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Dangers of Stevia Revealed
Are there dangers of stevia or stevioside? Not likely. Is there any danger in stevia rebaudiana the herb? No. The question you should be asking is "what are the benefits of stevia"? The benefits may be great. In fact, here are its BENEFITS: In addition, some studies have shown that stevia lowers blood pressure, but this is still inconclusive. The research shows no danger of stevia in humans. I've got these research articles in electronic form, and I'd be happy to send them to you. Just click on the "Contact Me" button on the left. I'd like to introduce you to my favorite brand of stevia. I've tried many different brands, and this one is consistently the best-tasting, with no bitter aftertaste. I've used this brand for 12 years. It's difficult to find, but
I've found a source with a GREAT price. Recent research conducted on humans and published in September 2006 in the Phytotherapy Research journal states that "the results suggest that...stevioside is safe and supports the well-established tolerability during long term use as a sweetener". That pretty much says it all. Did you know that you can harness the power of your mind ...and lose weight easily and effortlessly? You don't need to struggle to lose weight. Losing weight can be easy when you use the power of your mind with the proven results of hypnosis.
Click here to learn how you can finally take control over your weight. The FDA and Stevia: Our Government Says There ARE Dangers of Stevia The FDA has not approved stevia as a sweetener in the U.S. It is only approved for use as a "food supplement". However, the Japanese have been using stevia for decades--and it is used in many packaged food products in Japan. It is also widely used as a sweetener in Brazil. Obviously, the Japanese and Brazilians don't feel there are any dangers of stevia (stevioside) nor any danger in stevia rebaudiana (the whole herb). The FDA feels that there is a danger of stevia, citing one study that showed fertility problems in male rats when they were given large doses of stevia. However, another study conducted on hamsters showed no fertility problems in either female or male sexes. You can decide for yourself whether that's enough to scare you off. For that one study showing potential dangers of stevia, there are hundreds of other studies showing its positive effects. And if you're wondering "well, did they study the herb in its WHOLE form (leaf), or the isolated stevioside?" Bravo! That's a very good question! The majority of studies showing positive effects (and certainly no negative effects) have used stevioside--which is what comprises the stevia sweetener products. Those that studied the actual herb in its whole form (stevia rebaudiana) also found positive, therapeutic abilities. So, there is no danger in stevia rebaudiana, either. Some people may be allergic to stevia, however.
Click here to learn about an allergic reaction to stevia. You may have heard some people's theories that the reason the FDA will not approve it as a sweetener is not because of any true danger of stevia, but because of pressure from the companies who own patented artificial sweeteners like aspartame (Nutrasweet) and sucralose (Splenda). So, in light of this recent research that proves no dangers of stevia, how long before it's approved as a sweetener in the U.S.? I wouldn't hold my breath. Stevia vs Test-Tube Sweeteners On the other hand, there are LOTS of patient reports and research studies that show a great deal of harm from the artificial sweeteners (including sucralose/Splenda, which is marketed as a "natural" product).
Since you only need such a small amount to create the sweetness of sugar, it can be difficult to bake with--but I've included some of my recipes on this site to help you (if you'd like to try it). I've also included information about
stevia equivalents. Don't go overboard. Even though there are no proven dangers of stevia (especially as compared to any of the artifical sweeteners), you CAN get "too much of a good thing". It's important when you're trying to lose weight to diminish your taste for sweets. Using any type of sweetener is only going to make that worse. And for those of you who find that you are addicted to sweets, use any sweetener, even stevia, sparingly. But stevia can be a wonderful addition to a healthy diet, and can help you achieve your weight loss goals. Subscribe to my FREE e-zine, Quick Tips to Get Slim and Healthy Now!. For a limited time, you'll also get a FREE copy of my ebook 7 Day Detox Diet & Cookbook. In this ebook, I'll show you how to lose up to 7 pounds in just 7 days, and have more energy and feel more relaxed than you have in years!
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