However, it has very few calories and being natural, the side effects associated with stevia are minimal.

It is a South American herb with sweet leaves. There are two types of artificial sweeteners. However, quite recently, stevia appeared in the news again in a different light.

Artificial sweeteners Stevia is one of the most commonly used natural sweeteners. Many people know that they must avoid sugar and therefore they depend on alternative sweeteners when they feel like having the odd glass of coffee or tea. In a recent letter, the FDA chastised Hain Celestial Group for using stevia as a food additive. This must make stevia one of the best options for people with diabetes, right.

They even pointed out that some reports have actually raised concerns that stevia could have undesirable effects on the reproductive, renal and cardiovascular. The extract taken from the leaves of this plant is much sweeter than sugar. So what's the big deal about Stevia. Well, the FDA approved stevia in 2008.

If you are a diabetic patient, chances are, you've already explored the domain of alternative sweeteners.

The FDA pointed out that it was too premature to consider stevia as being completely safe.