Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the plant Stevia Rebaudiana. It is considered a lot healthier than other artificial sweeteners since it has zero calories.
Stevia Rebaudiana is the botanical name for Stevia, which belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The goods you buy at the shop do not include the entire stevia leaf; instead, they contain a highly refined extract known as rebaudioside A. (Reb-A).
Reb-A is a steviol glycoside that is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar and is commonly mixed with other sweeteners. Truvia, for example, is a combination of Reb-A and erythritol (sugar alcohol), whereas Stevia in the raw is a combination of Reb-A and dextrose (glucose).
Reb-A sweeteners are available in a variety of forms, including:
liquid
powder
granulated
When Is Stevia Too Much Stevia?
Stevia is about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar (yes, a little goes a long way!). So, is it possible to consume too much?
The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of stevia extracts has been determined at 12 milligrammes per kilogram of body weight by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). For a 150-pound individual, that's around 10 packets of Stevia.
So, Is Stevia Harmful To Your Health?
According to current studies, certain types of Stevia are safe. The FDA has declared Reb-A stevia leaf extracts to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
According to 2016 research, all formulations are probably safe for widespread usage. However, the FDA advises against taking stevia leaves or crude extracts, which are both less refined stevia components.
If you wish to avoid artificial sweeteners, it's equally crucial to check the labels on stevia products. Stevia is frequently combined with other sweeteners such as:
Maltodextrin
Saccharin sodium
Cyclamate of sodium
Aspartame
Furthermore, if you want to get the most out of your Stevia, you should be aware that some stevia products contain "natural tastes."
The FDA typically approves of these components, and items with this label must not include any artificial or synthetic colours or tastes. However, "natural taste" may nonetheless incorporate highly processed components.
What About The Negative Consequences Of Stevia?
The FDA considers stevia glycosides such as Reb-A to be safe. However, Stevia, like other things, has advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common adverse effects to be aware of when using Stevia.
Problems with the stomach
Stevia is frequently coupled with other sweeteners, each of which has its own set of drawbacks. Sugar alcohols, for example erythritol, might induce stomach upset if you are hypersensitive to them. Excessive consumption might result in symptoms such as:
gas
bloating
indigestion
