Stevia, a plant native to South and Central America, has been used for centuries by Indigenous people like the Guaraní, who traditionally used the wild stevia shrub to sweeten bitter mate tea, enhance medicinal potions, and chew directly for its pleasant taste. Today, it has become a go-to alternative for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. Known for its intense sweetness without the calories of sugar, stevia is celebrated as a natural sugar substitute. But not all stevia is created equal. The way it's processed makes all the difference.

Raw Dried Stevia Leaves vs. Ultra-Processed Extracts

Image of one of our Stevia plantations in Venezuela

 

The most natural form of stevia comes from raw dried leaves. These are simply harvested, dried, and crushed, preserving the full spectrum of the plant’s beneficial compounds like steviosides and rebaudiosides. This form is roughly 15 times sweeter than sugar and offers additional benefits like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a whole-food, low-tox alternative.

Image of vibrant dehydrated raw stevia powder

 

In contrast, ultra-processed stevia extracts, like rebaudioside A, are refined to be up to 200 times sweeter than sugar. However, they often contain additives and lack many of the natural benefits of the whole leaf. These versions are frequently blended with other sweeteners or fillers, diluting their integrity and health value.

Ultra process Stevia - image from stock

 

The Impact on Indigenous Communities

While stevia's popularity has grown globally, the Indigenous Guaraní people of Paraguay; one of the first communities to cultivate and use this plant, have not benefited from its commercial success. Many stevia operations in South America exploit local resources without returning value to the native communities that preserved this plant for generations. Despite this, the Guaraní continue to work to protect the integrity and biodiversity of stevia through grassroots conservation efforts.

This is why it's so important for consumers to choose natural products from ethical sources. When you know where your food comes from, you help ensure that ancestral knowledge and traditional practices are respected, not exploited.

Health Benefits of Stevia

Stevia has been extensively studied and has been found to be of benefit for your health in various ways. Here are some of stevia's potential benefits:

• Supports Blood Sugar Balance: Does not raise blood glucose levels, making it safe for diabetics.
• Zero Calories: Helps reduce daily calorie intake, supporting weight management.
• Oral Health Friendly: Non-cariogenic, meaning it doesn't contribute to tooth decay.
• May Aid Blood Pressure: Some studies suggest stevia can support healthy blood pressure levels.
• Fasting-Friendly: Because it has no calories and doesn’t affect insulin, raw stevia is perfect for those doing intermittent fasting or even strict water fasts.

 

Why Our Stevia Stands Out in Magical Turmeric Tea

At Jessica Wellness, we’re proud to use only raw dehydrated stevia leaves in our signature Magical Turmeric Tea Blend. We don’t just source our stevia, we farm it and source it ourselves in Venezuela, where it’s grown organically and sustainably in rich, fertile soils.

Our Magical Turmeric Tea carries a Certificate of Origin, and we maintain full control over the entire supply chain to ensure purity, transparency, and care. Most importantly, our stevia supply does not contribute to the exploitation of Indigenous communities. Instead, we offer a conscious, ethical alternative that respects people and the planet. A true farm-to-Cp experience!

Watch the video of our stevia fields in Venezuela.

Magical Turmeric Tea by Jessica Wellness is more than just a tea; it’s a wellness ritual. Infused with powerful turmeric and naturally sweetened with our raw, organic stevia, it supports inflammation reduction, digestive balance, and immune health.

Shop Magical Turmeric Tea Today

Looking for a clean, effective, and delicious way to support your health naturally? Magical Turmeric Tea by Jessica Wellness delivers all the benefits of turmeric and stevia in one carefully crafted blend. Made with love, rooted in tradition, and perfected through sustainable farming.

Experience the true power of plants. Taste the difference with Jessica Wellness.