Sassafras Station

Sugar and Spice Might Be Nice But Can Stevia Make It Better?

Awww…the Stevia Plant, also known as Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni. A plant who’s leaves are vibrant in luscious green color. The color of the plant isn’t the only appeal as this plant also has a sweet side. Stevia is 200-300 times sweeter then the sugar we use. It has been used for hundreds of years in South America as a sweetener and is called Ka’a He’e (The sweet herb).

When you think of the plant itself you wonder where is this sweetness found? Is it in the root? Is it in the stem? Can you believe that the sweetness is actually found in the leaves? The Rebaudioside A or Reb A is the sweetest compound found in the Stevia leaf. What makes Stevia so attractive is it is known for being calorie free and friendly to the diabetic diet. It has been shown when used as a supplement for sugar it may assist in the treating of high blood pressure and obesity.

Even though Stevia has been used in South America and even in Japan many countries have a band on this all natural sweetener. In the 1990s the United States banded Stevia unless it obtained a label stating it is a supplement. However, the Rebaudioside A extract was granted approval in 2008 labeled as a food additive. Japan has used Stevia to sweeten their food products and even soft drinks for decades. Stevia has become the sweetener of choice accounting for 40% of the sweetener market.

Stevia is not only grown in South America it is now also grown in Mexico, Central America and even within North America in such states as Arizona and Texas. Stevia has approximately 240 species of plants found in these areas. Stevia has become so popular that it has been added to many products available in our supermarkets today. Have you heard of the Zevia drink? It is actually a soft drink that has been sweetened by the Stevia and has zero calories. It comes in a variety of flavors such as Ginger Root Beer, Regular, Orange, Ginger Ale, Dr. Zevia and Black Cherry. These beverages can be found in some local health food stores or by ordering online. They currently sell for approximately $23.99 for a case of 24 cans through the https://store.zevia.com website.

With Stevia becoming more popular it has some concerned for it’s possible side effects. Could this sweetener actually be dangerous…? Some scientist raise an eye brow as they use their resources pulling together to uncover the truth about the Stevia. Hard at work the scientists are focusing on several possible side effects that are thought to surround the Stevia sweetener.

Some scientists focus on the issues of absorption such as the possibility of large amounts being consumed may interfere with the absorption of carbohydrates and even the metabolism which converts food into energy. Another concern is large amounts consumed by male rats shown over a period of two years had a decrease in their sperm count. It has also been thought to promote cancer though it is not known how it actually effect human cells. The research has been greatly based around the response in rats.

With all natural and man made products there are weighing debates on whether or not there are real health concerns and if so do the benefits out way the side effects. When it comes down to it you are the only one who has the ultimate decision on what goes into your body. There are several articles available to help inform you of the pros and cons. Take time to research a product prior to using. Pay attention to how your body reacts to the consumption of the product. Though Stevia may work great for your friend or family member it may not be right for your. Lets look at the over all pros and cons to see if we can help you make a decision that is right for you.

THE PROS OF STEVIA:

100% natural
200-300 times sweeter then sugar
Can help prevent cavities
No calories
Diabetic diet friendly
Non toxic and has not been known to cause adverse side effects

THE CONS OF STEVIA:

There are no known hard core facts of negative effects caused by Stevia in humans

Hmmm… That should make your decision easier. Even though questions have risen about contraceptive side effects they have not been noted in humans. A test was done approximately 30 years ago that stated it could cause this to be an issue but no recent test have proven that as of this time. The best thing you can do is look into the available information and talk to your doctor. There are many things in life we cannot control but there are choices we can make to improve it.

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