#Naturally curious about stevia? You’re not alone. Conflicting information about low- and no-calorie sweeteners can be overwhelming, but we’re here to provide the facts. Stevia, derived from the South American stevia plant, is a zero-calorie sweetener that has been used for centuries. With its sweetness coming from steviol glycosides in the leaves, stevia is a popular sugar substitute in various foods and beverages. Wondering about the differences between stevia and sugar, or if stevia is safe to consume? Read on to discover the lowdown on stevia. If you want to learn more about stevia, check out STEVIA – Uses, Side Effects, and More for further information.
# Key Takeaways:
- Stevia Plant: Stevia is an herbal shrub native to South America used for food and medicinal purposes for centuries.
- Source of Sweetness: Stevia’s sweetness comes from steviol glycosides in its leaves, which are used in reduced-calorie foods and beverages.
- Calorie Comparison: Stevia sweeteners do not contain calories and are 200-350 times sweeter than sugar, requiring only a small amount to match sugar’s sweetness.
- Metabolic Differences: Unlike sugar, stevia sweeteners do not raise blood glucose levels and are not stored in the body but excreted through urine.
- Safety Approval: Stevia sweeteners are deemed safe for consumption by the FDA, EFSA, JECFA, FSANZ, Health Canada, and Japan’s Ministry of Health.
- Global Permitted Use: Stevia sweeteners are permitted for use in more than 60 countries based on safety evaluations of global authorities.
- Color Coding: Different colored packets indicate the type of sweetener – green packets contain stevia, blue packets contain aspartame, pink packets contain saccharin, and yellow packets contain sucralose.
Understanding Stevia
The Stevia Plant and Its Properties
While the stevia plant may look like a plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae), it’s actually part of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). This herbal shrub, native to South America, has been used for food and medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. The stevia plant’s leaves contain steviol glycosides, the primary components responsible for its sweetness.
Extraction and Production of Stevia Sweeteners
Understanding the extraction and production of stevia sweeteners involves a process where sweeteners are extracted from stevia leaves to replace sugar in reduced-calorie packaged foods and beverages. The sweeteners are 200–350 times sweeter than sugar, eliminating the need for large quantities to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
For instance, some brands of tabletop sweetener packets like Equal Naturals®, NutraSweet Natural™, and Truvia® use stevia sweeteners as a safe alternative to sugar. These sweeteners are safe to consume and have been approved by various global health authorities including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Stevia vs. Sugar
Nutritional Comparison
| Sugar | Stevia |
| Calories | No |
| Sweetness Level | 200-350 times sweeter than sugar |
| Impact on Blood Glucose | Raises blood glucose |
Implications for Health and Blood Glucose Levels
Blood glucose levels can be affected by the consumption of sugar, as it can lead to spikes in blood sugar. This can have implications for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their weight. Stevia, on the other hand, does not raise blood glucose levels, making it a suitable alternative for those seeking to reduce their sugar intake.
Safety and Regulations
FDA and Global Health Authorities’ Stance on Stevia
On the regulatory front, stevia sweeteners have received approval and recognition from multiple global health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). These authorities have all concluded that stevia sweeteners are safe for consumption, further reinforcing the safety profile of this natural sweetener.
Permitted Uses and Safety Studies
Safety studies have confirmed the safety of stevia sweeteners, leading to their approval for use in more than 60 countries. The FDA recognizes stevia sweeteners as one of the eight permitted types of low- and no-calorie sweeteners in the U.S. food supply. Various safety evaluations from entities such as Health Canada, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, and Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare have also endorsed the safety of stevia sweeteners for consumption.
Stevia in Daily Life
Stevia in Packaged Foods and Beverages
Many individuals may encounter stevia in their daily lives through the consumption of packaged foods and beverages. Stevia, extracted from the leaves of the herbal shrub native to South America, is used as an ingredient in various reduced-calorie products. Brands like Equal Naturals®, Truvia®, and SweetLeaf® utilize stevia to provide sweetness without the added calories found in sugar. With stevia sweeteners being 200-350 times sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Choosing the Right Sweetener: Understanding Tabletop Sweetener Packets
Daily choices in sweeteners can be made easier with the knowledge of different colored tabletop sweetener packets. Green packets usually contain stevia sweeteners, while blue packets contain aspartame, pink packets contain saccharin, and yellow packets contain sucralose. By understanding the color codes, individuals can quickly identify and select their preferred type of sweetener, whether it be for their morning coffee or favorite dessert.
Summing up
Considering the facts about stevia, it is evident that this natural sweetener, derived from the stevia plant, offers a zero-calorie alternative to sugar. With its safety confirmed by various global health authorities and its use permitted in over 60 countries, stevia is a viable option for those looking to reduce their intake of added sugars without sacrificing sweetness. Its high sweetness level compared to sugar means only a small amount is needed, making it a practical choice for mindful consumption. To learn more about the benefits and uses of stevia, you can explore this informative research article: Stevia, Nature’s Zero-Calorie Sustainable Sweetener – PMC.
FAQ
Q: What is stevia?
A: Stevia is a natural herbal shrub native to South America. It has been used for centuries for both food and medicinal purposes. The sweetness in stevia comes from its leaves, which contain steviol glycosides.
Q: How is stevia different from sugar?
A: Stevia and sugar both provide sweetness, but stevia does not contain calories and does not raise blood glucose levels like sugar does. Stevia sweeteners are also much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Q: Is stevia safe to consume?
A: Yes, stevia sweeteners are considered safe for consumption. They are approved by various global health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and Health Canada.
Q: How are stevia sweeteners used?
A: Stevia sweeteners extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant are used as an ingredient to replace sugar in reduced-calorie packaged foods and beverages. They are also found in tabletop sweetener packets under various brand names.
Q: What are the benefits of using stevia?
A: Stevia is a good option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake from added sugars without sacrificing sweetness. It can be part of a mindful eating pattern that focuses on varied food choices and portion control.
Q: Are there different types of stevia sweeteners?
A: Yes, there are various brands of stevia sweeteners available in the market, such as Equal Naturals, SweetLeaf, Truvia, and Whole Earth. These sweeteners may come in different forms like packets, liquid drops, or baking blends.
Q: How can I identify stevia sweeteners?
A: Stevia sweeteners are often packaged in green packets for easy identification. Different colored packets are used for other types of sweeteners – blue for aspartame, pink for saccharin, and yellow for sucralose.
