Is Stevia a Good Sugar Alternative?

Stevia, otherwise known as, Stevia rebaudiana is a member of the chrysanthemum family that is used as a sugar alternative. There is a difference between the stevia that is utilized in products and that that is grown in your garden. The former is produced without using stevia leaf. Instead, it uses refined stevia leaf extract known as, rebaudioside A (Reb-A).  This forms the basis for many different sweeteners. Stevia is rarely used as a sweetener on its own. It is most often mixed with other sweeteners. Take Truvia for example, it is a blend of Reb-A, erythritol (sugar alcohol), and dextrose (glucose). As prevalent as products like Stevia are, it is worth investigating if they are or aren’t healthy to consume. Read on to learn more about the effects of consuming Stevia.

Possible Benefits of Using Stevia

Stevia is a nonnutritive sweetener, meaning that it has virtually 0 calories.  This can make stevia moderately successful at helping you lose and regulate weight. Its best use might be to help diabetics control their blood sugar levels, as they have to pay extra special care to how much glucose they are consuming. A 2010 study found that participants consuming stevia had lowered insulin and glucose levels by the end of the study.

Stevia Side effects

Stevia glycosides like, Reb-A are widely agreed upon to be safe to consume. But there is concern that the raw stevia herb can cause harm to your cardiovascular system, kidneys, and reproductive system. It can also reduce your blood pressure to unhealthy levels.

What really makes stevia potentially dangerous however, are the compounds that it is mixed with. Avoid stevia products that utilize dextrose and maltodextrin. They have trace amounts of sugars and starch which can affect your weight and your blood sugar if over consumed.