Is stevia really healthy?

Stevia is often touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative health effects linked to refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive health benefits, such as reduced calorie intake, blood sugar levels, and risk of cavities ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).

Are stevia leaves safe to eat?

The FDA approved only the purified form of stevia, called stevioside, as safe to use. Products considered safe contain words in their ingredient list such as stevia extract or Stevia rebaudiana. If you see whole stevia leaves or crude stevia extracts at your local natural foods store, don’t buy them.

Is stevia plant based?

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). As it has zero calories but is 200 times sweeter than table sugar, it’s a popular choice for many people looking to lose weight and decrease sugar intake ( 4 ).

What are the most common stevia side effects?

Some stevia side effects include digestive or stomach issues, allergies, an increased risk of weight gain and potential endocrine disruption. Stevia, not to be confused with Splenda, is a sugar substitute sweetener that comes from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to South America.

Is stevia an artificial sweetener?

Stevia, as we know it, is a highly-processed industrially-produced sweetener. Therefore, many people view stevia as an artificial sweetener as well. Moreover, food authorities have only approved industrially isolated forms of steviol glycosides as additives.

Are Stevia Products safe for pregnant women?

The bottom line. Stevia products made with Reb-A are considered safe, even for people who are pregnant or who have diabetes. These products rarely cause side effects. However, more research needs to be done to provide conclusive evidence on weight management, diabetes and other health issues.

What is the difference between stevia and sugar?

Steviol glycosides don’t metabolise in the body, so unlike sugar, contain no calories. Stevia, as a plant, has been grown for over 1,500 years in South America. The leaves have been used as sweeteners for hundreds of years in both Brazil and Uruguay.