Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago
Total Sources: 46
Verified Claims: 34
Scientific Sources: 18
Stevia leaf extract is a natural, high-intensity sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America [6], [24]. It's known for being a zero-calorie sugar substitute [24].
Low to Moderate: Some anxiety exists regarding potential side effects and the extent of processing, but it is generally recognized as safe by major health organizations [20].
While generally viewed positively as a natural alternative to sugar, some sources express concern over potential aftertaste, processing methods, and misleading marketing [19].
Dr. Moises Santiago Bertoni, an Italian-Swiss botanist, learned of stevia from Indian guides in Paraguay [25], [27].
Dr. Ovid Rebaudi made the first chemical analysis of stevia leaves, identifying sweet glycosides [28].
Japan began using hothouses to cultivate stevia and use it as a sweetener in various products [25].
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned stevia as a food additive due to safety concerns [30], [32].
The FDA approved certain stevia extracts, such as Rebaudioside A, as safe for use in food and beverages [30], [32].
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved steviol glycosides for use in the European Union [19], [30].
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) banned stevia as a food additive, but steviol glycosides (E960) remain permissible under stringent conditions [31].
Stevia consumption may be associated with a reduction in blood glucose levels, particularly in individuals with higher BMI, diabetes, and hypertension [7].
Stevia and its major components may have anti-inflammatory activity, potentially due to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway [6].
Steviol glycosides are well-tolerated and appear to have no pharmacological effect on blood pressure or blood glucose in normotensive, hypotensive, and diabetic individuals [12].
Effects of stevia consumption on appetite in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
No significant changes in appetite scores following stevia consumption were found [5].
Effect of stevia on blood glucose and HbA1C: A meta-analysis
Stevia consumption was associated with significantly reducing blood glucose levels, especially in individuals with higher BMI, diabetes, and hypertension [7].
Apparent lack of pharmacological effect of steviol glycosides used as sweeteners in humans. A pilot study of repeated exposures in some normotensive and hypotensive individuals and in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics
Oral steviol glycosides, taken as a sweetener, are well-tolerated and have no pharmacological effect on blood pressure or blood glucose [12].
Hepatotoxic effects of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract and commercial stevia on rats: a comparative study
Commercial stevia-treated group showed a significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, suggesting potential effects on liver function [21].
Toxicological Studies of Leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Stevia extract demonstrated no adverse effects on body weights, absolute organ weights and relative organ weight ratio in the treated rats at any doses. Evaluation of the haematological and biochemical parameters demonstrated no toxic effect in the treated rats [22].
Read food labels carefully to identify products containing stevia or other sugar substitutes [39], [41].
Be aware that terms like 'light,' 'lower sugar,' and 'keto-friendly' may indicate the presence of sugar substitutes [39].
Consider using whole, unprocessed foods to control sugar intake and avoid added sweeteners [42].