Is Stevia bad for you? Sweeteners vs. sugar
Unlike sugar, non-caloric sweeteners, including Stevia, are an alternative for controlling body weight, caloric intake and glucose levels. So, is Stevia bad for you?
However, despite its benefits it can have side effects and a negative impact on the perception of sweetness in everyday eating.
Is Stevia bad for you compared to sugar?
As we know, excessive sugar consumption is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems, so reducing its intake is advisable.
Sweeteners, including Stevia, can be an alternative, but they are not free of side effects. In my opinion, sweeteners can be useful for those who find it difficult to give up sugar or who have a clinical condition that requires their use.
In these cases, they may be a better option than sugar. However, it is ideal to moderate or avoid their consumption, as they do not eliminate the habit of consuming sweet foods, perpetuating dependence on intensely sweet flavors.
In addition, although sweeteners such as Stevia do not contribute calories or affect glucose levels, they can have an impact on the gut microbiota, which could influence digestive health in the long term.
Conclusion: is it a good alternative?
The evidence suggests that, in normal amounts, it is safe and can be a good alternative to sugar. However, it is important not to abuse any sweetener and to prioritize a diet based on natural foods.
The best strategy is to reduce the consumption of sugars and sweeteners in general and focus on a balanced and varied diet. Ultimately, it depends on the difficulty in giving up sweet preparations and the amount consumed.
If you need more information about the impact of sweeteners you can review this article.
Also, if you have difficulty reducing sugar consumption, I leave you this publication with strategies to adopt a healthy eating model based on my experience.
Written by: Nutritionist Andrés Izurieta
Bibliographic citations:
Stamataki NS, Crooks B, Ahmed A, McLaughlin JT. Effects of the Daily Consumption of Stevia on Glucose Homeostasis, Body Weight, and Energy Intake: A Randomised Open-Label 12-Week Trial in Healthy Adults. Nutrients. 2020.
World Health Organization – Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. Reducing sugar consumption to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
What are low / no calorie sweeteners. International Sweeteners Association.
