Much Sweeter than Sugar, Is Stevia Sweetener Safe? Check out the facts

"Far Sweeter than Sugar, is Stevia Sweetener Safe? Find out the Facts"

Much Sweeter than Sugar, Is Stevia Sweetener Safe? Check out the facts

Dream - Many people have started to switch to a healthier lifestyle by reducing sugar consumption. To replace sugar, some people use stevia as a substitute in food and drinks.

If you have ever dieted or started a weight loss program, Sahabat Dream may be familiar with stevia. Stevia is a natural zero-calorie sugar substitute that is touted to be sweeter than sugar.

What is Stevia?

Stevia originates from the Stevia rebaudiana plant in South America, commonly known as rebaudioside A, reb-A, or rebian. The steviol glycoside substance found in this plant is often used as a sweetener to replace sugar.

Stevia is usually found in food products such as desserts, chewing gum, yogurt, soft drinks, and cake mix ingredients. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) of the United States has established a safe status for stevia. However, stevia leaves and raw stevia extracts are not deemed safe by the FDA.

There used to be concerns that stevia increases the risk of cancer and reproductive problems. However, after more than 10 years of stevia being in the market, there is no concrete evidence that stevia causes those diseases.

"Benefits of Stevia"

Stevia itself can be an alternative to replace sugar, especially for those who have uncontrolled blood sugar problems. Of course, its usage should be in accordance with the needs and not excessive.

"Stevia can be a good alternative to sugar for diabetes patients," said Leah Kaufman, a certified nutritionist from the United States. In 2017, a study by the team from the University of Leuven in Belgium, published in Nature Communications, showed that stevia stimulates the growth of proteins that are important for the release of insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels after meals."

American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association also agree that stevia is beneficial for people with diabetes, with the condition that its usage is still controlled and not consumed with excessive calories. The acceptable daily intake range for the body is not more than 12 mg per day. "Stevia is a substitute for sucrose because it does not contain excessive calories. Replacing sugar with stevia can be advantageous, but it does not guarantee weight loss," said Kaufman.

"Stevia Flavor"

The sweetness of stevia is not exactly the same as sugar. Stevia tends to be sweeter, so Sahabat Dream doesn't need to use too much stevia as a sweetener for food or drinks.

Stevia is usually mixed with other carrier substances such as erythritol or dextrose derived from corn. Kaufman also warns that stevia commonly bought in stores is usually mixed with other ingredients. These other ingredients usually consist of sugar alcohols that can cause diarrhea if consumed excessively.

"Stevia purchased in stores may be mixed with Reb-A or erythritol, which can cause negative effects on digestion and result in digestive problems for some people. Make sure to read the label to know exactly what content is in your sugar substitute," said Kaufman. Report by Salma Rihhadatul Aisy. Source: The Healthy.

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