I am allergic to artificial sweeteners. They give me immediate stomach and intestinal distress. To say the least, I avoid anything and everything that resembles an artificial sweetener. With that in mind, I have been reluctant to try no-calorie Stevia (labeled a dietary supplement). Stevia is actually an herb that can be added to beverages and other foods to make them sweet tasting. A friend kept recommending it to me and telling me it was made from an herb. I finally succumbed and gave it a try all the while bracing myself for stomach issues to develop. I was amazed first of all that I didn't develop any problems and second that Stevia tasted quite good. Still, I wasn't convinced it was safe for me until I had tried it a half dozen times or more. Now, I'm sold on using it. Of course, like anything moderation is your best bet and, admittedly, it doesn't taste the same as sugar. But it does impart a sweet taste to tea or other foods.
