Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, native to South America. It has gained popularity as a sugar substitute due to its intensely sweet taste and negligible calorie content. The sweetness of stevia is attributed to its natural compounds called steviol glycosides, particularly stevioside and rebaudioside, which are significantly sweeter than sugar but have no effect on blood sugar levels. Stevia is often used as a sugar alternative in various food and beverage products, including beverages, desserts, and snacks, to reduce calorie intake and manage blood sugar levels.
