Throughout history, humans have foraged through the plant and animal world, looking for edibles that provide nutrition, flavor and health benefits. Through trial and error and, in more recent times, through science and research, we have discovered naturally occurring life forms that taste good and help us feel better. Green stevia, a shrub native to western North America and South America, has been used as a sweetener for centuries in South America. Presently used in a couple dozen countries, primarily as a zero-calorie flavor enhancer and food additive, it may have health benefits as well.
History
Green Stevia has a speckled history in the United States and abroad. Once used exclusively as a dietary supplement in the United States, it was not approved for use as a food additive by the FDA until 2008. Though it is gaining increasing use around the world, as of 2010 it is still banned in several countries, including most countries in the European Union. Some herbalists claim stevia can be used to treat varied health conditions, including high blood pressure, hypertension, heart burn, diabetes and water retention, but sufficient research has not yet been conducted to establish these treatments as effective, according to RxList.
Safety
Safety studies have evaluated the hormonal, pharmacological, metabolic and pharmacologic effects of stevia on animals and humans. These studies indicate that the use of stevia as a sweetener is safe, reports Food Insight. However, few studies have examined the long term effect of extensive use of stevia.
Several conditions may prohibit use of stevia. Stevia may interact with lithium, and research has not yet established its effect on fetal development or infants. Pregnant or breast feeding mothers should not use stevia. Stevia, which can lower blood glucose, may compound the effect of diabetes medications and cause low blood sugar. Also, it can act as a diuretic, and can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants such as marigolds, daisies and ragweed.
Weight Control
The most prominent health benefit of stevia is its use to replace sugar. About two thirds of Americans are overweight or obese, according to the National Institutes of Health. Americans eat 22 tsp. of sugar a day, according to MSNBC, fueling our feeding frenzy and perpetuating the cycle of glucose rush, insulin surge, glucose depletion and sugar cravings. A safe, non-carb sweetener such as stevia can interrupt the cycle and decrease reliance on sugar.
Diabetes Control
As obesity rates in the United States skyrocket, diabetes follows suit. A study at the American Diabetes Association predicts that by 2050, the diabetes rates in the United States will increase by 165 percent. Stevia does not increase blood sugar, reports Food Insight, so it does not trigger an insulin response. It may in fact may lower blood sugar, making it a healthy alternative to sugar, corn syrup, fructose and other high-carb sweeteners to those who suffer from diabetes.
Dental Health
Although it is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, stevia does not cause tooth decay or contribute to cavities.
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