Stevia is a low-calorie sugar substitute that is obtained from the leaves of the plant of the same name (Stevia rebaudiana). It helps reduce caloric intake and is considered quite safe, however, some people after using it (especially for a long time) report problems with digestion, blood pressure, liver, and pancreas. Expert of the Hemotest laboratory, gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh told Pravda.Ru readers whether stevia is really so healthy and whether it is worth giving up regular sugar in favor of it.

Stevia: pros and cons

Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that is especially appreciated by weight watchers. Despite the lack of calories, it is several times sweeter than sugar.

“Stevia is 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose, the main molecule of table sugar. It contains no calories and no carbohydrates compared to sugar, which has 15 kcal and 4 g of carbohydrates per teaspoon. Only a small amount of stevia is needed to achieve the effect of a few spoons sugar. It is often chosen by people who want to reduce the intake of calories or carbohydrates from food, as well as those who cannot have sugar, for example, patients with obesity or diabetes. The downside of the sweetener is a specific herbal taste that not everyone likes,” says the doctor .

Until recently, it was believed that sweeteners help control weight and, as a result, reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. But recent research suggests that synthetic sweeteners are no better than regular sugar and aren’t all that helpful in preventing health problems.

Some people may experience unwanted reactions after consuming stevia:

• bloating,
• nausea,
• indigestion,
• diarrhea.

True, in order for these symptoms to appear, you need to eat quite a lot of stevia. Otherwise there are no restrictions or contraindications. At the same time, there is no special benefit in it either. And if a person tolerates regular sugar normally and has no health restrictions, there is no point in chasing a fashionable sugar substitute, explains the gastroenterologist.

Although stevia is generally recognized as safe, it should still be consumed in moderation.

“Stevia can be consumed every day, the recommended daily intake is no more than 4 mg per 1 kg of weight. It is usually sold in small sachets that are added to baked goods or drinks instead of sugar. It is known to slightly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. On In people with normal blood pressure, stevia does not have the same effect, but those taking medications for hypertension should be aware of this because stevia may enhance the effect of the drug.

At one time, it was also said that stevia causes cancer; in 1991, because of this, the US Food and Drug Administration even banned it from sale, but numerous studies in the following years did not show an increased risk of cancer associated with consumption. stevia, so regulators lifted the ban,” says Ekaterina Kashukh.