When a person is trying to cut down on their sugar intake they may look for sugar substitutes. These substitutes have the same sweetness of sugar but without the calories. Stevia is a sugar substitute that comes from a plant. It is 300 times sweeter than sugar and has some dangerous side effects.
Blood Pressure
On of the most dangerous side effects of stevia is the effect that is has on blood pressure. This sweetener can lower blood pressure levels. This is not good for people that already have low blood pressure or blood pressure that is within a normal range.
Blood Sugar
This sweetener has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels. If a person is diabetic they need to be careful when using Stevia. Low blood sugar levels can also make a person hungry. When trying to lose weight this sweetener may have an opposite effect.
Possible Side Effects
When using Stevia a person may feel themselves getting some unpleasant side effects. Users have reported feelings of dizziness, pain in their muscles, a feeling of numbness, gas and bloating, as well as nausea. While these symptoms only last a short period of time they are rather uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Possible Carcinogen
Some studies have shown that Stevia can increase the risk a person has of developing cancer. A study has down that Stevia can turn mutagentic which can lead to cancer. While other studies are still investigating this claim it is best to be careful when using this artificial sweetener.
When many people use Stevia because they do not want the calories associated with regular sugar this does not mean they are making a smart decision for their health. Stevia has a number of side effects and if a person is going to use it they need to use this sweetener with caution.