The sweetener stevia has been a very popular product for some time, which is supposed to be healthier than sugar. We can find it in health food stores, and more and more often on store shelves and in the composition of some “fit” products. However, should stevia really belong to the section of healthy substitutes? Let’s find out!
It is even 300 times sweeter than sugar, and yet has no calories! Therefore, it seems to be an ideal product for people who are trying to lose weight, but still cannot give up their passion for sweet drinks, cookies or bars. No wonder that this type of replacement is still growing in popularity. The fashion for taking care of the figure is unlikely to pass away, and each low-calorie product is also considered healthy in advance. The more cautious ones know, however, that what is fit does not always have a positive effect on the body.
Sweetener from America
Stevia is also referred to as a honey or malt herb. It has been used as a sweetener in Central and North America for centuries. What does stevia owe its sweetness to? Mainly the so-called steviol glycosides found in its leaves and stems. Although this type of sweetener does not cause tooth decay and is not caloric, one spoon of it tastes like … a glass of sugar.
Why this controversy?
As you can see, stevia seems to be an ideal alternative not only to unhealthy and fattening sugar, but also to artificial sweeteners. Controversies about its impact on the body appeared quite a long time ago and until 2010 it was considered that steviol glycosides may have carcinogenic properties and negatively affect the development of the fetus. However, fortunately for all foodies, the European Food Safety Authority has clearly recognized that the use of stevia is completely safe. It is currently referred to as a food additive with the number E960, and its acceptable daily intake is 4mg per kilogram of body weight.
Be careful – you can overdose!
The European Commission has decided that stevia can be overdosed. People who drink large amounts of sweetened beverages are most at risk. What’s more interesting, the daily dose of stevia can also be exceeded by using cosmetics that contain it. In addition, the sweetener is also hidden in some fertilizers. That is why stevia, despite its positive properties, still raises some controversies and doubts. Still, it is safe in reasonable amounts for people with diabetes, hypertension, and phenylketonuria.