From the Guidelines
Stevia is a safe and effective natural sweetener for most people, particularly those with diabetes or weight management concerns, as it is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and does not affect blood glucose levels. The use of stevia as a sugar substitute can help reduce calorie intake and manage blood sugar levels, with potential benefits for weight loss and metabolic health 1. When substituting stevia for sugar in recipes, it is recommended to start with a small amount, such as 1/4 teaspoon of powdered stevia for each cup of sugar called for, and adjust to taste. Stevia works well in beverages, yogurt, oatmeal, and many baked goods, although it may not provide the same browning or texture as sugar in some recipes.
Some key points to consider when using stevia include:
- Stevia is significantly sweeter than table sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same sweetness
- Stevia does not affect blood glucose levels because it is not metabolized by the body
- Stevia has been deemed safe by regulatory agencies worldwide, with an acceptable daily intake equivalent to about 12 packets for a 150-pound person 1
- The long-term safety of stevia in childhood has not been assessed in humans, and no advice can be provided on its use in children younger than 2 years old 1
- Stevia may be associated with a reduced presence of dental caries 1
Overall, stevia is a safe and effective natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for sugar in many recipes, particularly for those with diabetes or weight management concerns. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of stevia on human health, particularly in children and over the long term 1.
From the Research
Effects of Stevia on Human Health
- Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) has been found to have various health benefits, including hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiseptic, diuretic, anti-fertility, and cardiotonic properties 2, 3.
- The plant's leaves are sweeter than sucrose with zero calories, making it a suitable alternative sweetener for diabetic and obese individuals with hyperglycemia 2, 3.
- Stevia has also been documented to have positive effects on treating skin diseases such as dermatitis, acne, and eczema 2.
Stevia as a Natural Sweetener
- Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener that is several hundred times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose) 3, 4.
- The white crystalline compound (stevioside) extracted from stevia is a natural herbal sweetener with no calories and is over 100-300 times sweeter than table sugar 3.
- Stevia can be used as a substitute for sucrose, contributing to reduced caloric intake and playing a role in the prevention and/or treatment of metabolic disorders 4.
Effects of Stevia on Glycemic and Lipid Profile
- A randomized controlled trial found that stevia had no significant effects on fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), and lipid levels in type 2 diabetic patients 5.
- The study suggested that stevia could be an alternative to sucralose in diabetic patients with no effects on blood glucose, HbA1C, insulin, and lipid levels 5.
Stevia in Dental Health
- Stevia is non-cariogenic and can contribute to a reduced caloric intake, making it a potential preventive means of fighting dental caries 4.
- Promoting the consumption of stevia can be a preventive measure in fighting dental caries, especially in diabetic patients 4.
Agronomic Aspects of Stevia Cultivation
- Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is a low-calorie natural sweetener plant that can be grown as a crop to benefit farmers and industrialists 6.
- Various agronomic techniques, such as propagation method, transplanting time, intercropping, irrigation, mulching, plant geometry, pinching, and harvesting time, can improve the yield and quality of stevia 6.