Stevia rebaudiana, commonly referred to as just stevia, is derived from the stevia plant, and it is commonly used as a zero calorie food sweetener and a medicinal substance. It belongs to the sunflower family and it has been used in Central and South America for centuries, and in Japan for decades. The leaves of the stevia plant are the only part that are used for food and medicinal purposes, says David Edward Newton, Ed.D, in the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
The Sweeter Alternative
Stevia is valued for its sweetness and Laura Shane-McWorter says in the book "Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements" that stevia is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, and it is calorie-free. It has likely gained recent popularity as a sweetener in North America because consumers are becoming more aware of the ill health effects associated with the consumption of sugar and artificial sweeteners, says Newton. Newton adds that stevia is touted as a better choice because it is not artificial, it is a natural product, and because research suggests that it does not produce harmful effects or toxicity in humans.
Purported Medicinal Uses
Stevia is used for medicinal purposes, and natives of Paraguay and Brazil believe that it can help to treat obesity, hypertension, heart problems, heartburn, diabetes, fatigue, depression, infections and dental cavities. According to Newton, anecdotal evidence suggests that stevia may also be helpful in the treatment of headaches, sinus congestion, rheumatoid arthritis, food poisoning, allergies, cold and flu, pain, acne, eczema, burns, cold sores, nervous disorders and fluid imbalance. The recommended therapeutic dose is between 750 mg to 1,500 mg a day.
Stevia for Diabetes and Hypertension
There is not enough scientific research to back up many of these claims. McWhorter says that there are, however, preliminary studies that have confirmed stevia as effective in the treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure. Newton says that stevia may enhance glucose tolerance in humans, which makes it an ideal choice for diabetics. McWhorter warns that stevia has not been studied long-term for diabetes and more research needs to be done to confirm the safety of long-term high doses of stevia.
Possible Side Effects
According to Newton there are no reported side effects from the consumption of moderate amounts of stevia and the most common complaint from people is a bitter aftertaste. McWhorter says that a high intake of stevia may cause temporary undesirable side effects, and the most commonly reported ones are bloating, nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle pain and weakness. Also, stevia may cause allergies in people who are allergic to ragweed, daises, marigolds or chrysanthemums, due to its plant origins.
Approved as Dietary Supplement
Currently stevia is only approved as a dietary supplement in the United States and not as a food item. It can be found in liquid or powder form in many health food and grocery stores and it can be used in the same way as any other sweetener. Truvia is a sweetener that Coca-cola has patented, and it is derived from stevia.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine"; David Edward Newton, Ed.D; 2009
- "Guide to Herbs and Nutritional Supplements"; Laura Shane-Mcwhorter; 2009
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