Stevia Side Effects
This page will tell you about the positive and negative stevia side effects from using the natural sweetener stevia.
Whether you are trying to cut back on your amount of sugar or if you just want to try a natural sweetener, stevia is becoming
a popular alternative choice for many.
The main type of stevia sold and consumed today is the Rebaudioside A extract from the stevia plant. Rebaudioside A and stevioside
are steviol glycosides extracted from the plant Stevia
rebaudiana (Bertoni) and are used in several countries as food and beverage
sweeteners.
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Negative Side Effects
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Positive Side Effects
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The main recommendation was that more study should be done to determine proper dosage even though no
stevia overdose or toxicity is proven.
Ingesting really high amounts of stevia extract may reduce blood pressure. However, a person would have to ingest way more stevia
than anyone would normally if they were using stevia as a sweetener.
To get dramatic effects on blood pressure you would have to eat an abnormally high amount of stevia.
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In 2006, the WHO (world Health Organization), concluded that there were some possible benefits to patients with
hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
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Although some studies have indicated some negative effects, overall any animal studies have indicated inconclusive results.
See p. 36 of the World Health
Organizations' Technical Report series.
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There are no conclusive studies on humans which show negative stevia side
effects.
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Stevia can have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste when consumed in high concentrations.
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In 2006, the WHO (World Health Organization), concluded that there were no health risks. If you use stevia to cook with or to sweeten your beverages,
there is no research that shows any health risks for you. The majority of studies, which have
been done on Rebaudioside A, show no harmful effects from the use of this type of Stevia extract.
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Some people can have a possible allergy to stevia because it is related to the huge family of plants known as Asteraceae.
There are over 23,000 species in the Asteraceae family. This group of plants includes not only stevia, but also dandelions and ragweed. Some
people who are allergic to ragweed, may experience a reaction to stevia. However, most people do not react to stevia, even if they are allergic
to ragweed.
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Stevia can regulate blood glucose levels, be diabetic safe, non-carcinogenic (not cancer producing),
help hypertension,
retard plaque growth on teeth and suppress antibacterial growth.
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Energy metabolism - large amounts of stevioside can potentially interfere with carbohydrate absorption in animals - it can further disrupt
conversion of food into energy.
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When using stevia on a regular basis it can help bring your blood sugar back to normal levels in many individuals.
Studies have shown that regular stevia use can help stabilize blood sugar levels in both hyperglycemia and hypoglcemia.
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Reproductive health - european scientists have found potential adverse side effects to male reproductive system of rats -
high dose of stevioside fed
to male rats for two years causes reduced sperm production, female hamsters were fed large amounts of a stevioside derivative called steviol,
their offspring were found to be fewer and smaller - not tested nor proven in humans. **This study has been negated and this stevia side effect has been disproven
-See p. 36 of the World Health
Organizations' Technical Report series.
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It is unfortunate that a natural sweetener like the stevia plant can have so much controversary swirling about it and so much misinformation.
Stevia critics feel more conclusive studies on humans and stevia side effects are needed. While stevia supporters feel that stevia is being
maligned by big business and big money that is trying to keep it out of the mainstream marketplace.
If you are still unsure about stevia, I recommend this resource for some great
healthy sugar free snack ideas.
So often, it is our snacking that sabotages our health efforts. The ideas in this
book will help you change your negative eating habits and help
you kick the sugar habit.
Related Research:
The Cultivation of Stevia, "Nature's Sweetener"
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/stevia.htm
An article on the growing of stevia in canada.
Notice - Revised Guidelines for the Use of Stevia in Natural Health Products
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/legislation/docs/notice-avis-stevia-eng.php
Tell us about your stevia experiences.
Read what other's say about their nutrition.
If you found this stevia information useful, you will also like the information in our YIA Health Ezine.
Subscribe to: YIA's Natural Health Ezine
Return to top of Stevia Side Effects page.
Return to Dangers of Stevia and Sugar Tips main page
Also see: Our Nutrition section.
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