Is Stevia Safe
for Diabetes?
Stevia
has garnered attention with the rise in demand for low-carbohydrate,
low-sugar food alternatives. Stevia also has shown promise in medical
research for treating such conditions as obesity and high blood pressure.
Stevia has a negligible effect on blood glucose, even enhancing glucose
tolerance; therefore, it is attractive as a natural sweetener to diabetics
and others on carbohydrate-controlled diets.
Studies showed
no adverse effects of steviol glycosides when taken at doses of about 4 mg
per day. In
December 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) stated
it had no objection to the conclusion of an expert panel that
rebaudioside A is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a
general purpose sweetener. Prior to this, stevia-based
ingredients were only permitted for use as a dietary supplement in
the U.S. Scientific data on steviol glycosides,
including rebaudioside A (used in rebiana) and concluded that they
are safe for their intended use - to sweeten foods and beverages and
established a permanent Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level. Click
here For more details.
Diabetes is a medical condition
which should be monitored and treated by a qualified physician or health
care practitioner. However, Stevia can be a part of a healthy diet for
anyone with blood sugar problems since it is not believed to raise blood
sugar levels. If in doubt, ask your doctor. However, if they say no, ask
them politely for current research to support their opinion. For more
information visit read the report below:
Canadian Diabetes
Association National Nutrition Committee Technical Review: Non-nutritive
Intense Sweeteners in Diabetes Management
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