Sweeter then Sugar, Native South Americans have known this plant

Tribal College Journal
If you put the words Native Americans in the search box, there are several links. ... Stevia, a natural herb that is 300 times sweeter than sugar, ...http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/sr_stevia.htm

The stevia plant is native to the Amambay mountain range in Paraguay, South America and was used by the native people in a tea-like beverage as well as for medicinal purposes.It was finally brought to the attention U.S. government in 1918 by a botanist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

It is far less popular in the U.S. due to a well-entrenched existing sugar industry. Efforts to gain a foothold in the U.S. has been routinely blocked.

Stevia is approved in the United States for sale as a herb but it has not been approved for use in "food products". Until now, we now have Splenda on the shelves for its sweetness!

 Stevia Rebaudiana


  Photo: GourmetSleuth.com   

 http://www.tribalcollegejournal.org/themag/backissues/winter2003/winter2003resource.html  


Volume 15 Winter 2003 Issue No. 2

Resource Guide:   Materials provide crucial information about diabetes and American Indians by Peggy Hiestand, M.Ed.How do I know if I'm getting the correct information about diabetes? Where can I get specific information on diabetes for American Indians and Alaska Natives? Are there any videos that my community could view on diabetes? Are there any books or cookbooks that focus on diabetes that could possibly help me? What about the Internet -- what sites are good sites to find information?

If you have diabetes, getting the correct information from a reliable source is critical. With this chronic disease increasing in numbers every day, people are looking for ways to find up-to-date, reliable information.

The Internet has become a source for many people who have computer and Internet access available. This resource guide is intended to give you reliable sources out on the "web" for the most current information. This guide is by no means the only resource; it is a starting point to obtain further information.

The more informed you are about diabetes, the more you will understand the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity in your life. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of lifestyle, and prevention is the key. As this disease is reaching epidemic proportions, we now have children with this disease. Get informed on what to do to prevent members of your family from getting this chronic disease. VideosNative American Prevention Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center-College of Public Health & Rhoades, E.R. (2002) Diabetes -- don't you get it. Oklahoma City, OK: Native American Prevention Research Center.
This 20-minute video is directed at Native American children all across America to tell them the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle in preventing diabetes. Contact: kymberly-cravatt@ouhsc.edu or call Kymberly Cravatt at (405) 271-2330 ext.6740.

Williamson, G., Brown, N. P., & Noble, S. (2000) Horse song. Shiprock, NM: Four Directions Health Communications.
Produced with assistance from the Navajo Nation, this 60-minute video focuses on the impacts on family members who live with a person who has undiagnosed diabetes. Horse Song is told in the Navajo language with English subtitles. Traditional stories provide healing as the father seeks out both Native and Western remedies. For a copy of this video, phone (505) 368-6499.

Rhine, G. & Belgarde, P. (2000) Rez robics. Malibu, CA: Dreamcatchers, Inc.
Exercise along with other Native Americans. Copies of this video are free of charge to Indian communities. Contact Pam Belgarde at (209) 388-1548, or email wellnative@hotmail.com for more information.

Shenandoah Film Productions, Arcata, CA. www.shenandoahfilms.com
An Indian-owned enterprise, this company has over 300 videos on topics related to culture, health, environment, addictions, healing, education, elders, and sovereignty. Call (707) 822-1030 for a catalogue. Internet sitesAmerican Indian Radio on Satellite
www.AIROS.org or phone (402) 472-3522
Check this website out weekly for information relating to health in Indian Country.

 American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org or phone (800) 342-2383
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Check out their website for current research, information, recipes, and even a support group at www.diabetes.org/main/community/outreach/support.jsp

Association of American Indian Physicians
www.aaip.com/home/home.html or phone (405) 946-7072
Check out this website for issues in Indian health. Included is a site link (www.aaip.com/student/index3.html) for student resources (scholarships, activities) and a site link(www.aaip.com/fitness_nutrition/index.html) to fitness and nutrition that has many links to health organizations.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ or phone (877) 232-3422
This web page has links to current diabetes data, diabetes trends, diabetes prevention, and a national diabetes fact sheet to name a few.

Tribal Health Connections
www.tribehealth.org or phone (505) 368-2984
This site is an internet-based health information and education project developed for the Four Corner states: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. A free email newsletter concerning health events in Indian Country is available at this site.

Wisdom Steps
www.wisdomsteps.com or phone (800) 882-6262
This elder program is a partnership among the American Indian communities and the Minnesota Board on Aging to encourage the path to health.

Woodlands Wisdom
www.woodlandswisdom.org or phone (612) 625-3187
Six tribal colleges and the University of Minnesota formed a confederation to address chronic health issues in Native American communities through culturally-relevant programs of teaching, research, and community connections. The Woodlands Wisdom Nutrition Project looks at integrating traditional knowledge to help guide contemporary health issues.