Stevia
What is Stevia?
Stevia, or stevioside, is derived from the leaves of a South American shrub, a member of the daisy family. Used as a nonnutritive sweetener in South American countries and Japan as a food additive, stevia is not approved as a food additive in the US or Canada . In the US, stevia may only be sold as a dietary supplement, and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as tightly as are pharmaceuticals and food products.
Health Benefits
Many who hesitate to consume artificial food additives may prefer stevia because it is all natural. Stevia is calorie free, and therefore does not impact blood sugar levels, unlike sucrose (refined sugar). Stevia, when used in place of sugar, may also reduce the incidence of tooth decay.
Usage Indications
Use as directed. Consult your physician before use of stevia if you have health issues.
- Side Effects: May include dizziness, headache, muscle tenderness and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Indications: Stevia may interact with diabetes and high blood pressure medications. It is not proven safe for use in pregnant/nursing women or children. Stevia is not approved in the US, Canada, or the European Union as a food additive because not enough is known about its safety. In the US, stevia may only be sold as a dietary supplement. More research is necessary to prove the safety of stevia as a food additive.
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Product List for Stevia |
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