Stevia is considered a natural occurring sugar because it is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a shrub native to South America. The sweetness in stevia comes from natural compounds called steviol glycosides, particularly stevioside and rebaudioside, which are responsible for its intensely sweet taste. Unlike refined sugars such as sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup, stevia extract is obtained through a process of harvesting and purifying the sweet compounds from the leaves. This minimally processed approach distinguishes stevia from artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes that are chemically synthesized. Additionally, stevia has gained popularity as a natural sweetener because it is calorie-free and does not cause spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional sugars in their diets.