If you’re in the weight loss community you’ve probably heard all about Stevia– the “natural”, zero-calorie sweetener that has been hailed as a miracle.
But as with anything that sounds too good to be true, it’s important to dig a little deeper and do your own research.
When you compare Stevia to natural and artificial sweeteners, it might seem like the healthiest option on the shelf. But this popular sugar alternative has some potential downsides and risks which often get overlooked.
So, before you pour another packet into your coffee, let’s take a closer look at what you’re really getting with an artificial sweetener like Stevia.
The History of Stevia
So what exactly is Stevia? Stevia comes from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, a shrub native to South America in areas such as Paraguay and Brazil. It is known as “ka'a he'ẽ” by natives which means “sweet herb.” [1]
Stevia leaf has been used for centuries by the Indigenous peoples of South America. It has been used as a natural sweetener to enjoy with herbal teas. This plant has also been used medicinally for things like regulating blood pressure, easing digestive issues, and shockingly as a natural contraceptive (keep this point in mind).
This sounds pretty healthy, right? Not exactly.
The Ugly Truth About Stevia
Just because something starts as a plant, does not mean the end result is “natural” or “healthy.”
Calling Stevia “natural” is actually a very misleading marketing tactic. The sweetener you find in stores isn’t just the dried leaves from the stevia leaf that the indigenous tribes are using. In fact, it is quite literally the opposite. It has been turned into a chemical concoction.
Let me explain…
Like regular sugar, Stevia goes through a ton of processing to extract sweet compounds to turn them into powders, liquids, and packets. The chemical process of making Stevia typically involves extracting the sweet compounds, primarily from the Stevia plant using harsh chemicals like acetone, acetonitrile, and isopropanol ( which are known carcinogens–meaning they have been proven to cause cancer) [2].
The most popular Stevia brand in the United States is produced under a patented 40-step process, which is owned by a very popular soda brand on the market. This 40-step process is a mystery and contains known additives like natural flavors and other chemical concoctions. [2]
Stevia in this form is no longer stevia, but a highly processed powder. We all know that these big brands do not value your overall health or well-being So, the moral of the story is that just because it starts as a plant doesn’t mean the final product is natural or healthy.
Stevia and Fertility
Interestingly enough, there is some historical evidence to support that Stevia was actually used by the Guaraní peoples in Paraguay as a natural contraceptive due to its potential to reduce fertility when consumed daily [3].
In a recent study, consuming stevia in rats actually decreased fertility in female rats by 47% even after not consuming it for a 50-60 day period [4]. And stevia has been affecting male fertility as well. A study showed that rodents consuming non-caloric sweeteners derived from rebaudioside reduce sperm quality in male rats [5].
Just think about how many people use stevia in their coffee daily as a sugar alternative. This is very interesting considering fertility rates in both men and women have been on the decline for years. And stevia has also been touted as a health food for years. It really makes you wonder…
Stevia Can Cause Weight Gain and Other Issues
Stevia might actually be working against your weight loss goals, which is the opposite of what you may have been told. Research suggests that Stevia can disrupt your gut health, which can directly impact how your body manages weight. [6]
Stevia can throw off the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), leading to an imbalance that’s often linked to weight gain, increased fat mass, and higher cholesterol levels. And it doesn’t stop there—studies have shown that diet soft drinks, which often contain sweeteners like Stevia, can increase your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke. [7]
So, if you’re trying to lose weight and live healthfully, it’s worth thinking twice about using this “healthy” alternative.
Stevia Tastes Awful
Let’s talk about taste—because when it comes to Stevia, it’s not at all that sweet.
Some of the most common complaints I hear about Stevia are the sickly sweet flavor or the bitter aftertaste that often lingers on your tongue. This overly sweet and bitter can really affect the flavor of your favorite foods and drinks, making them way less enjoyable.
That bitter aftertaste actually comes from a compound called RebA. While RebA activates the sweet receptors in our tongue initially, it also activates the bitter receptors in our tongue, specifically hTAS2R4 and hTAS2R14. [8]
The highly processed element of stevia combined with the pungent aftertaste is a huge reason as to why we do not use stevia (or any other chemical sweeteners) in any of our products at Raw Generation.
Sweetened By Nature
When it comes to sweetening our products at Raw Generation, we never add synthetic sweeteners or refined sugars. We simply turn to nature’s finest–fruit. This ensures that you’re not just getting a delicious sweet taste, but you’re also taking in some health benefits too.
For natural sweet flavor and added health benefits, we use:
- Fruits - Fruits are the ultimate all-in-one package: delicious, hydrating, and bursting with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether it’s the vitamin C in oranges that boosts your immune system, the potassium in bananas that supports heart health, or the powerful antioxidants in berries that fight free radicals, fruits offer a naturally sweet way to fuel your body while getting in essential nutrients.
- Dates - Dates are nature’s candy, packed with natural sweetness and a wealth of nutrients. They’re rich in fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer. Dates are also loaded with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and copper, making them a sweet choice that nourishes your body from the inside out.
- Yacon Root - Yacon root is a hidden gem when it comes to sweet taste. Not only does it have a low glycemic index, making it a great option for those managing blood sugar levels, but it’s also rich in prebiotics. These prebiotics support a healthy gut by feeding the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, helping to maintain overall digestive health while satisfying your sweet tooth.
With ingredients this pure and delicious, there is no need to degrade any product by using highly processed sugar and or sugar alternatives. At Raw Generation, we are 100% sweetened by nature.
Enjoy Sweet, Healthy Juices and Smoothies Here
Make Informed Choices With Raw Generation
At Raw Generation, we believe that when it comes to your health - integrity and transparency are everything. That’s exactly why we only use nature’s finest to sweeten our products…nothing but pure, natural sweetness from ripe fruits, dates, and yacon root.
You won’t find any chemically processed sweeteners here because we’re committed to keeping it real and keeping it clean. Every ingredient is chosen with care, ensuring that what you’re putting into your body is not just delicious, but also genuinely good for you.
We’re proud of our minimal processing and clear labeling because you deserve to know exactly what you’re consuming. Plus, by keeping it simple and pure, we ensure that every sip or bite supports your health goals without compromising on flavor or integrity.
Support Your Health Goals With Real Food
Sources:
- Paraguay Cracks Down on Misleading Stevia Labels
- Food Babe Investigates Stevia: Good or Bad?
- Stevia
- Natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana: Functionalities, Health Benefits, and Potential Risks
- The Impact of Non-Caloric Sweeteners on Male Fertility: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis in Rodent Models
- Altered In Vitro Metabolomic Response of the Human Microbiota to Sweeteners
- Low-Dose Stevia (Rebaudioside A) Consumption Perturbs Gut Microbiota and the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward System
- Why Does Stevia Have a Bitter Aftertaste?
