Many people have discovered flavored stevia as a way to add taste to beverages without adding any calories. Known as a sweetener in many places in the world, this natural substance now comes in more options for people to use.

This substance comes from a variety of different plants that are native to both North and South America and is a relative of the sunflower. It has been used as a sweetener in Japan for decades and there are no known side effects that have been reported by the Japanese by its use. Other countries allow it to be brought into them with various types of labels. Some require it be called a dietary additive or sweetener. Other countries require that it be called food supplement.

People like to use it because it can provide a sweet taste to beverages or foods without the aftertaste associated with some artificial sweeteners. And unlike artificial products, it does not contain any chemicals. It does not contain any carbs, calories or impact the glycemic index. For this reason, it will not cause people to gain weight like sugar. There is some thought that it may benefit people who have type 2 diabetes or those with high blood pressure. Wh
ile there is no known negative effect on health, the claims that it assists with some conditions may need more study.

Sometimes also called sweetleaf stevia, this product is available in many places. There are some grocery stores that carry it. It can usually be found at nutritional or health food stores. People can also find it at various online nutrition stores. It is available in several forms. It can be found as a powder or liquid.

Companies are now making other products with it that people can use to flavor foods. Some are using with plain water to deliver a product that is sweet but non caloric. Because flavored stevia drops come in small containers and are handy for travel, people like to add it to coffee or tea instead of adding fat laden artificial flavored creamers. People use with both regular and Greek style yogurt to add flavor. It can also be used in any place sugar might be added such as oatmeal, salad dressing or ice cream.

Other products that contain this sweetener are types that contain fiber. Some of these have probiotics in them. People are using these types of supplements to help maintain regularity and help strengthen their immune systems. Flavored stevia promises to be used in many other products in the future.