Client News
Safety, Uses and Benefits of Stevia (Truvia)
Angela England, Oklahoma Alternative Medicine Examiner
January 3rd, 2009
With the recent FDA decision to allow stevia extract rebiana to be used as a sugar replacement called Truvia, many people are wondering about stevia's safety and the benefits of this sweetener.
Stevia is an herb that grows native in Brazil and Paraguay. It has been used safely by the native population there for centuries. Since the western world "discovered" stevia in 1887 with the first documentation of use by natives, many countries have embraced the use of this sweet, sugar replacement. In fact, according to stevia.com, Japan uses stevia for more than 40% of all its sweetener needs.
Why use stevia as a sugar replacement?
So why use stevia? According to stevia.com website, studies have shown that stevia does not raise the body's blood sugar levels. Yet it is much sweeter than sugar, and refined forms do not have any bitter aftertaste as raw forms sometimes do. For those suffering with diabetes or hypoglycemia, a sweetener that doesn't affect blood sugar levels is very helpful!
Sugar has been linked to many health problems, including diabetes, eczema and other skin conditions, chronic yeast infections, hyperactivity, fatigue and headaches, among others. Artificial sweeteners have been suggested as having many potential health problems as well, and many people are open to valid alternatives.
Other health benefits of stevia.
Stevia has also been shown to help strengthen and protect teeth, rather than encourage tooth decay like sugary foods. In fact, a study by Purdue University showed that stevia actually inhibited the development of plaque on the teeth.
The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry recently published the results of a study conducted at the Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata that showed stevia has high antioxidant levels as well. Antioxidants are free-radical fighting compounds that help protect the body against the DNA changes that can lead to cancer.
With so many benefits, and no documented side effects after centuries of use, stevia could be part of a beneficial change from the "typical American diet" we've been living with for too long.