Is Stevia Safe For Your Health?

The truth about sugar is finally being revealed. Refined sugar, organic or not, has no redeeming value for your health unless you’re suffering the effects of extreme low blood sugar. Sugar has always been the enemy.

Unfortunately, contrary to what popular marketing would have you believe, artificial sweeteners are actually worse for your health, if that’s possible. When manufacturers remove sugar from products they often supplement them with harmful additives, chemicals, fillers, and preservatives that have no nutritional value. According to a Scientific American study, artificial sweeteners may change our gut bacteria in dangerous ways.

Not only do artificial sweeteners incorporate toxins into your diet, but it is a fundamental barrier to weight loss and optimal health. As a result of the change in gut bacteria, some artificial sweeteners have been shown to increase blood sugar, trigger cravings and lead to weight gain.

Healthier Alternatives:

Replace real sugar and artificial sweetners with stevia. The stevia leaf is a herb that comes in many forms including powder and liquid. Keep in mind stevia extract should be used sparingly since it is as much as two to three hundred times sweeter than sugar.

Benefits of Stevia:

I have a personal bias toward stevia as a sweetener because of its least reported problems. In fact, in one study, it was concluded that stevia leaves play a significant role in alleviating symptoms of diabetes, liver and kidney damage. In addition, stevia does not impact blood sugar levels the way sugar does, and it does not acidify the system the way toxic sugar substitutes do. Some evidence suggests stevia may:

  • Stabilize blood sugars
  • Enhance glucose tolerance
  • And reduce blood pressure

If you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure, be sure to monitor the effects of stevia on your numbers. Some studies suggest that stevia may cause dips in blood sugar and blood pressure for people taking significant doses of these medications.

If you’re looking for a sugar free, plant based protein powder, check out Omni Protein in either vanilla or chocolate flavors. This stevia sweetened protein powder will boost your energy and focus and it tastes amazing.

 

Related Blogs

5 Weird Ways Alcohol Tricks Your Brain
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Alcohol is not a health food!...
Do You Need to Break Up With Sugar?
People don’t usually lump sugar into the same category as addictive drugs like heroin and...
Improve Gut Health Naturally with These Foods
If your gut is not happy, your brain is not happy—and, in all likelihood, neither...
5 Brain-Friendly Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie Today!
I love smoothies! You probably do too. Some smoothies, however, are just calorie bombs filled...
5 Ways Kindness Boosts Your Emotional Well-Being
Did you know that giving is the gift that keeps on giving? That’s right—showing kindness...
Best Supplements to Support Gut Health
We know that keeping the gut healthy is crucial for the optimal well-being of the...
The Many Benefits (and Potential Dangers) of Cold Plunges
After braving some morning cold plunge sessions by myself for a few days in our...
6 Superfoods to Supercharge Mental Health
One of my favorite sayings is, “Food is medicine, or it is poison.” What you...
Embracing Solitude: How to Make the Most of Alone Time
Do you fill up every minute of your day with activities because you hate the...