Stevia is well-known as a natural sweetener and a good alternative to granulated sugar, but the dangers of stevia aren’t frequently addressed. In nations like Japan, this all-natural substitute for sugar has been utilized for decades with little adverse effects noted. But bear in mind that taking this sweetener has some risks and negative effects, just as with everything else.
What is Stevia?
Stevia is a plant that grows in warm climates, and it’s been used for centuries by the Guarani people of Paraguay to sweeten their food. It’s related to the sunflower family, and it has a sweet taste without any calories or carbohydrates. It’s grown commercially in many countries, including China, where it’s sometimes called “sweet herb” or “sweet leaf.”
The leaves of the stevia plant contain compounds called glycosides, which are responsible for its sweetness. These compounds are extracted from the leaves and processed into powders and liquid sweeteners that can be used in place of sugar.
The Dangers of Stevia: Adverse Effects
Adverse effects to stevia are not common, but they can occur. When using stevia, you should be aware of the following adverse effects and take the necessary precautions:
One of the most common adverse reactions to stevia is bloating, which can occur after consuming any food or beverage containing this sweetener. The bloating usually goes away after a few hours and does not pose any serious health risks.
Another common side effect of stevia is indigestion or stomachache. This typically occurs if you eat too much stevia at once and will go away within a few hours as well. If you experience persistent indigestion or stomachaches after eating foods containing stevia, you may want to decrease your intake of these foods until your body gets used to them.
Stevia may also cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have a known allergy to any of the ingredients found in stevia, do not consume it or take any chances; seek out medical attention immediately. Stevia is not recommended for children under the age of 12 because they may not be able to tell if they’re having an allergic reaction or if something is wrong with their health.
If you have diabetes, consult with your doctor before using stevia as it may affect your blood sugar levels; this could lead to complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Stevia and Cancer
There have been connections to cancer, at least in preliminary investigations. Steviol can be changed into a mutagenic substance in a laboratory. By resulting in DNA alterations in the cells, this may then help to advance cancer. Although there is disagreement among scientists over the cancer link, they are adamant that further research, analysis, and testing are necessary to come to a conclusion.
Disagreements regarding stevia involve it being beneficial for cancer prevention. So, there’s quite the disconnect here.
Turns out, researchers have been studying stevia’s effects on cancer patients for years. A study conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that a sweetener derived from stevia helped reduce tumor growth in mice with breast cancer. The study also revealed that this sweetener had anti-tumor properties and slowed down tumor growth.
Another study published in 2015 looked at the effect of adding stevia extract to chemotherapy drugs on human lung cancer cells. Researchers found that adding stevia extract to chemotherapy drugs increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment by up to 50 percent compared to chemotherapy alone.
Stevia has also been shown to help fight liver cancer. In 2009, researchers found that an extract from stevia leaves can inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells without killing them off entirely—which could be key for developing new treatments for liver cancer patients who can’t undergo surgery or other invasive procedures due to their condition.
The Bottom Line
There isn’t enough evidence to say whether or not stevia contributes to cancer or aids in cancer prevention. Scientifically, there is research for both. Until there is more research conducted, we won’t know for sure. It’s good to know what the research says so you can make informed decisions about whether or not you want to use this sweetener on your own, so remain updated as new research is released.
Read more:
Anti-Cancer Properties of Stevia rebaudiana; More than a Sweetener – PMC
Cancer and Stevia: Is There a Connection, Is It Safe & If So, How Much