Sweeteners Guide: Natural Honey, Stevia & Sugar Risks

Are natural sweeteners like Stevia and Manuka honey safer than white sugar? Explore the health impacts of sugar addiction, the dangers of aspartame for kids, and why high fructose corn syrup is restricted in certain regions.

Is Stevia Good for You?

Published Sep,01 2011 | By Sandra Corbitt-Sears

Stevia rebaudiana is a perennial shrub that is native to Paraguay and Brazil. Because stevia contains intensely sweet compounds, it has long been used as a sugar substitute in Japan, China and South America. Despite its long history in other countries, the path to stevia’s acceptance in the U.S. has been bumpy.

Sandra Corbitt-Sears has been self-employed as a writer, editor and webmaster for over 17 years. She has held positions as a university career counselor, employee assistance program counselor and department administrator. Corbitt-Sears earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and a Master of Science degree in counseling and guidance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.