The main advantages associated with the use of stevia(1)

1. May have anti-cancer abilities

In 2012, the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer highlighted a groundbreaking laboratory study that showed for the first time that stevia extract could help kill breast cancer cells. Steviosides were observed to enhance cancer cell apoptosis (cell death) and reduce certain stress pathways in the body that lead to cancer growth.

Another in vitro study conducted in China also found that steviol, a naturally occurring component of the plant's leaves, was effective in stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells in the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting that it may have powerful anti-cancer properties.

2. Good news for diabetics

Because they can support metabolic health, many experts are now recommending zero-calorie sweeteners such as stevia to people with obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes.A 2018 review published in the Journal of Nutrition concluded that using stevia instead of white sugar is highly beneficial for people with diabetes who need to follow a low-glycemic, diabetic diet plan.

Another article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements evaluated the effects of stevia on diabetic rats. In this study, the administration of the sweetener to rats was found to significantly lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin sensitivity, both of which helped prevent the progression of diabetes.

Another 2019 study in humans found that consuming stevia before meals improved markers of diabetes, such as lowering postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels. In addition, although participants consumed fewer calories, they reported similar levels of satiety and they did not compensate by consuming more calories later in the day.

3. Support for weight loss

In the average American diet, added sugars account for a large portion of total calories per day - high intakes are associated with weight gain, obesity and other adverse effects on metabolic health.

For this reason, stevia is one of the most popular keto sweeteners and is also often used by those following other low-carb diets (such as the Paleolithic diet) to sweeten recipes without providing too many carbohydrates.

A randomised controlled trial in 2019 also found that "Stevia reduces appetite and does not further increase food intake or postprandial blood glucose levels. This may be a useful strategy for obesity and diabetes prevention and management."

4. helps raise cholesterol levels

Some studies have found that stevia leaf extract can raise cholesterol levels and help keep the heart healthy and strong.

For example, a 2018 animal model found that giving stevia leaf extract to rats for 8 weeks helped lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and bad LDL cholesterol levels, while also raising "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

Similarly, a 2009 study showed that the extract had a "positive and encouraging effect" on overall cholesterol status and was effective in improving HDL cholesterol, lowering triglycerides and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.