Is stevia great for you? Can you take it regularly? Much of the side effects of stevia may make you wonder about the exact same. As a matter of fact, you might also reconsider using this all-natural sweetener as many people substitute stevia for sugar to do away with sugar heartburn and cut calories for weight management. However, stevia might bring about adverse results. So, if you have actually been questioning if stevia is secure, this write-up is for you. Below, we analyze the adverse effects of stevia and its possible clinical communications. Continue reading to learn more!
In This Article
What Is Stevia?
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Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener which can sometimes taste bitter or have a metallic taste. Several people use it as a substitute for sugar to reduce their calorie intake. It is made of steviol glycosides i X Powerful, plant-sourced sweeteners with strong antioxidant properties used in small amounts in food and drinks. and is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Stevia is stemmed from a plant. It becomes part of the Asteraceae family members of plants that are belonging to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The valued species of the plant that is made use of to sweeten food expands in Brazil and Paraguay.
Did You Know?The stevia plant is also called candyleaf and sweetleaf because of the visibility of sweet-tasting glycosides (chemicals) on its fallen leaves.
Though its usage as a sugar substitute is obtaining pace, it is necessary to note that the FDA does not acknowledge stevia leaf or its essences as safe ( 1 ).
How Safe Is Stevia?
Is stevia healthy and balanced and safe? Well, some think that stevia may damage the kidneys and the reproductive system if eaten over. It may additionally alter genes ( 2 ). Thus, the FDA does not permit whole-leaf or raw stevia in foods. Well, every one of this is just one side of the story.
The other side of the story shows later studies stating that stevia is safe in moderate amounts. Though the FDA does not acknowledge stevia extracts as secure, it has actually not questioned the use of certain high-purity stevia by-products in food ( 1 ). Hence, stevia products have been available on the marketplace with no significant security worries. Nonetheless, this does not necessarily suggest that stevia is healthy.
In the following section, we have listed the side effects and health risks of stevia consumption.
What Are The Side Effects Of Stevia?
1. May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Some believe that the intake of highly refined stevia may lead to nausea. The steviosides in stevia may irritate your stomach and cause digestive issues, bloating or reduce your appetite.
Studies hypothesize the role of different sweetening agents in promoting gastrointestinal issues, although we require extra research study to develop the connection ( 3 ).
It is also believed that the consumption of stevia may lead to diarrhea trapped gas, and potential gut damage. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Veronika, a blog writer, blogged about the adverse effects she experienced because of utilizing stevia in her blog. She composed, "Nonetheless, each day given that starting the Truvia (maybe not the initial week or two, however afterwards) I would really feel pain, cramping, bloating. For me, it simply devastated my system ( i ).”
Related: Home Remedies For Gas And Bloating That Provide Relief
2. Could Lead To Hypoglycemia
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This is a wellness advantage that might show up into an adverse effects with overuse. Stevia can help lower blood sugar level levels ( 4 ).
Though there is no straight research, heavy stevia consumption (in addition to blood sugar level drugs) could cause hypoglycemia-- a condition in which blood sugar levels can end up being precariously reduced.
Thus, we advise you to keep away from stevia and take your medical professional's guidance if you are already on diabetes drugs.
Did You Know?Stevia is not only much sweeter than sugar but additionally non-glycemic, suggesting that it does not effect blood sugar level levels.
3. May Lead To Endocrine Disruption
There is a possibility that the steviol glycosides can interfere with hormones controlled by the endocrine system. According to a 2016 study, sperm cells, when introduced to steviol, saw an increase in progesterone hormonal agent (secreted by the women reproductive system) ( 5 ).
4. May Cause Allergies
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There is no scientific study to sustain this declaration. Nonetheless, anecdotal proof recommends that stevia and other sweetening agents may create allergies in some individuals.
Some believe that there could be allergic reactions if you are allergic to ragweed. The concepts state that your body may error the healthy proteins in the food you eat as pollen and introduce an immune response to react. Symptoms of the allergies may include swelling and itching of the lips, mouth, throat, and tongue, abdominal pain , headaches, lightheadedness, and vomiting. As there is no research to support this, talk to your physician prior to taking stevia (if you occur to be allergic to certain foods).
Related: Can Turmeric Help Treat Allergies? How To Use It?
5. Stevia May Cause Numbness
Though there is really little info on this, some unscientific proof describes people experiencing pins and needles in their hands and feet (and also on the tongue) after taking stevia.
Watch out for these reactions. If you notice these symptoms, stop use and visit your doctor immediately.
6. May Lead To Sore Muscles
There is little study on this aspect. Particular resources state that taking stevia can cause aching muscle mass and muscle soreness. In a research study, the consumption of a medication made from steviosides (the energetic parts of stevia) was located to create muscular tissue inflammation and pain in specific people ( 6 ).
If you find your muscles are sore for no reason, stop stevia intake and check with your doctor.
7. May Increase The Risk Of Anxiety
Erythritol is a common sugar alcohol found in many stevia products ( 7 ). An animal research released in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry Journal discovered that erythritol might exacerbate gut inflammation. This raised inflammation may lead to anxiety-like actions ( 8 ). This revealed signs of anxiety-like habits in the computer mice group. The study ended that consuming products with erythritol could indirectly add to anxiety by disrupting intestine wellness and creating inflammation.
While the research study did not directly discuss stevia, it may elevate some issues regarding the excess use stevia items having erythritol. Further study is required to totally understand its impacts on human beings.
Related: 14 Home Remedies For Body Pain And Prevention Tips
Who Should Not Use Stevia?
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Though research study is recurring, it is thought particular people might have a higher risk of having adverse effects with stevia usage. They consist of people with:
- Blood pressure issues
- Blood sugar issues
- Kidney conditions
- Heart conditions
- Issues with hormones
Stevia might likewise create medical interaction with particular medications. Individuals that are on drugs, specifically those targeted at the therapy of those health and wellness problems, are recommended to avoid stevia.
Does Stevia Interact With Any Drugs?
Stevia may interfere with certain medications. Hence, keep a watch on these combinations.
- Stevia And Lithium
Stevia has diuretic properties i X Any type of medicine with properties that enhances pee flow and assists the body remove added water, salts, toxic substances, and waste. This residential or commercial property might decrease lithium discharging, therefore increasing lotion lithium degrees, resulting in significant problems ( 9 ). Hence, if you are already taking some form of lithium, consult your doctor before consuming stevia.
- Stevia And Antidiabetes Drugs
Taking stevia may lower blood sugar levels , and if you are also taking anti-diabetes medication, it may reduce your sugar degrees way too much. Nonetheless, more experimental job is needed in this area ( 9 ). Speak with your medical professional before using it. They might change the dose of your diabetic issues medication. Several of these medications include Amaryl, DiaBetas, Actos, and Avandia.
- Stevia And Antihypertensive Drugs i X Drugs employed to treat high blood pressure and help avoid potential issues like stroke and heart attack.
Some research also shows that stevia may lower blood pressure ( 9 ). This is why you need to be careful if you are additionally taking blood pressure medicines. Several of these medications consist of Cozaar, Diovan, Norvasc, and Lasix.
Stevia has also been associated with cancer. However, research has some interesting findings.
Stevia And Cancer
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There is no research mentioning that stevia might cause cancer cells. Actually, researches show that stevia may prevent cancer from spreading. Research study recommends that stevia can be a prospective chemotherapy representative for cancer treatment ( 10 ).
Other researches additionally state the healing homes of stevia versus cancer cells. This can be credited to the glycosides they contain ( 11 ).
Can pregnant women take stevia? Find out in the next section.
Stevia And Pregnancy
In animal research studies, stevia was found to be secure while pregnant. It did not increase toxicity in rat embryos. It also did not affect the maternity or fertility results ( 12 ).
However, the safety of stevia during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period in humans is yet to be proven ( 12 ). Hence, it is better to avoid stevia during pregnancy.
Infographic: 6 Side Effects Of Stevia
Stevia is a zero-calorie natural sweetener, which is an extensively used replacement for sugar to lower calorie consumption. Yet overuse of stevia can cause a couple of changes in several metabolic processes and paths, which may have serious consequences in the long run. To find out about some of stevia's most unsafe negative effects, take a look at the infographic below!
Illustration:
Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.
Stevia is a typical sweetener made use of as an alternative for sugar with zero calories. It is believed that taking this sugar in moderate amounts is secure. Nonetheless, the FDA does not acknowledge the derivatives of stevia as risk-free while not objecting to making use of high-purity stevia derivatives in foods. The adverse effects of stevia consist of intestinal issues, extremely low blood sugar degrees, endocrine disruption, sore muscles, and feeling numb. Moreover, people with particular medical problems need to stay away from this sugar. And it may also engage with medications like lithium. So, practice caution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stevia safe to be used during pregnancy?
There are no human studies to verify that stevia might be secure while pregnant. We recommend you talk with your doctor prior to doing so as researches provide combined opinions.
Can stevia be a part of the keto diet?
Yes, stevia can be a great addition to a keto diet. But remember, moderation is key.
Can stevia harm the kidneys?
Some think stevia might damage the kidneys as it might have diuretic residential properties. It might enhance the rate at which the body eliminates water and electrolytes. Considering that kidneys are responsible for flushing toxins out, it is thought that this may emphasize them. Yet there is no research study to sustain this.
Also, since this sweetener has come into the market only recently, its full impact is yet to be determined.
However, a study shows that stevia intake may reduce the risk of kidney damage ( 13 ).
Is stevia bad for your teeth?
No. In fact, studies show that stevia can promote dental health as its extracts are considered non-acidogenic ( 14 ).
Is stevia better than aspartame?
Stevia appears to be better than aspartame, another sugar. Some suppose that stevia has useful impacts on blood glucose when compared to aspartame.
Is stevia inflammatory?
No. On the contrary, stevia exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that help in decreasing inflammation ( 15 ).
Can stevia cause heart palpitations?
Stevia extracts can cause a decrease in serum glucose levels, which may lead to tremors and heart palpitations ( 16 ).
Is stevia OK for your liver?
Yes. According to a research performed on rats, stevia leaves aid protect against cirrhosis (a late phase of scarring of the liver) ( 17 ). However, more human studies are warranted in this regard.
Does stevia raise estrogen?
Anecdotal proof recommends that long-term intake of stevia may influence estrogen degrees. Nonetheless, limited study is offered to confirm this claim.
Does stevia cross the blood-brain barrier?
The beta-caryophyllene epoxides in stevia may go across the blood-brain barrier and hinder the law of mind features. Nonetheless, more research study is needed to confirm the exact same.
Does stevia cause yeast infections?
No. Stevia possesses antifungal properties and can fight against yeast infections ( 18 ).
Key Takeaways
- Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener that is native to Paraguay and Mexico.
- A high dose of stevia may decrease fertility and cause kidney issues.
- The stevioside in stevia may irritate your stomach and cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Stevia may interact with antidiabetic medications and lower your blood sugar levels too much.
- While animal research studies suggest that stevia is safe for consumption while pregnant, human studies are warranted to support this insurance claim.
