Interesting Info on Stevia

[jenscats5]

from the January 2005 issue of Alternative Medicine:

The FDA has still not approved [Stevia] for use in foods because of concerns about its safety: Male rats fed stevia's active ingredient, stevioside, produced fewer sperm; pregnant hamsters eating it had fewer live babies and higher death rates. Also, studies have shown that a chemical in stevioside can cause changes in the genes of lab animals. Stevia advocates argue that the doses used in the animals were much larger than what human beings would consume, and that the sweetener has been used safely in other countries for many years, so they aren't worried about any adverse health effects.

A more immediate problem for some is the bitter overtone to the sweetness. And it doesn't work well in baking.


Just FYI.......

 

[mrhoon]

I'd be interested to know whow was paying for the research on stevia. Big sugar companies? Nutra sweet? Splenda? Funny that it cannot be labeled or referred to as a sweetener.

 

[YIB]

I'd be interested to know whow was paying for the research on stevia. Big sugar companies? Nutra sweet? Splenda? Funny that it cannot be labeled or referred to as a sweetener.

agree...anybody have more info?

 

[jenscats5]

agree...anybody have more info?

That's all the article said.........so I don't know...

 

[YIB]

hmm..that's ok then. i'll see if i come up with anything...i'll keep an update

 

[bigdawginCO]

I tried the stuff as a sweetener from protein factory as a change of pace cuz the woman that runs the gym i go to swears by the stuff. all i knew before reading this post was that the stuff tastes like ass, now its bad for me too? dang it all to hell! lol

 

[pintoca]

from the January 2005 issue of Alternative Medicine:

The FDA has still not approved [Stevia] for use in foods because of concerns about its safety: Male rats fed stevia's active ingredient, stevioside, produced fewer sperm; pregnant hamsters eating it had fewer live babies and higher death rates. Also, studies have shown that a chemical in stevioside can cause changes in the genes of lab animals. Stevia advocates argue that the doses used in the animals were much larger than what human beings would consume, and that the sweetener has been used safely in other countries for many years, so they aren't worried about any adverse health effects.

A more immediate problem for some is the bitter overtone to the sweetness. And it doesn't work well in baking.


Just FYI.......

Hammy better stays away from this one...

on the other hand, nothing for me to worry about, since the only sweetener I find around here is Natreen (Aspartame, Nutra-sweet)... not even splenda, so no biggie...I know already Natreen will kill me so stopped worrying a long time ago lol

 

[jenscats5]

Hammy better stays away from this one...

on the other hand, nothing for me to worry about, since the only sweetener I find around here is Natreen (Aspartame, Nutra-sweet)... not even splenda, so no biggie...I know already Natreen will kill me so stopped worrying a long time ago lol

You know, I was thinking that same thing!!

Nice smile btw.....

My point, however, in posting it, is that there seems to be "negative" feedback on all sweeteners.....so it's a judgement call.

 

[mrhoon]

Its all just such a joke. What are we supposed to believe? All of the "studies" on these products are at much higher doses than anyone would use. Its like saying "Are EFA's bad for you?" Well no. But there was a study done where lab rats were fed 4 times their body weight in fish oil, and they got fat and died. Oh my god, now I cant take my omega-3 capsule anymore.


Sorry if that sounds harsh, some fool put me in a mood this morning.

 

[pintoca]

Its all just such a joke. What are we supposed to believe? All of the "studies" on these products are at much higher doses than anyone would use. Its like saying "Are EFA's bad for you?" Well no. But there was a study done where lab rats were fed 4 times their body weight in fish oil, and they got fat and died. Oh my god, now I cant take my omega-3 capsule anymore.


Sorry if that sounds harsh, some fool put me in a mood this morning.

Don't take it out on Jens (I know you aren't btw).

It is always the same, studies need to be taken with a pinch of salt. There are so many interests behind them... you never know who funded the study, etc.

Common sense will go a long way in helping you decide what is good and what not, anything taking to the extreme (even a good thing) surely will backfire.