This article discusses the different forms of stevia and the side effects of this sugar alternative.
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Side Effects from Stevia
Stevia does not cause side effects in most people.
Stevia is not known to cause inflammation.
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Contraindications
Stevia is safe for most people to use.
Early studies of stevia suggested it waslinked to cancer, causing the initial FDA ban in 1991.
Stevia During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Stevia leaf extract is safe to consume whenpregnantor breastfeeding.
What Kinds of Stevia Are Unsafe?
Stevia leaf extract, known to most as stevia, is a natural,zero-calorie sweetenerused as asugar substitute.
Forms of Stevia
Stevia is available in a few different forms.
Some of these are safe for consumption, while others have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety.
How Does Stevia Compare to Other Zero-Calorie Sweeteners?
Another popular zero-calorie sweetener is sucralose, sold under the brand nameSplenda.
How does stevia compare to sugar?
Stevia contains zero calories and carbohydrates, while sugar contains 15 calories and 4 carbohydrates per teaspoon.
It is based on significant research.
Is Stevia OK to Have Every Day?
It is safe to consume stevia every day.
However, the ADI for steviol is 4 milligrams (mg) per kilogram body weight per day.
This amounts to about 12 mg per kilograms (kg) of Stevia extract per day.
For A 150-pound person, this would amount to around 40 packets of stevia.
Summary
Stevia is a zero-calorie, nonnutritive sweetener made from theStevia rebaudianaplant’s leaves.
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