Stevia or asteraceae (also known as sugarleaf and sweetleaf) has been used for more than 100 years in its native Paraguay and in Brazil as both a sweetener and a medicinal aid for conditions such as diabetes. Stevia is also used as a sugar substitute in South America, Japan, Taiwan, China, Malaysia and South Korea.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the Food and Drug Administration announced in 2008 that stevia is "generally recognized as safe." This declaration paved the way for its use as a zero-calorie sweetener and as a dietary supplement in the U.S. Since stevia is an herb, its extract is approximately 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar.
Stevia may be a welcome sugar alternative for people with diabetes since it does not impact blood sugar. It is also beneficial for people who are trying to reduce their caloric intake.
While stevia is considered safe when not taken in excessive amounts, there are certain risks and possible side effects to be aware of.
Side Effects
The potential side effects linked to the use of stevia are generally not serious in nature. Possible adverse reactions are nausea, bloating, muscle weakness and tenderness, dizziness and headaches. These effects usually dissipate within a week or so of using stevia.
Allergic Response
Since stevia is produced from a member of the daisy (asteraceae) family, people who are allergic to daisies, ragweed, marigolds and chrysanthemums may experience an adverse reaction if they use the sugar substitute. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include wheezing, sneezing, headache and itching.
Precautions
The Mayo Clinic says women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should avoid using stevia until more research is conducted to verify its safety. In addition, people taking medications for blood pressure (calcium channel blockers, diuretics) or diabetes should be careful when using stevia because it may lead to hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) or hypotension (unusually low blood pressure) when used in conjunction with these drugs.
When taken in high doses, stevia may impair kidney function, urinary flow and the emission of sodium. People who suffer from kidney disease should not use stevia.
Member Comments