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"What&amp;#039;s the story with stevia \u2014 a new, natural, zero-calorie sweetener? Stevia is made from an extract, known as rebaudioside A (reb-A), of the  Stevia rebaudiana plant. It&amp;#039;s been eaten around the globe for decades with no apparent harm. In the U.S., stevia&amp;#039;s had a rough time with the FDA: A few early animal studies raised concerns it could cause reproductive or other health problems, but a 1994 regulatory loophole allowed its sale as a dietary supplement (though not as a food ingredient). Recent research on reb-A has satisfied the FDA&amp;#039;s food-safety requirements, so manufacturers can now sell it as food and use it to sweeten beverages without adding calories. Like other sugar substitutes, it&amp;#039;s fine for diabetics because it won&amp;#039;t raise blood-glucose levels. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/q-and-a/a20229/sugar-substitute-stevia/?src=shelter_footer>