Stevia leaf extract is a versatile, natural sweetener that offers many health benefits without the drawbacks that sugar and artificial sweeteners contain. It has zero calories, has a positive impact on blood sugar levels, and has potential benefits for dental health. Yet it has gotten a bad reputation over the years.
Back in 2014, there was a study on Stevia and natural sweeteners in mice and the conclusion was they were harmful for metabolism and gut health. However, the study had major limitations; the study was done on mice. Mice and humans do not have the same metabolic pathways.Over the course of the past decade, and even beyond, there are several studies that negatively correlate biomarkers of health as they relate to the consumption of Stevia. However, it is very important to note that all of these negative connotations are attached to rodent-based studies, with little to no statistically significant findings in human conducted trials. To state the obvious, human metabolism is much different than mice, so it is certainly safe to point a finger of skepticism at the bad wrap that stevia, and artificial sweeteners receive at large.
Steven Benjamin, a professional sports Registered Dietitian says of Stevia “There is a whole heck of a lot more support for the use of stevia and artificial sweeteners than there is harm. Unless you are intaking artificial sweeteners at absurd doses, you are not exposing yourself to any risk in my professional opinion.If you take the time to review the literature involving Stevia ingestion in humans, which there is certainly a lack of randomized clinical trials, you will find yourself hard pressed to find firm conclusions that Stevia is problematic for human consumption. You may even find that there are some positive associations with Stevia intake. For example, positive correlations with blood glucose and blood pressure regulation do exist within the literature! Especially when being compared to excess sugar and excess calorie consumption. As with most things nutrition, moderation reigns king, even when dealing with topics like artificial sweetener intake”.
There is more support for Stevia than negative. We break it down below.
What is Stevia Leaf Extract?
Stevia leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is a small, perennial shrub native to parts of South America. Stevia has been used for centuries by people as a natural sweetener. Steviol glycosides are what makes it sweeter. They are up to 300 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) but have no calories.
Why is Stevia Helpful?
Calorie-Free Sweetener: One of the main benefits of stevia leaf extract is that it provides sweetness without calories. This makes a great alternative for those trying to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing taste.
Control of Blood Sugar: Stevia does not cause spikes in blood glucose levels, unlike most sweeteners. This makes it a useful sweetener for people with diabetes or those managing their blood sugar levels.
Dental Health: Stevia does not contribute to tooth decay. Sugar and most other sweeteners are leading causes of tooth decay. Some studies have shown that stevia may have antibacterial properties that help prevent dental cavities.
How Has Stevia Been Tested?
Stevia's safety and efficacy have been tested through various scientific studies and clinical trials.
Safety Tests: Regulatory bodies like the FDA have conducted extensive reviews of stevia and have concluded that steviol glycosides are safe for human consumption. The acceptable daily intake for steviol glycosides is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.
Clinical Studies on Blood Sugar and Insulin: Studies have investigated stevia's effects on blood sugar levels and insulin response and found that stevia consumption led to significantly lower blood glucose and insulin levels.
Research on Weight Management: Stevia has been studied for its role in weight management. It was shown that replacing sugar with stevia can lead to reduced calorie intake and support weight loss efforts.
Our journey began with a guiding principle: to be a Force for Good. This principle shapes our interactions with customers, suppliers, and employees, our engagement with the community and our families, and our treatment of the environment.
We believe that simplicity is essential to good living. The simple goodness of natural ingredients, ancient remedies, and genuine connections is frequently untapped and neglected. At ZYN, we strive to focus on the good, the simple, and the positive in all our endeavors. We hope our products reflect our beliefs and bring harmonizing benefits and holistic wellness for everyone to enjoy!
