Is stevia safe?

Stevia is a sweetener that has been gaining popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to sugar. It is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is native to South America. The plant has been used for centuries by the Guarani people of Paraguay to sweeten their beverages and as a traditional medicine to treat diabetes and hypertension.

Stevia contains compounds called steviol glycosides, which are responsible for its sweet taste. These compounds are several hundred times sweeter than sugar but contain no calories. This makes stevia an attractive option for people who want to reduce their calorie intake or avoid artificial sweeteners.

But is stevia safe? There have been concerns about the safety of stevia, particularly in the United States, where it was banned as a food additive until 2008. In this article, we will explore the safety of stevia and whether it is a suitable alternative to sugar.

History of Stevia and Its Regulation

Stevia has been used for centuries in South America as a natural sweetener and traditional medicine. It was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s but did not become popular until the 1970s, when Japanese researchers discovered its sweetening properties.

In the United States, stevia was banned as a food additive in 1991 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns about its safety. The ban was partially lifted in 1995, allowing stevia to be sold as a dietary supplement but not as a food additive.

In 2008, the FDA approved stevia as a food additive, and it is now widely available in the United States and other countries. However, there are still some concerns about its safety, particularly regarding its potential impact on blood sugar levels and its effect on the liver.

Safety of Stevia

Stevia has been extensively studied for its safety, and numerous studies have found it to be safe for consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have both concluded that stevia is safe for human consumption.

The FDA has also classified stevia as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) for use as a sweetener in foods and beverages. This classification means that the FDA considers stevia to be safe based on a long history of use, scientific research, and expert opinion.

Stevia and Blood Sugar Levels

One of the main benefits of stevia is that it does not affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable alternative for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels.

Studies have shown that stevia has no effect on blood glucose levels in healthy individuals or those with type 2 diabetes. In fact, some studies have suggested that stevia may have a positive effect on blood sugar control, reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose uptake by cells.

Stevia and Liver Health

There have been concerns about the potential impact of stevia on liver health, particularly in high doses. However, studies have shown that stevia is safe for the liver when consumed in normal amounts.

One study found that high doses of stevia extract did cause some liver toxicity in rats, but the doses used in the study were much higher than those typically consumed by humans. Another study found no adverse effects on the liver in rats given stevia extract for up to two years.

Overall, the evidence suggests that stevia is safe for liver health when consumed in normal amounts.

Stevia and Cancer Risk

There have been concerns about the potential link between stevia and cancer, particularly due to its use as a traditional medicine for treating cancer in some cultures. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that stevia increases the risk of cancer in humans.