Stevia is a natural sugar substitute made from the leaves of the stevia plant.
It has been used in South America since the 16th century to sweeten tea and other beverages.
However, this hasn’t always been the case.
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Still, concern that stevia is unsafe and may cause cancer still exists.
This article will discuss the current research on stevia and examine any potential links to cancer.
Stevia leaves are estimated to be 150400 times sweeter than sugar.
Despite tasting sweet, some users report it has a licorice-like aroma and slightly bitter aftertaste.
Why Was Stevia Banned?
In 1991, stevia was banned by the FDA because early studies suggested that it may cause cancer.
Yet a follow-up study refuted the initial research.
In 2008, the FDA designated high-purity (95% minimum purity) stevia extracts as GRAS.
Today, the stevia leaf and crude stevia extract are still not recognized as GRAS.
Purified stevia extract must be composed of at least 95%steviol glycosides.
There are many different steviol glycosides responsible for giving stevia its sweet taste.
Stevia is available in several forms, including liquid, powder, and granules.
Most stevia products combine steviol glycosides with other ingredients such as dextrose, maltodextrin, and erythritol.
Stevia in the Raw packets are made with stevia leaf extract (reb-A) combined with dextrose.
Stevia can be substituted for sugar during baking.
These include:
Stevia leaves primarily contain rebaudioside A and stevioside.
In some test-tube studies, steviol glycosides have been reported to have mutagenic effects.
This means they may cause permanent changes in genetic material.
Both companies received a “no objection letter” from the FDA.
Therefore, they are not approved for use as sweeteners in the United States.
Here’s a look at what the latest research says on the subject.
Can Stevia Cause Cancer?
However, the dosage necessary for this to happen is equivalent to that of 3,000 cups of coffee.
Researchers concluded the genetic toxicity of stevia to be safe as long as it is used in ordinary amounts.
Can Stevia Help Fight Cancer?
Overall, most studies suggest that consuming stevia in moderate quantities is safe and does not cause cancer.
There are also studies that highlight the potential for stevia to have health benefits.
This can lead to biased results.
Some people may also experience unpleasant side effects after consuming stevia.
Symptoms resolved after one week.
This equals about 12 milligrams of high-purity stevia extract per kilogram of body weight per day.
Summary
Stevia is a natural sweetener that is commonly found in low-calorie foods and beverages.
When used in normal amounts, stevia can be a good low-calorie alternative to table sugar.
There is no solid evidence that purified stevia extracts can cause cancer.
However, stevia leaves and stevia crude extract should not be used due to the uncertainty surrounding their safety.
A Word From Verywell
Based on the current scientific evidence available, stevia is safe for use.
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