After being on the road for a long time, selling our products and taking the pulse of our customers, we have come across a somewhat widespread misconception in regard to artificial sweeteners: a vast majority believes that they are a natural alternative to sugar.

Artificial sweeteners are man-made chemicals right out of the test tube, poisonous to your body and causing various kinds of health problems. Surely, you are aware that one person out of three in the industrial world is suffering from some form of cancer. Surely, you are wondering how this could be, considering the tremendous advances taking place in the medical world. Simply, because we are more and more exposed to chemicals added to our food, personal care and household products and the environment; the list goes on and on. Have you guessed? Artificial sweetener is one of them.

For example, did you know that methanol is used in the process of making Aspartame? We could elaborate endlessly on the subject but we think it is best that you read more from our suggested reading material, all books written by medical doctors.

• "Aspartame (Nutrasweet). Is It Safe?" by H.J. Roberts, M.D.
• "Excitotoxins, The Taste That Kills" by Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
• "In Bad Taste, the MSG Symptom Complex" by George R. Schwartz, M.D.
• "Aspartame Disease: An Ignored Epidemic" (Sunshine Sentinel Press)
• "How the World's Most Popular Artificial Sweetener Is Killing Us" (New Horizon Press)

Still not convinced? Perhaps, you should know that in Asia, such products as Splenda, Hermesetas, Sucaryl, Sugar Twin, Weight Watchers or any other artificial sweeteners are banned and that it is forbidden to use them in diet sodas or any other edible product. Instead, a herb called Stevia is used. This herb also grows in our colder latitude and many people are astonished to learn that I successfully grow Stevia in my own garden. Stevia extract and powder are available in any health food store and even in major food chain supermarkets.

You could always use raw organic honey or organic raw evaporated sugarcane juices, but Stevia is the one product that offers you sweetness without the calories. If you ever wish to taste the wonderful flavour also known as, "the sweetest thing on earth", we sell dried Stevia. Or, you can easily grow enough Stevia in your own garden for a full year ahead, dry the leaves and use them in your food and drinks.

So, to help you discover the wonders of this amazing herb, we have an exclusive offer that will allow you to grow Stevia right in your own backyard or in a pot on your balcony. All you need is a sunny location, organic soil, water and love.

For $8.50 plus tax (additional delivery charge may apply) you can order your own starter Stevia plant that comes in a three-inch pot and that will grow in no time. We anticipate delivery will be in late April or early May. Reserve now, indicate whether you wish your plant shipped or if you will pick it up from either of our two locations, one in Hockley Valley or our soon-to-be-opened retail store in Caledon East. We guarantee the shipment and in the case of crop failure, your money will be totally refunded.