Truvia is a sugar substitute made from stevia plant leaves that is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar but does not affect blood glucose levels. It is generally safe, but excessive use can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and allergic reactions. It contains no calories and is considered a safe alternative for people with diabetes or on limited carbohydrate diets.
Truvia is a sugar substitute used to sweeten beverages as well as foods. It is made by soaking the leaves of the stevia plant. These leaves have been used for centuries in South America and Japan as a sweetener, but in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had to deem them safe before they could be commercialized en masse. Truvia was developed by the Cargill Corporation and the Coca-Cola Company. It was made available to the general public in 2008.
The stevia plant, which belongs to the asteraceae family of plants, can be found mainly in South America. Steviol glycoside, found in the leaves of this plant, gives it its sweetness. The glycoside is believed to be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, but does not affect blood glucose levels. This means that it can be a safe alternative sweetener for people with diabetes or those on limited carbohydrate diets. It is said that one packet of Truvia is equivalent to two teaspoons of sugar.
Rebiana, also known as rebaudioside A, is one of the ingredients found in Truvia. Erythritol, which is also found in Truvia, is derived from wheat, corn starch, and sugar beets. This mixture of carbohydrates is fermented and processed. It is dried and crystallized before being added to the sweetener.
The ingredients found in Truvia do not affect the body like most sugars do. For example, this sweetener will not cause cavities. It contains no calories and is also considered a kosher food additive. When Truvia is used as directed, it will generally not cause digestive upset. The FDA has determined that this sweetener is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Truvia generally does not cause side effects, unless used in large amounts. In this case, it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Some users have experienced stomach bloating and excessive gas. Constipation and hard stools have also occurred, as have severe headaches. Some allergic reactions have also been observed with this product, but this is a typical complaint when using plant extracts.
Most types of substitute sweeteners are used to reduce sugar intake and lose weight. The use of this product does not mean that this will happen. In fact, it is believed that artificial sweeteners can actually slow down the metabolic process.
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