Any one who know about stevia?
I heard that it's a kind of natural sugar without calories and carb, if it's true, why now it's not popular? Are there any bad effect on our body by using it?

Stevia is an herb that is very sweet. The FDA has concerns about its safety.

"If Stevia is to be used in a dietary supplement for a technical effect, such as use as a sweetener or flavoring agent, and is labeled as such, it is considered an unsafe food additive. However, in the absence of labeling specifying that stevia is being or will be used for technical effect, use of stevia as a dietary ingredient in a dietary supplement is not subject to the food additive provisions of FD & C ACT."

Basically, you can get it at natural food stores as in "dietary supplements," or buy it separately as a "dietary supplement" and use it yourself as a sweetner, but it cannot be sold in "food."


According to WebMD the concern appears to be that, although it has been used in other countries for quite some time without causing any known harm, it hasn't been used in the quantities that Americans consume sweetners.

From Methos' posted article at WebMD: "That means you won't see diet sodas sweetened with stevia in the United States anytime soon."

And now, nearly eight years later, I've come across this: Zevia, the "natural alternative to diet soda." Of course, it's not available anywhere near me, but can be bought on-line.

Yes, my membership here has all been a clever ruse these past umpteen years just so I could post this sneaky advertising link. No, I'm kidding, of course. I'm not promoting, I'm just sharing.

Here is another article from WebMD about sweeteners in general.

Stevia rebaudiana is a small plant native to Paraguay and Brazil. It was discovered in 1887 by a South American scientist named Antonio Bertoni who learned of the herb from the Guarani Paraguayan Indians who used it to flavor bitter tribal beverages.

Two French chemists named Bridel and Lavieille began to unravel the secret of stevia in 1931 with explatory extraction work on Stevia rebaudiana leaves. Their research yielded a pure, white, crystalline compound they named stevioside which is responsible for stevia's flavorful properties.

Inulin is a fructooligosaccharide derived from chicory. As a prebiotic, it stimulates the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria to support good colon health.* It has a low glycemic index making it suitable for persons on certain types of restricted diets. Add it to your favorite food or beverage for a delightfully sweet taste.



Ive been using stevia for years and i absolutly love it, it even helped me quit smoking.

Edited to remove ad.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

I guess that's what I get for joking about a sneaky ad: a sneaky ad. Boo!