The FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of two sweeteners derived from the stevia plant, found in Brazil and Paraguay.  Used as commercialized sweeteners in Japan and Brazil for over 20 years, the two zero-calorie sweeteners (called Truvia and PuraVia) will be used in foods and beverages.

Coca Cola and Pepsico are the first of many companies to jump on the band wagon and utilize le medicament ventolin these new natural derivatives.

The furor is not just that there are new options in this arena.  The sweeteners hold out promise for several health benefits.

Parts of the Stevia plant have been shown to lower blood pressure and may possibly be effective in treating diabetes.

Although further testing is needed,  it is very exciting that new healthy alternatives to prescription drugs are recognized and available for investigation.