However, it has very few calories and being natural, the side effects associated with stevia are minimal. Artificial sweeteners Stevia is one of the most commonly used natural sweeteners.

This must make stevia one of the best options for people with diabetes, right. The FDA pointed out that it was too premature to consider stevia as being completely safe. 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. Well, the FDA approved stevia in 2008. If you are a diabetic patient, chances are, you've already explored the domain of alternative sweeteners. In a recent letter, the FDA chastised Hain Celestial Group for using stevia as a food additive. So what's the big deal about Stevia.

It is a South American herb with sweet leaves. The extract taken from the leaves of this plant is much sweeter than sugar.

However, quite recently, stevia appeared in the news again in a different light. They even pointed out that some reports have actually raised concerns that stevia could have undesirable effects on the reproductive, renal and cardiovascular systems.

There are two types of artificial sweeteners.