Is Stevia Bad For You?
Also Known As: Stevia rebaudiana
Short answer
At the moment, stevia is deemed safe and a healthier alternative to refined sugar. It should be kept in mind, however, that stevia may cause severe allergic reactions to some and there is still debate as to whether or not it is carcinogenic.
Recommended Alternative
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Stevia - or better yet Rebaudioside A stevia is a sweetener used as a sugar substitute. It is extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant and has anywhere from 150-200x the sweetness of sugar, but without the calories. Back in 1991, the FDA had banned stevia after research found that it may be linked to cancer. However, in 2008, after research was submitted by leading stevia brands regarding Rebaudioside A stevia, the FDA approved it (albeit without following their normal protocol for approving foods and additives for general human consumption). Stevia's primary benefits are in its relatively high amount of iron and fiber. Iron is key in hemoglobin production, whereas fiber helps prevent constipation and aids in proper digestion. Stevia also contains the essential nutrients potassium, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B3.
Another benefit of stevia is that research has shown it to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. It may also be effective against Candida albicans. When taken in doses just above that of as a sweetener, stevia may help reduce blood pressure.
Despite the benefits, stevia is far from a miracle sweetener. Despite approval from the FDA, there are two factors to consider. The first factor is that the FDA did not follow its own normal guidelines when it approved Reb A stevia. The second was that approval came after a company wanting to sell stevia in the United States submitted its own research. Aside from the possible risk of being carcinogenic, stevia's lack of calories may actually cause weight gain, as the body can be tricked into taking excess calories from other sources.
In rare instances, people may also have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms of being allergic to stevia include dizziness, hives, shortness of breath, general weakness, and wheezing. Consuming highly refined stevia may lead to nausea, feeling full or losing appetite, and bloating.
Possible short-term side effects
- anaphylaxis (rare)
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dizziness (rare)
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weakness (rare)
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nausea
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bloating
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loss of appetite
Benefits
- promotes hemoglobin production (essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body)
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helps regulate digestion
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bactericidal against pathogenic bacteria
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may lower blood pressure
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sweetens food without calories
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
SweetLeaf Stevia Packets
- Zero-calorie sweetener
- No bitter aftertaste
- Ideal for keto diet
- Natural sugar substitute
- Non-GMO
Learn More!
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-01-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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