Stevia : Let's look at the  Side Effects

Stevia is an all-natural sweetener used in various types of foods due to its popular herbal benefits. Stevia side effects range in severity, while some are beneficial, others can potentially be harmful to the consumer. This sweetened sugar substitute comes from a South America native plant and has many beneficial attributes, contributing to its increase in demand as an all natural, and healthy sugar alternative.

Positive Stevia Side Effects:

• Weight Loss: Stevia is a great sugar substitute and induces weight loss. It contains zero calories and can help fight off cravings for fatty foods and sweets.
• Diabetic Stabilizer: Stevia can be used by diabetics to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Oral Health: Stevia can aid in oral health, increase one’s tolerance to glucose and improve digestion.
• Heartburn: Stevia has been used as a medicinal tea for treatment of various ailments such as heartburn.
• Hypertension: Recent medical studies have shown that Stevia has treated many cases of hypertension and obesity.
• Chemical-Free: Stevia acts as a food sweetener without the addition of unwanted chemicals.
• Anti-Bacterial: You can find Stevia in anti-bacterial products such as toothpaste and mouthwash as it kills the growth of bacteria.
• Healing Properties: Stevia has various healing properties curing problems such as skin inflammation, eczema and acne.

Negative Stevia Side Effects:

• Dizziness: Some Stevia users have experienced dizzy spells, but the majorities report this is only a temporary hazard.
• Nausea/Bloating: Mild gas, nausea and bloating have been associated with the consumption of Stevia.
• Cancer: Although rare, cancer has been a controversial side effect of Stevia due to a mutagenic compound in the sweetener.
• Numbness: Some Stevia users have experienced temporary numbness in various areas of the body.
• Infertility: Various studies have shown that Stevia may have a contraceptive type effect on the body.
• Muscle Aches: Some users have reported mild muscle aches and pain that are typically temporary.
• Damaged Metabolism: Animal experimentation has shown that Stevia can interfere with how carbohydrates are absorbed into the body.
• Drug Interaction: Stevia has the potential to interfere with other drugs in the body, causing a risk of toxic drug side effects.