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Typicallucas
1st May 2009, 11:12 AM
Is there any reason to believe that Stevia may have these extraordinary health benefits? I pulled all of these quotes from a website that promotes stevia.

...whole leaf concentrate has a regulating effect on the pancreas and helps stabilize blood sugar levels...

...lowers elevated blood pressure...

...digestive aid that also reduces gas and stomach acidity...

...increases energy levels and mental acuity...

...inhibit[s] the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay...

...soften and tighten the skin and smooth cut wrinkles...

...effective when used on seborrhea, dermatitis, and eczema...

Reportedly, cuts and scratches heal more rapidly when stevia concentrate is applied.

Stevia concentrate added to soap eliminates dandruff and other scalp problems and improves the health and luster of the hair, also helping to retain natural hair color.

...significantly increases glucose tolerance and inhibits glucose absorption...

...decrease in their desire for sweets and fatty foods...

...improve digestion and gastrointestinal function, soothe upset stomachs, and help speed recovery from minor illnesses...

Many individuals using stevia have reported a lower incidence of colds and flu...

--

I never really gave stevia a second thought even though my girlfriend uses it to sweeten her food. I've never heard her make any of these claims about stevia, but I just watched a video on holytaco.com where this MMA fighter guy was going on and on about how his stevia soap made him get in better shape... or something?

On a rather disturbing note, the website happystomach dot com that promotes stevia has a headline that reads "Let your food be your medicine."

Steelmage
1st May 2009, 11:50 AM
The only thing I have heard about stevia is that it is general though of as a safer alternative artificial sweeter then other products that are out there.

BonkingBear
1st May 2009, 12:12 PM
Yes ...but does it say by how much?..ie it might only reduce your blood pressure by 0.1% !!

fls
1st May 2009, 12:34 PM
Is there any reason to believe that Stevia may have these extraordinary health benefits? I pulled all of these quotes from a website that promotes stevia.

When I look at these claims, I always think to myself, "these same things can be said about water." Does that answer your question?

Linda

JJM
1st May 2009, 12:47 PM
Stevis safety questioned http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_sugar.html

Typicallucas
1st May 2009, 01:14 PM
When I look at these claims, I always think to myself, "these same things can be said about water." Does that answer your question?

Linda

Pretty much. I bring it up because the health benefits of stevia seem to be about as magical as ionized water.

Steelmage
1st May 2009, 02:09 PM
Stevis safety questioned http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_sugar.html

But what studies questioned stevis safety, the report does not say.

Robster, FCD
1st May 2009, 02:13 PM
No, stevia doesn't work. It was studied and it had no effect over placebo.

themusicteacher
1st May 2009, 02:20 PM
The only thing I have heard about stevia is that it is general though of as a safer alternative artificial sweeter then other products that are out there.

In what ways is a plant "artificial?"

Steelmage
1st May 2009, 02:26 PM
In what ways is a plant "artificial?"

Okay, I should have said replacement. :rolleyes:

jasonpatterson
1st May 2009, 08:07 PM
The only way I could see it making the blood sugar claim is by providing an alternative to adding sugar to drinks. An extract of stevia has gained tentative FDA approval (for a public test run, basically) as a sweetener rather than a dietary supplement and is being sold under the name Truvia. That said, I could walk you straight to the spot in my grocery store where you can buy packets of the stuff for sweetening and have been able to for years.

Robster, FCD
2nd May 2009, 10:08 AM
As a sweetener, that's a different issue. It will be interesting to see how it is accepted by industry.

Artificial sweeteners get a bad rap. Saccharin is safe unless you are a male rat exposed in utero to high doses. Aspartame does cause migraines in some people, but of those who self identify as being affected, upon double blind study, only half really are sensitive. It cannot be used for cooking. Tales of other horrors are just that. Tales. I prefer the taste of splenda to other sweeteners, personally.

But nothing compares to real coke, made with real sugar. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but when I go to the local Mexican grocery for real Mexican food, their imported real coke in those tiny bottles just tastes better.

themusicteacher
2nd May 2009, 11:15 AM
Okay, I should have said replacement. :rolleyes:

Correction noted.

themusicteacher
2nd May 2009, 11:17 AM
As a sweetener, that's a different issue. It will be interesting to see how it is accepted by industry.

Artificial sweeteners get a bad rap. Saccharin is safe unless you are a male rat exposed in utero to high doses. Aspartame does cause migraines in some people, but of those who self identify as being affected, upon double blind study, only half really are sensitive. It cannot be used for cooking. Tales of other horrors are just that. Tales. I prefer the taste of splenda to other sweeteners, personally.

But nothing compares to real coke, made with real sugar. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but when I go to the local Mexican grocery for real Mexican food, their imported real coke in those tiny bottles just tastes better.

Are we talking "Coca-Cola" coke, or "Cocaine" coke cause I like my (cocaine) coke 100% Colombian. :D

Robster, FCD
3rd May 2009, 10:57 AM
Are we talking "Coca-Cola" coke, or "Cocaine" coke cause I like my (cocaine) coke 100% Colombian. :D

Then you probably wouldn't want it mixed up with cane sugar, now would you? :Banane25: