The Dangers of Stevia
Stevia is a natural herb from South America.
The dangers of stevia are difficult to establish but the benefits are clear and plentiful.
Native tribes of Paraguay and Argentina, amongst other countries, have used it successfully on a daily basis as a sweetener and flavour enhancer for hundreds of years.
However, as with any new food product which you are considering introducing into your diet, it is important to know the cons as well as the pros of stevia.
So what are the pros? Well, they are many and varied.
Here is a brief synopsis of the benefits of stevia.
It has been consumed in large quantities for many years.
However, according to other tests, there are three areas which might (though nothing has been proven conclusively) be harmful to you.
Stevia side effects are thought to be in the areas of: reproductive problems, cancer and metabolic issues...
Regarding reproductive issues, European tests carried out in 2006 suggested that stevia might affect male fertility.
The studies were conducted on rats and it was evident that when the male rats were given high doses of stevia for two years, their production of sperm was inhibited.
Over a period of time, this could lead to infertility.
In a second study, female hamsters were given similar doses of stevia and the results showed that they produced smaller and fewer offspring.
However, it is very important to note that no human link has actually been found.
Other tests indicated that stevia could could be linked to cancer.
However, many scientists are doubtful about this link and it is believed that a great deal of testing and research needs to be carried out in order to prove that there is a definitive link.
Regarding energy metabolism, further research indicated that the ingestion of large amounts of stevia interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates in the body i.
e.
the conversion of food into energy.
However, these tests were carried out on animals and no human testing has been conducted in this regard.
Despite the scientific research, both positive and negative, no definitive agreement has been reached about the dangers of stevia.
The fact that stevia has been used on a regular basis in Japan for the almost 30 years with no evidence of adverse reactions is a great indicator of just how valuable stevia can be.
It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration who were once concerned about the dangers of stevia use now allow stevia to be used as a dietary supplement.
So there's no question about it.
Stevia certainly offers a wide range of benefits, especially to people who suffer from diabetes and any suspected negative effects can only be truly proven through extensive further research.
The dangers of stevia are difficult to establish but the benefits are clear and plentiful.
Native tribes of Paraguay and Argentina, amongst other countries, have used it successfully on a daily basis as a sweetener and flavour enhancer for hundreds of years.
However, as with any new food product which you are considering introducing into your diet, it is important to know the cons as well as the pros of stevia.
So what are the pros? Well, they are many and varied.
Here is a brief synopsis of the benefits of stevia.
- Stevia has been found to be of enormous benefit with the following illnesses:diabetes, skin conditions, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, influenza and many others
- It's a excellent sugar replacement
- Stevia is gentle on teeth
- It contains zero fat
- It is high in fiber
- It increases energy
It has been consumed in large quantities for many years.
However, according to other tests, there are three areas which might (though nothing has been proven conclusively) be harmful to you.
Stevia side effects are thought to be in the areas of: reproductive problems, cancer and metabolic issues...
Regarding reproductive issues, European tests carried out in 2006 suggested that stevia might affect male fertility.
The studies were conducted on rats and it was evident that when the male rats were given high doses of stevia for two years, their production of sperm was inhibited.
Over a period of time, this could lead to infertility.
In a second study, female hamsters were given similar doses of stevia and the results showed that they produced smaller and fewer offspring.
However, it is very important to note that no human link has actually been found.
Other tests indicated that stevia could could be linked to cancer.
However, many scientists are doubtful about this link and it is believed that a great deal of testing and research needs to be carried out in order to prove that there is a definitive link.
Regarding energy metabolism, further research indicated that the ingestion of large amounts of stevia interferes with the absorption of carbohydrates in the body i.
e.
the conversion of food into energy.
However, these tests were carried out on animals and no human testing has been conducted in this regard.
Despite the scientific research, both positive and negative, no definitive agreement has been reached about the dangers of stevia.
The fact that stevia has been used on a regular basis in Japan for the almost 30 years with no evidence of adverse reactions is a great indicator of just how valuable stevia can be.
It's important to note that the Food and Drug Administration who were once concerned about the dangers of stevia use now allow stevia to be used as a dietary supplement.
So there's no question about it.
Stevia certainly offers a wide range of benefits, especially to people who suffer from diabetes and any suspected negative effects can only be truly proven through extensive further research.
Source...