Added sugars can contribute to tooth decay, weight problems and high triglycerides, but sugar substitutes may be a healthier alternative to regular sugar. Pure Via stevia is a natural, calorie-free product that may allow you to enjoy sweet foods without some of the health risks, but you may experience side effects when you use it.
The leaves of the stevia plant are naturally 200 times sweeter than sugar, and they are used as a calorie-free substitute for regular sugar, which has 4 calories per gram. Pure Via stevia comes in boxes of 40, 80 or 400 packets, and each packet provides the sweetness of teaspoons of regular sugar. Pure Via stevia contains an extract of the stevia plant called rebaudioside A, or RebA, which is the only form of stevia that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Stevia may exacerbate liver problems, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Weight Gain
A packet of Pure Via stevia has less than five calories, but you may gain weight from using it if you do not limit your total calorie consumption. The Mayo Clinic warns that individuals who use artificial sweeteners may gain weight because of the false assumption that foods containing them are low in calories. Pure Via provides many high-calorie recipes using its products, such as hot and cold beverages with more than 200 calories per serving.
Risks for Diabetes
Stevia itself does not raise your blood lipid levels, but you may experience increases in your cholesterol or triglyceride levels if you follow its recommendations for usage. You are already at risk for high cholesterol and triglycerides if you have diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic, and some Pure Via recipes may be dangerous for you because they are high in saturated fat from ingredients such as whipping cream and butter. Many recipes call for alcohol, which may increase your blood sugar levels.
Other Side Effects
Stevia can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as feelings of fullness or nausea, when you eat too much, according to the Mayo Clinic. One of the filler ingredients in Pure Via stevia packets is cellulose powder, which is a fiber. A sudden increase in your consumption of fiber can lead to side effects such as diarrhea or cramping. Stevia may be safe for most individuals, but it may be unsafe for pregnant women, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- MayoClinic.org; Stevia: A New Zero-Calorie Sweetener; September 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Artificial Sweeteners: Understanding These and Other Sugar Substitutes
- Mayo Clinic; Caffeine: Does it Affect Blood Sugar?; Maria Collazo Clavell; February 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Alcohol and Diabetes; Nancy Klobassa Davidson and Peggy Moreland; January 2010
- PureVia: Products
- PureVia: Recipes
