How to use stevia safely
In the era when people have so much love for all things organic, stevia has stolen the limelight from artificial sweeteners. The promise of zero calories won over foodies everywhere and inspired numerous new recipes. Many customers asked us about consistency and correct use of stevia, so this post answers the common questions.
What substances are in stevia?
Stevia plant contains eight glycosides: stevioside, rebaudiosides A, C, D, E, and F, steviolbioside, dulcoside A. Stevioside and rebaudioside A (reb A) are the most prominent in its consistency.
How many calories does it contain?
Stevia is a part of a non-nutritious sweeteners so it’s precisely zero per serving.
What is the safe amount to consume?
According to the experts, the acceptable daily intake is 4mg per kilogram. However, high doses of stevia have been proven to significantly lower blood pressure which could be problematic for someone who suffers from ill health. Also, a consultation prior use is recommended to young children, pregnant or nursing women, liver disease patientsor those with cardiovascular conditions should consume stevia under the advisement of a physician.
Can it cause allergies?
In general, the experts claim that steviol glycosides (stevia) is unlikely to cause by allergic reactions when consumed in foods.” Even the highly purified forms of stevia extract are highly unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. However, you should be careful about using stevia if you suffer from allergy to ragweed which causes hay fever. Start with small amounts at first and observe the reaction.
Is it suitable for diabetes patients?
Definitely. Stevia has anti-diabetic effect and can suppress your plasma glucose levels and significantly increase glucose tolerance.
Is it safe?
The research panel by European Food Safety Committee (EFSA) made a statement that ‘steviol glycosides, complying with JECFA specifications, are not carcinogenic, genotoxic or associated with any reproductive/developmental toxicity’.
Besides, it is always better to have an organic alternative to artificial sweeteners which undergo a complex chemical processing before ending up in your shopping basket.
