Stevia is a low-calorie sugar substitute made from the leaves of a South American plant. It has been controversial due to conflicting studies on its safety and benefits, but some refined versions have been declared safe by the FDA. It may have beneficial effects on blood sugar and blood pressure, but may also have negative effects on male fertility and DNA mutation.
Stevia is a type of plant, the extract of which is used as a low-calorie sugar substitute. Its use has been controversial because there are studies that claim that it is beneficial and other studies that indicate that it can be dangerous. Currently, it is available as a food supplement but not as a food additive. It is also known as stevia.
An herb in the Chrysanthemum family, the stevia plant is native to South America, specifically Paraguay and Brazil. Its leaves are naturally sweet and are used as a type of sweetener. The extract is several hundred times sweeter than sugar but has no calories.
Prior to 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had not approved stevia as safe for human consumption, stating that there has not been enough research on the long-term effects of the product for it to be labeled as safe. However, it was available as a dietary supplement, since supplements are not subject to FDA regulations.
Many claim that stevia is an effective natural sweetener that is not only safe to consume, but also has beneficial side effects. Some argue that it is especially beneficial for diabetics because it can lower blood sugar levels by promoting insulin production. Others speculate that it may become a treatment measure for type 2 diabetes, and studies indicate that it may lower blood pressure. Stevia may also benefit dental health because, unlike sugar, it does not cause cavities.
There are also arguments that stevia is harmful. Male rats that were fed suffered reduced sperm production along with other indicators of infertility, suggesting that it may have negative effects on the human male reproductive system. Some studies also indicate that it may contain mutagenic compounds, which can cause DNA mutation and possibly cancer. There is also evidence that consuming stevia may alter the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates and the body’s process of converting food into energy.
Although stevia extract itself is not available as a sweetener, the FDA has declared some refined versions to be safe. These products contain rebaudioside A, one of the compounds found in the plant. Some people experience mild side effects from these products, such as nausea or a feeling of fullness.
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