Stevia is one of the newer options for sugar substitutes. It is a South American herb. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approved some refined versions of stevia -- those that contain rebaudioside A -- for use as food additives. However, the FDA hasn't approved whole stevia leaves and less-refined stevia extracts since possible health concerns exist with these forms of stevia. Some people may experience side effects even with the approved stevia preparations.
Use
You can use Stevia like sugar. However, in large amounts it may have a bitter aftertaste. It also will not perform well in baked goods, since it doesn't tenderize, caramelize, add texture or feed yeast fermentation as sugar does. You need less Stevia than sugar, because Stevia is much sweeter than sugar.
Side Effects
Many people experience no side effects from using Stevia. However, you may experience weakness, muscle pain, nausea or a feeling of abdominal fullness after you begin using Stevia. These effects should stop once you discontinue using Stevia.
Possible Health Effects
Stevia leaves and less refined stevia solutions may increase your risk for cancer, reproductive problems and energy metabolism problems, according to David Schardt in the "Nutrition Action Health Letter." They may also cause problems for your heart and kidneys. Stevia may affect blood glucose levels and lower blood pressure, so if you use Stevia and you also take medication for diabetes or high blood pressure, you may need your dosage adjusted, recommends Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky.
Other Considerations
People in other countries, including Japan and many South American countries, have used stevia for centuries. In small amounts, you are unlikely to experience any adverse effects, but concerns may arise if you consume this herb in large amounts. Although Stevia does not have as many calories as sugar, Zeratsky notes that using it does not guarantee you'll lose weight.
References
- University of Nebraska Lincoln; Stevia; Georgia Jones; September 2006
- Nutrition Action Health Letter; Stevia - A Bittersweet Tale; David Schardt; April 2000
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Stevia; June 21, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Stevia: Can It Help With Weight Control?; Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.; Nov. 18, 2010
