Many people concerned about calories and excess carbs make artificial sweeteners a part of their diet. However, questions are frequently raised about the safety of these faux-sugar products. That's why more and more people are turning to Stevia, a sweet herb with zero calories. Produced from a South American plant related to lettuce and chicory, Stevia is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. Although it was officially discovered in the late 1800s, the plant had been used by Native Americans for centuries. It is currently added to select beverage products or can be purchased as an extract in liquid or powder form.
Since Stevia is an all natural product, most people assume it is a safe and healthy way to flavor foods and drinks. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. A debate is currently raging between Stevia activists and groups, such as the FDA, who claim the herb is harmful and should be avoided.
The fact that Stevia is a product of nature does not make it a safe alternative to sugar. The FDA has declared the herb to be “an unsafe food additive.” The limited studies done on Stevia reveal concerns it could adversely affect blood sugar and damage the renal, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. The Center for Science in the Public Interest also claims Stevia is unsafe. They cite evidence the sweetener negatively impacted reproduction when given to rodents in laboratory tests. The CSPI also believes the herb could be linked to certain forms of cancer.
Despite some unsettling findings, there are many advocates promoting the use of Stevia. These supporters point to studies showing Stevia may improve insulin production and aid in diabetes treatment. They also claim Stevia contains anti-viral properties and can help lower blood pressure. Finally, some people believe Stevia is a great way to prevent cavities as it is plaque retardant and will not erode teeth as sugar does. So, if all they claim is true, why is the FDA against Stevia's usage? Supporters of the herb claim the makers of NutraSweet, an artificial sweetener using Aspartame, have “bought influence” with the FDA to prevent Stevia's approval. Whether this argument can be substantiated is questionable, but it should be noted that Aspartame has been proven to have negative physiological effects.
Ultimately, Stevia seems to require more testing before it will be widely accepted. However, like any sweetener product, moderation seems to be the key to safety. When used occasionally, studies show Stevia is unlikely to adversely affect the human body. Concerns are more directly associated with heavy usage in soft drink or candy products. Thus, many people continue to choose Stevia over products such as Equal, Splenda, and NutraSweet. The key is to make an informed decision and stay apprised of further developments in ongoing Stevia research.
