The Ultimate Guide to Kicking Sugar

Stevia Has Potential Side Effects on Gut Microbiome and Brain, but Experts Explain Bottom Line

The sugar substitute is known for its potential to lower blood pressure and blood sugar, but some research suggests it may disrupt more than the gut microbiome.
Stevia Has Potential Side Effects on Gut Microbiome and Brain, but Experts Explain Bottom Line
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Stevia, known for its zero calories and potential benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and blood sugar, is often considered an excellent substitute for sugar. However, is this sweetener—used by Paraguayans for over a thousand years and by the Japanese for several decades—truly free from side effects?

Stevia Is Excreted, but Liver Problems May Pose Issue

Generally, stevia is thought to be metabolized and excreted without accumulating in the body.

Stevia’s sweetness comes from steviol glycosides. Steviol glycosides are a group of substances, among which stevioside and rebaudioside A are the two most common in commercial products.

Flora Zhao
Flora Zhao
Author
Flora is a health reporter for The Epoch Times. She holds a master’s degree in demography and served as editor of a social sciences journal for seven years. Shifting her focus from macro issues like population changes and economic development to personal health, Flora finds great joy and satisfaction in her work. She bases her articles on thorough literature reviews and in-depth interviews with experts, aiming to provide content that genuinely helps people. Email her at: [email protected]
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