Stevia leaves cut

Stevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the Asteraceae Family, Compositae, and is native to subtropical and tropical regions from western North America to South America (Brazil, Paraguay). The species Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simply Stevia, is widely cultivated for its sweet leaves. The leaves of the plant and the sweeteners derived from it are many times sweeter than sugar, do not provide energy (calories) and do not contain carbohydrates. It acts as anti-diabetic, anti-hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, antiseptic, healing, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It strengthens the body's defenses and protects against viruses and viral cancers, as well as DNA damage. It has an anti-aging effect on the skin, benefits oral hygiene, protects against canker sores, gingivitis and has a preventive effect against microbial plaque and tooth decay.