The main advantages associated with the use of stevia(2)

5. May reduce high blood pressure

Some of the glycosides in stevia extract have been found to dilate blood vessels and increase sodium excretion, both of which help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

A study in Clinical Therapeutics showed that taking capsules containing 500 mg of stevioside three times a day for two years significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

However, bear in mind that studies on the potential effects of high blood pressure have had mixed results, with some short-term studies not finding any effects.

6. Unlikely to cause side effects

While other natural sweeteners and alternatives often cause digestive problems, a 2019 article published in Nutrients found that stevia is usually well tolerated and may even have beneficial effects on gut microbiota, elimination and glucose metabolism.

7. may work well against Lyme disease

A 2015 study published in the European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology examined the effects of four forms of stevia: three liquid forms derived from alcohol and a powdered form. The researchers found that while the powder form did not show much, the liquid form worked better than the Lyme disease drug and appeared to kill the bacteria that cause Lyme disease after 7 days.

Is it safe?

How safe is stevia? For most people, it is safe to consume with minimal risk of adverse health effects.

For example, a study conducted in Paraguay found that daily consumption of stevia for three months was well tolerated and was not associated with any negative side effects.

The FDA considers highly refined and purified steviol glycosides to be safe when consumed as a sweetener in foods, and has also approved whole leaf or crude stevia leaf extracts for use in dietary supplements.

Certain studies conducted in the 1990s found some evidence that long-term use may reduce fertility in male animals and may affect hormones, as its glycosides have a similar structure to plant hormones such as gibberellins. However, many herbs, including ginkgo, also contain this natural ingredient and are safe to consume in moderation.

Side effects

Why is stevia bad for you? Although it is generally safe to consume, in some people it can cause mild side effects such as bloating, nausea, dizziness, numbness and muscle pain.

Some products may also contain dextrin or maltodextrin, which can increase blood sugar levels in some products.

Mixtures containing sugar alcohols may also cause digestive problems in sensitive people. Common symptoms include bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea.

In addition, stevia may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to ragweed, as they belong to the same plant family. However, this has never been reported or studied in structured studies.