water and butter in a mixing bowl. Stir in nut butter and remaining ingredients (except the pecans). Form into balls and place onto an oiled cookie sheet. Place a whole pecan on top of each ball. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Mmmm!

*Excerpted from book, Stevia Rebaudiana: Nature’s Sweet Secret by David Richard

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