It sounds sweet: a natural, no-calorie sweetener that doesn’t raise blood sugar.
Just how healthy is stevia, and can it help you lose weight?
What about safety and side effects?
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Experts don’t have all the answers yet, but here’s what they know so far.
News flash: Most of us eatw-a-a-a-ytoo much added sugararound 17 teaspoons a day, according to theU.S.
But just how healthy is stevia?
Does it have side effects, and is it safe?
Here’s what experts know so far.
What Is Stevia?
It’s made from a South American plant called stevia.
The leaves containglycosides, which are 200 to 400 times sweeter than regular table sugar.
Some brands, like Truvia, contain sugar alcohols, a punch in of low-calorie carbohydrate.
Is Stevia FDA-Approved?
Stevia has an FDA rating known as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
Sweeteners and other food ingredients with GRAS status can be legally added to foods sold in the U.S. ## Are There Any Downsides to Stevia?
For starters, there’s the taste.
Stevia has a slightly bitter flavor that some people don’t like.
Stevia products made with sugar alcohols can also cause bloating, diarrhea and other stomach troubles for some people.
And there are other possible problems.
Research suggests stevia and other non-nutritive sweetness have little effect on body weight.
Can I Eat Too Much of It?
It would be pretty difficult.
That said, you should stop using stevia if you have any nausea, bloating or other side effects.
Can I Use Stevia in Recipes?
It depends on what you are making.
Stevia can also affect the texture of a recipe, so you may need to experiment.
Still, commercial stevia sweeteners sold in the U.S. appear to be a safe sugar substitute.
Just don’t think of stevia as a sure ticket for weight loss.
