Q: What's your take on stevia?
Stevia must be a hot topic right now, as this question was sent to me twice by email and posted to Nourished Kitchen's Facebook Wall twice this week, too. So here's the background behind stevia, its traditional use, its modern use and how I approach stevia in my kitchen.
So, here's the skinny on stevia:
Stevia is a South American herb that acts as a natural, noncaloric sweetener owing to steviol glycosides which make stevia sweet. Stevia-sweetened foods have a thin sweetness with a slow onset that can leave a strikingly bitter aftertaste (not dissimilar to artificial sweeteners like aspartame). Stevia is popular in the natural and organic foods community because it is noncaloric, therefore considered "healthy" as it sweetens without contributing sugars to the diet, and because it is a natural alternative to non-caloric artificial sweeteners. It has been used in Japan as a sweetener for decades.
Stevia's Contraceptive Effects
Stevia's traditional and folkloric use among the indigenous populations of South America is not as a sweetener, but as a contraceptive (sources here, here and here.). So stevia's reimagining as a noncaloric sweetener for natural foods enthusiasts is relatively recent. And there's some evidence that stevia, does, indeed, have at least a some effect on fertility, especially when taken (you guessed it) in huge amounts, frequently. Is that a recommendation to avoid it? Nope, it's just something you should know.
Studies examining the role of stevia on fertility, looked at rats and found that large daily doses of stevia given to female rats resulted in severe and long-lasting reduction in fertility (read it here and here) and it had similar effects on male rats (read it here). Then again, other studies found that male rats weren't affected (read it here) and neither were hamsters (read it here). Of course, proponents of stevia are quick do downplay any hint of stevia's contraceptive effects (choice confirmation bias, anyone?)
Still want my take on stevia?
I don't use it. I don't care for it, and I generally avoid it. My choice, of course, has nothing to do with its potential (if debatable) affects on fertility and, rather, focuses wholly on its culinary use. Quite frankly, I'd rather have a little of the real thing than a little (or a lot) of a facsimile like stevia. I dislike the culinary properties of stevia. Where honey and cane sugar and maple syrup and other caloric sweeteners can give body to custards, or lemonades, stevia is thin and wan. Where caloric sweeteners provide a fullness of flavor to desserts, stevia leaves a bitter and unpleasant aftertaste even when used in small quantities.
I also think it's important to remember how stevia was traditionally used, as opposed to how it's used now. That is, it was traditionally used as a contraceptive (where it has a strong effect remains the subject of debate), and it was used in its whole form as tea; not as processed powders sweetening cakes, custards, ice creams, sodas and so on. Just because it contains a noncaloric sweetener doesn't excuse overindulging in junk.
How do I use stevia now? Occasionally I find myself served an herbal tea that has stevia leaves added to it. Meh. I finish the cup and don't ask for more.
So what if you still want to use stevia?
Well, first, you won't find any stevia recipes on Nourished Kitchen, though you will find an assortment of naturally sweetened recipes to serve for holidays, festive occasions and when you want something a little sweet.
If you have some sort of verifiable medical condition that necessitates the use of noncaloric sweeteners only, then stevia use occasionally isn't going to kill you (though it still won't taste as good as honey, maple syrup, jaggery or cane sugar). If that's the case, stick to the powdered green herb (available here), and avoid the highly processed stevias sold in grocery stores. And if you want to make your own stevia extract, here's a good recipe.
Got a question for Nourished Kitchen?
We have SO many new readers in any given week, so if you have a question for me, I'll be posting the answers here at least once a week. Email your question to [email protected]
Joan Oakland says
Good response. A little organic sugar, local honey or maple syrup is preferred. Everything in moderation!
Amanda says
Thanks for taking a leveled approach and look at Stevia. I've read some other blogger's articles on it and they can be sensational and overly dramatic. Sigh. They instantly lose me as a reader.
Question/Clarification though - you said that it was originally used as a contraceptive in South America, but you didn't mention how it has been used in Japan. Everyone always talks about how frequently it's used and consumed in modern Japan, but leaves the conversation there. Have there been any studies done correlating Japanese consumption and fertility problems? Would love more elaboration.
Jenny says
There's no research, to my knowledge, that has looked into fertility, stevia and the Japanese population.
Tina says
Sugar, whether from "natural sweetners" like maple sugar or honey is processed in the body the same as table sugar. Fact. Sugar, which is a major contributor to PCOS causes more infertility than stevia every could. When society is obese, diabetic, infertile from PCOS, and suffering, it seems unwise to recommend "natural sweetners" that illicit an insulin reaction (and hence fat storage and disease) over stevia. People can kid thmselves mentally over maple sugar and honey and convince themselves it is healthy, but you're not fooling your body and hurting yourself greatly.
Asok Asus says
Stevia gave both myself and my wife excruciating headaches immediately after consumption; we tried several forms: highly refined, natural, etc. They all caused the same horrible effect.
margaux Milchen says
I have used organic stevia for years. I pay extra for good organic drops and powder and get no weird aftertaste. It works very well with my organic diet and will continue to use it. I am very overweight..and have recently lost 22.5 lbs. I found this site looking for lower carb fall recipies.
Leslie says
Loved reading all the comments! I found this site because I was wondering if my current migraine might be caused by something I ate yesterday (I woke up with a migraine). My wonderful neighbor, whose husband is diabetic, bakes with a Stevia product all the time. I had given her a pineapple the other day and she made some delicious pineapple bread with it. I had 2 slices last night, developed a bit of a stomachache that evening, but woke with a splitting headache! Since I haven't had a migraine in many months, I wondered if the Stevia she baked with could have caused it. My internet searches led me here.
I can't say for certain that is what caused it, but it sure is suspicious.
On another note, I read with interest all the different comments regarding taste, and specifically a bitter taste. Didn't you all take biology or chemistry in high school? Do you realize that everyone "tastes" things differently? To demonstrate this fact, our teacher had us do blind taste tests, placing various flavors on different locations on our tongues. Where one person would taste sweet, another would taste bitter (me, for example). Some people's taste buds interpret salty as sweet, as well, and so on. So clearly, how the mouth perceives it is definitely a very personal thing. So as far as taste is concerned- you are ALL right! It is sweet to some, and bitter to others.
Martha says
The guy who originally published the 1968 study about the contraceptive properties of stevia now says the study has no meaning for normal human use of stevia. The rats in the study were given huge overdoses of stevia, equal to a 120 lb human taking in 7 lbs of stevia daily. The researcher who published the 1988 study of stevia has backed off his own findings, saying they are not really credible.
So unless you can point to studies done since those with actual results involving a normal amount of the herb, I am not sure you should be claiming a contraceptive property. If you overdose on just about anything, including water, it can harm you.
As for the sweetener itself, you don't like the taste. Okay. But for people who absolutely have to stay off of sugar for other health reasons (diabetes, candida, cancer), it is a real alternative. If you don't use too much you don't get a bad aftertaste. It did take me a bit to get used to the taste, but I am very happy to be off of the other sugars and stevia is part of how I got there.
ME says
What do you think of the coconut sweeteners. I really like it.Sugar causes diabetes so it is not an option ever,not even small amounts.
Lisa says
I switched to Stevia within the past year. I don't care for the taste at all but have kept using it because I thought it was a healthier alternative to Splenda. My migraines have gotten worse over the past year and I am now going to remove Stevia from my diet to see if it helps with my daily headaches. I will just go back to old fashioned sugar. I would rather be plump and in free then skinny and miserable.
Phillipa says
People actually need to read the studies that were peformed on rats, because even the researchers who conducted the studies stated that their results were not viable and did not translate to humans and were performed over 40 years ago and nobody has been able to reproduce these results, which is real crux of the story because without being able to reproduce the results, they can not be verified, which means they aren't fact. I'm a researcher and have performed multiple studies, and the one golden rule of results is, that if they can not be reproduced, they will be tossed out.
Alice says
You say you choose to use a real thing, Stevia IS a real thing. I think you are showing your own bias. I have grown it in a pot on a windowsill for years. Some people like the taste, some don't, but to try to promote your own bias is irresponsible.
Jenny says
Well ... The question asked of me was, "What's YOUR take on stevia?" So, I shared my opinion.
Danielle S says
I love stevia for my coffee and tea, but that's it. I would never use it for baking, I much rather have the real thing. I would agree that it would (in my opinion) ruin the flavor and texture of the dish. Great information thank you.
Ed Stull says
I use flavored drops of supposed chemical free processed Stevia in my water, as I was a total soda junkie for many years, and this little crutch has helped me break free from that yuck.... A few drops, clean water, ice, and my pop cravings reduce considerably. I dropped five inches off my waistline is four months, and am getting my water ration without harming me or the water! I use coconut sugar for other stuff, real maple syrup, honey, etc. New to healthy eating, I have had no negative side effects and seemingly only beneficial results from my Stevia use. Always ready to learn though, keep the articles coming. I'm no scientist, just a big guy trying to get smaller!
The Bush Gourmand says
I gave stevia a try after reading Sarah Wilson's "I Quit Sugar". I had a feeling I wouldn't like it, and I didn't .
I used a natural powdered stevia in a raw chocolate mousse and it tasted like aspartame.
I do worry that a lot of people are buying stevia from supermarkets where the brands such as Natvia are actually mostly sugar alcohols and very little stevia.
The Monk Fruit brand of sweetener is again mostly sugar alcohol and very little actual monk fruit.
Those people who cannot consume sugars don't have a lot of choice. But, for me, I'm with you and prefer to use whole sugars and consider sweet things as treats only.
Chris says
You should have mentioned how this, and others similar give some people serious diarrhea!! It's something important worth noting especially due to this adverse affect. Something must not be right about it if it is doing this to people.
Candace says
Stevia white powder is completely safe for anyone wishing to reduce sugar consumption of any kind.. It does not as you know produce enough sweet for cakes and cookies.. it works find in hot and cold drinks … I do use it in some baking to add a bit of sweet if the fruit that might be used in the baking does not add enough.
Carrie says
I don't mind the taste of stevia, but discovered it gives me excruciating headaches. Once I quit putting it in my tea, the headaches went away. I have heard it is a common side effect.
[email protected] Food Mom on a Budget says
Your links to the contraceptive study do not indulge a whole lot of information. I can't get the first and third link to show any studies at all. There really is no real evidence to conclude that stevia was used as a contraceptive. In my research, I've concluded that it is a myth. Here is an article that might ease minds: http://natural-fertility-info.com/does-stevia-cause-infertility.html
I was having infertility problems because I was overweight with PCOS. I started using stevia as my main sweetener and I got pregnant rather quickly after my weight loss. TWICE. There are countless numbers of women who use stevia and have many children. Just some food for thought. 🙂
vicoilsteems says
I have been using stevia for years now as a substitute for sugar in my coffe,tea, lemonade, even koolaid. Those complaining about the taste are crazy, it is way better in taste than the pesticide manufacturers sugar substitute products , splenda, aspartame, etc. The soda beverage use of phenylalanine and
aspartame in diet drinks is tantamount to poisoning people. Corn syrup sucks and is as bad as sugar if not worse. I use organic Stevia liquid extract made with alcohol. Anything else used will make it taste ie vegetable oil. terrible. I dont know why this article is very opinionated and biased. STEVIA is one of the best and only natural substitute sugar sweetners that doesn't effect the body like sugar does.
Heather says
Liquid Stevia, especially alcohol free, has no bitter aftertaste...and is an awesome sweetener for iced tea, lemonade, lime Ade and my personal fave, a Mojito. Muddle a few sprigs of mint, squeeze a half of a lime, add 13 to 16 drops of Stevia, fill glass with ice and then pour in Club Soda to top. Stir with your straw and thank me later! Yummy! For those of us needing to eliminate sugar this is a godsend!
Fina says
I use stevia regularly in very small quantities to sweeten coffee, drinks and yogurt. I use also other sweeteners. I do not taste the bitterness you and other mention. As to contraceptive, at small quantities I doubt it very much.
Sandy Wessel says
What are your thoughts and/or research on coconut sugar and monk fruit?
Erica says
If you think it tastes bad, I am going to assume it is because you are not consuming liquid stevia by a reputable company, some of it is quite good. It is my favorite sweetener. The good liquid stuff has no after taste at all.
Jenny says
You'd be mistaken if you assumed that.
Priscilla says
What's your take on erythritol or xylitol?
JayRay says
I gave up sugar/honey/maple syrup for Lent, so I did quite a bit of investigating into a substitute. Through the advice of several friends, I looked into Stevia. I called 3 companies (Sweet Leaf; Now; Wholesome Sweetener) and was told the same by all 3; they grow their stevia in China. Yep, CHINA!!!
Now offers organic stevia in liquid form, and told me that they work closely with their farmers to ensure that they follow ethical practice in their farming.
That's the brand I use! More advice: adapt to your own taste. 2 drops in a 16oz mug of coffee is all I want. 3 drops is too bitter for me, but everyone is different. You have to play around with it to find what works for you. Lent is over, so I am back to my other sweeteners, but in a much different capacity. I still use stevia in my coffee most days, use coconut sugar in baking, use maple syrup & honey for everything else.
Joe Swartz says
I am not hesitant to share that the negative things said about Stevia is most incorrect. I am investigating these and claims made by all because I am suspicious that there is some paying off or related activity associated with this silliness. I use Stevia and I love it. It does not have a bitter aftertaste. It is a perfect substitute for my coffee and other uses. I will remain open to all information, suggestions, and warnings, but not to blatant inaccuracy.
Jenny says
Are you asserting that I don't like stevia, because I'm being paid not to like it? That is laughable. Also, which inaccuracies? That it was used as a contraceptive (that's cited) that it has debatable effects on fertility (that's cited). That it has a bitter aftertaste? That's well-documented. Or maybe you're upset because I tell people who want to use it where to buy the unprocessed herb and how to make their own extract?
Mags says
I know the word natural is a key in this discussion. Many of us actively seek foods without 'manmade' amendments, and grown in the earth without chemicals. This is a life-sustaining attitude, so I find no argument with this. My concern is maybe a minor one, however, simply because something is of the earth, it isn't necessarily good for you. Nicotine, whether grown naturally or not is one of the most deadly insecticides known. Oleander is poisonous from bottom to top, and hemlock is used as quite an effective poison. I am not advocating artificial sweeteners, here, but am adding a little caveat that can apply in any number of situations.
As mentioned earlier, many people have conditions which render them more susceptible to things than someone who is lucky enough to be a stranger to illness. I admit, one may well be able to expect fewer problems with organically grown stevia plants, however, there will remain those for whom it is not a preferred choice, due to their experience of flavor, migraines, other preferences, or fertility. All are valid, at least according to what we know today. Perhaps a study in the future will address the differences in growing, handling, and processing and the effects on people. Thanks for the article, & all the feedback. Very informative!
Samantha says
Just wanted to add that in addition to the yucky aftertaste, stevia gives me a migraine very quickly after consumption of only a small amount - including the unrefined kind. So if anyone out there is trying to get ahold of your migraines, count stevia as something you should consider.
Bmsunshime says
same here or at least I think so. I tried it because my husband is diabetic but I get a headache with only a little bit.
STEVE GREDLER says
...I find stevia at the table of any diabetic who does not want to use synthetic sweeteners in place of natural sweeteners.
...you spent a lot of time and space talking about its little known use as a temporary infertility drug...I doubt if it is a contraceptive, as a daily use tea or paste...there is a lot of lore to the usage herein...
...I never found a bitter aftertaste...just a pleasant woody afternote...
...I have read that the stevia used as sugar is extracted from the wood of the plant, and that one major objection to the product is its high processing index...
...your comments would be appreciated...steve
Dessa says
I have noticed that the people here for the most part are complaining about stevia that is bought in stores and most likely using the whole plant, stems and leaves. Plus it's over processed. I have used stevia for years now and grow it organically. I eat the leaves only as the stems are bitter. I make my own stevia extract for recipes and I also eat it the leaves raw. I have 5 children and with no problems during pregnancy. I am guessing it all depends on where you stevia and how it is process. I would never get it from the store when I can grow it myself.
S. says
I bought a half pound of powdered stevia leaf about 9 years ago. Because I only use it to sweeten tea and I only use the dusting that sticks to the back of my spoon after I've wet the spoon in my tea, I still have a mound of it.
Because too much IS bitter, an almost minuscule amount goes a long way. In other words, with this herb, less really is more.
I haven't used it to sweeten anything else, mostly because the powder is green. Also because it takes such a small amount to go from "just sweet enough" to bitter, I thought better of it.
KC886 says
And your thoughts on xylitol?
Elizabeth says
I am not a fan of stevia. In fact, I find it too sweet, and it gives me a stomachache. I have been so disappointed lately at how many teas, from Traditional Medicinals in particular, have stevia mixed in. There are teas I would like to buy but won't.
Matthew bird says
Hi
I think most people don't understand the use of stevia. Stevia isn't the new replacement for sugars, any form. It is a natural way to sweeten things such as teas, stocks, soups, there is no bitter taste when used fresh. I find a lot of people that are against/don't believe in stevia are traditionally stuck in their ways and are so addicted to sugars that they don't want a healthy alternative and natural.
Angie says
I have organic Stevia growing in the garden that I use all the time and I love it! No bitter aftertaste what so ever! I use it my tea, coffee and even baking. I don't use tablets anymore-why would you when you have the chemial free version in the garden. I was boderline diabetic and now no more....I have only ever good experiences with home grown Stevia :-))
Daja at The Provision Room says
This is excellent! We will be pinning it and sharing it!
Nameless 'cause baby is still a secret! ;) says
I have been trying to get pregnant since December and it just wasnt happening.
I drink about 2 teaspoons of stevia a day?
I stopped completely my stevia intake and that cycle I got pregnant. I'm 9 weeks now!
Not sure if it was coincidence, but the only thing that changed in my diet was the stevia, I couldnt believe it since it wasn't "huge" amounts.
Ashley Gordon says
Stevia does not taste like sugar, but that is not a bad thing. You have to get used to the flavor as you would with anything new. It took me years to get used to the taste of beer and plain yogurt. But now those are things that I enjoy. It does have a taste much like aspartame. We grew up with aspartame in the 80's, so it is familiar. Stevia won't give things the smooth thickness that sugar adds, so I recommend using it mostly for beverages. A lot of people are recommending using natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup and cane sugar. While those are healthier options than refined sugar, they are still forms of sugar. One of the reasons that I like stevia is that it does not cause tooth decay like other natural sweeteners. Also, I like things fairly sweet, so I can use a tiny bit of stevia or a LOT of honey or cane sugar to sweeten something. We only use dried stevia leaf and homemade extract. We don't bake with stevia for the same reasons stated in the article above. We normally use honey or unrefined whole cane sugar to bake. Moderation is key. Dink a lot of water and don't eat a lot of sweetened foods and it is probably not a big deal which option you choose. The fertility bit is interesting. The article stated that it was not the sweet aspect of Stevia that causes rat fertility issues. It is something found in the leaf. My husband drinks mate with stevia leaf in it daily, and it is not having a noticeable effect on him. I used the white powdered store bought stevia with our last 2 pregnancies (before I knew better). We are trying to get pregnant now and I am using the natural stevia leaf. I guess I am will see if that causes any fertility trouble. Worth being aware of a potential issue.
William Stewart says
Also, the FDA approves of Stevia because a very dangerous part of the process (distillation, where chemicals are injected, similar to the gasoline industry process) is not subject to ingredient regulations. You see the natural Stevia on the Nutritional Facts label. You do not see the injected chemicals. Want to eat more chemicals? Nope... I don't either. That's why I've switched to the only healthy,mall-natural sweetener: Just Like Sugar. Inuline, calcium, Vitamine C and orange peel. Anything unhealthy about that?
Theresia Andrews-Maas says
I like to ferment my kombucha until it is quite tart. When bottling I then add a tea bag with a few dehydrated stevia leaves. They come from my garden. It just takes the edge off and is not overpowering. I didn't know about the fact that stevia affects fertility. Thanks for the information.
Jo Woods says
I have used the powdered stevia in cocoa and did not find that it had any bitter after taste, however, an envelope in a cup of liquid (which are the instructions on the box), I found sickeningly sweet so have used a lot less since then. I have used agave nectar in the past as well but was not aware of the extent of the refinement. Will not be buying any more. I am not a diabetic but on a self chosen lifestyle that requires no fat, no salt, no sugar, no dairy and no animal products of any kind including eggs. In other words, I have gone strictly vegan and as a result I lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks and have lowered my blood pressure and my cholesterol. I have a blockage in my heart but refuse to go on medication as I feel the side effects and damage I would be doing to my body are worse than the disease. I do not have a blockage in my heart as a result of lack of drugs. I have chosen instead this lifestyle which is doing something as my chest no longer hurts when I do my daily walking--I can't run yet but that too may come in time. I am 76 years old and will try anything I can other than drugs to improve my health.
Trisha says
I only use it for sweetening my tea - one to two drops per cup. Other than that, the aftertaste is just too strong for me. I can't even tolerate it in coffee but in my green/herbal tea, one or two drops does the trick. I probably won't buy it again after the bottle runs out.
Ella says
Whoever replaces stevia with agave, please take the time to read this article
Ella says
I apologize: I forgot the link:
http://www.westonaprice.org/modern-foods/agave-nectar-worse-than-we-thought
Meghan says
I am dealing with and healing from numerous autoimmune diseases, and I don't use stevia for a number of reasons, the most potent being its effect on the adrenals and the thyroid (I have Hashimoto's and adrenal fatigue). There is a very clear and easy to comprehend article on this at
http://thedetoxdiva.com/the-dark-side-of-stevia/
and I highly recommend reading it!
Sabi says
You are not considering your real food eating, insulin dependent, auto-immune suffering comrades. We cannot use traditional sweeteners, and don't want to consume artificial sweeteners. This compound doesn't raise blood sugar and is clearly not as detrimental as the questionable sugar alcohols. I don't love the taste, but really, I can't really eat grains, fruit, or sweeteners, so to eliminate any sweetness from my options leaves my choices empty. I grow a plant every year, and make my own supplies.
Jenny says
Just in case you (or anyone else) missed it, I do actually talk about people who might need to be on a noncaloric sweetener:
"If you have some sort of verifiable medical condition that necessitates the use of noncaloric sweeteners only, then stevia use occasionally isn’t going to kill you (though it still won’t taste as good as honey, maple syrup, jaggery or cane sugar). If that’s the case, stick to the powdered green herb (available here), and avoid the highly processed stevias sold in grocery stores. And if you want to make your own stevia extract, here’s a good recipe."
Sabi says
It's not about non-caloric, I'm lean, fit, and not insulin-resistant, it's about glucose, fructose, sucrose containing compounds, that raise a person's blood sugar period--so as with any carbohydrate containing food, it's tricky to regulate blood sugar when your pancreas doesn't produce insulin. Thank you auto-immune disorder. Chris Kresser just wrote an analysis of sweeteners, where he looks at the documented science. http://chriskresser.com/does-it-matter-if-a-sweetener-is-natural#comment-239681, and states that if you need to use stevia as a sweetener, it's got ancestral backing.
Tricia O. says
My husband has diabetes, so we have tried almost everything in recent years. He does not want to use artificial sweetners that are incredibly harmful. When we first bought processed Stevia in the grocery/health food stores, we did not like the aftertaste, however, I have to disagree with your statement, "...then stevia use occasionally isn’t going to kill you (though it still won’t taste as good as honey, maple syrup, jaggery or cane sugar)." Now that we grow our own stevia and use the fresh plant, which has some beneficial properties -"... stevia plant has many sterols and antioxidant compounds like triterpenes, flavonoids, and tannins. Some of flavonoid polyphenolic anti-oxidant phyto-chemicals present in stevia is kaempferol, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, isosteviol…etc. Studies found that kaempferol can reduce risk of pancreatic cancer by 23% (American journal of epidemiology) [1], we enjoy the flavor of stevia.
We sometimes use grade B organic maple syrup, as it is the only other sweetener that won't affect his blood sugar levels significantly and is a raw (real) food. We also, very rarely, use honey.
I'm surprised to see such negative statements about a natural green plant that is so useful to so many people. We have used it for several years and are thankful for the role it has played in my husband being able to lower his meds each year. Something else that we have found recently is that when we (rarely) taste something sweetened with cane sugar or agave, it tastes too sweet and often overpowers the taste of the food it is meant to enhance.
gary says
Love it fresh! I use it in my morning shake to replace sugars, 2 stevia branches are as sweet as 2 tblsp of sugar or more and used like this is hard to get any after taste
michaelinecalderon says
Are there any cancer causing side effects
Brianna says
I gave stevia a chance instead of using sugar in a batch of jam and I was really unimpressed by the taste. I would imagine that a little leaf some tea might be nice but as a replacer in recipes? No thank you. So far I'm sticking with honey.
Angi says
I consumed stevia daily for over 2 years and began to suffer from adrenal fatigue which for the last year got pretty severe and debilitating. It took over a year and many doctors visits and food eliminations to pinpoint the cause of my symptoms were solely due to Stevia. After completely cutting stevia and all alternative sweeteners from my diet, I experienced almost complete recovery within 2 months (still have a few off days). This is a highly misunderstood product that I feel is unsafe for daily consumption. I will never willingly consume it or anything like it again. I'll stick with my raw sugar in moderation. This is not to say it will happen to everyone but if you are experiencing unknown illness of any sort, this kind of dietary ingredient could be the cause. I think that this is important for people to know.
Jackie says
Angi, how much stevia were you using daily? I'm trying to figure out what "large amounts" really means. Thank you!
Mommaof10 says
What artificial sweeteners were you using in addition to the stevia? I'd bet it was the artificial sweeteners. That were causing your adrenal issues, not the stevia. They're two different things.
Patricia says
This is the first I've heard anyone mention adrenals being affected by stevia. I drink large amounts of tea, hot and cold, always with liquid drops of stevia. Every time I get reflexology massage, the adrenal points are the most painful. At first it was chalked up to the stress of divorce, but it has been 4 years now and that stress has passed but the adrenals are still always the most sensitive points. I may have to consider that this could be the source of that, and see if it changes if I stop. The only problem is, it's my only source of sweetness, because I'm trying to fight cancer naturally and other sweeteners feed cancer, so I have no other options.
Ann says
I would assume the cancer is probably what is draining your adrenals. Adrenal function is directly related to immune function. Low immunity or ongoing infections and health challenges are a huge source of stress on the adrenals as the immune system is continually challenged and in defense mode. I think cancer would be considered one of the biggest challenges your immune system could possibly face. You should certainly eliminate the stevia if you think it's a problem, but I wouldn't be too surprised to find that it didn't make a lot of difference to your adrenals. I would think the cancer would be the bigger challenge to adrenal health.
vicki lacharite says
Thank you! I whole heartedley agree and like your info on stevia. Keep up the good that you do.
Chastity Rose says
I went out and bought a bottle of liquid Stevia for recipes that call for it in drops. I really don't want to use it. I find it has the same aftertaste as fake sugars. But how do I substitute "drops" of Stevia for a real sweetener when a real sweetener would be a much larger quantity and throw off the recipe?
Claudia says
I use agave syrop or honey instead of stevia drops, I used both in my apple gem and seems ok so far the gem lasted well, with born stevia and honey. In the fall I am planing to use the agave syrop instead.
Janeen says
rule of thumb…never go past 4 drops per cup if you don't want the aftertaste. I top up with traditional sweeteners if I need to.
I can't say I like the culinary properties either, but if I'm making smoothies and I'm needing to limit sugar for immunity/candida sake, I will use some.
I think 'contraceptive use' is a stretch for anyone using stevia in a 'food sweetening' context. I have 5 healthy kids who were conceived without trying! 🙂
Debbie says
I have to agree with you. I don't care for it at all. I'd rather not have any sweetener in my drinks if that was the only thing available. I avoid other artificial sweeteners too. I use agave to sweeten my yogurt.
Monica says
Agave has more fructose than high fructose corn syrup. It is highly refined, and definitely not a natural or good option.
Monica says
Sorry, I forgot the link. http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/
Changing Menu says
Great and informative article. I agree regarding taste and overusing of anything, be it healthy choice or not, is never good for anyone. I actually don't use it, like yourself and prefer to use rice malt syrup and coconut palm sugar which are low on the glycemic index. Thank you for posting.
Tara says
Right now, while I am dealing with candida, it is the only sweetener I am using. Yes, it definitely lacks in usefulness for baking, but if it is the only option, it is ok for occasional use, and NOT in recipes that rely on sugar or honey for texture. I do use it in herbal teas and vinaigrette salad dressings, ketchup, and in anything that already has a natural sour or bitterness to it. In that use, I do not notice any aftertaste whatsoever.
nourished roots says
I had no idea it was used as a contraceptive. I too share your dislike for this sweetener. As soon as I am served something made with stevia, I get that fake, metallic flavor and immediately put it down. I know it is suppose to be natural but in my mind, if it doesn't taste good, it is not worth using. I much prefer the natural taste of honey or maple syrup.
Heather says
The amounts used to obtain contraceptive effects in the rat studies were huge. I have used stevia in my iced tea and lemonade for over a decade. If it has contraceptive effects, they don't work for me. My kids are 7, 5.5, and 2.5. No conception or pregnancy problems.
Gretchen says
I've come to the conclusion that there isn't enough stevia around to sweeten any recipe. Not impressed with it.
Connie says
I grow stevia and one use I have found is Pickles. A lot of pickle recipes call for sugar even Kosher Dill. I don't know if its the vinegar but it does not have the bitter taste you encounter with say teas and such. I use it fresh which may make a difference. Just thought I would share that info and see if anyone else has tried it.
Ace says
WOW! Thank you for that info!!!
Sara says
That's interesting about contraceptive use. I used to use a quality stevia a lot, mostly in tea. When I was pregnant with my second child I continued to use it. During my pregnancy I developed high amniotic fluid with no explanation. In my research there is quite a bit of anecdotal evidence online about others who have developed the same thing from stevia use during pregnancy, and some people have used it to intentionally increase low amniotic fluid. Thankfully it didn't have a lasting effect or cause any other complications, and my boy was born healthy!