### What is Stevia? Stevia is a natural, no-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. It is about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar and contains no carbohydrates, calories, or artificial ingredients. ### Forms of Stevia You can find stevia in powder or liquid form in supermarkets and natural food stores. It comes in various forms like tabletop packets, liquid drops, dissolvable tablets, and spoonable products. ### Benefits of Stevia - **Diabetes Management**: Stevia can help people with diabetes sweeten their food without adding carbohydrates, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. - **Weight Management**: It may aid in weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity and related health conditions. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits. - **Low-Calorie Diets**: Stevia is a good substitute for sugar in low-calorie or ketogenic diets as it adds few or no calories. ### Safety and Approval While raw stevia is not approved by the FDA for consumption, pure extracts are considered safe. Products labeled with stevia extract or Stevia rebaudiana are generally safe to use. Avoid whole stevia leaves or crude extracts as their health impacts are not well-studied. ### Other Sweeteners Other artificial sweeteners include monk fruit, acesulfame-K, saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose. Each has its own benefits and potential drawbacks. ### Conclusion Stevia is a natural and safe alternative to sugar for many people, especially those managing diabetes or following a low-calorie diet. However, it's important to read food labels and choose products wisely.