Is Stevia Better?

Hi Lu,

I can't really give you specifics - but I went to a lecture class at OSU for celiacs (and others) with dietary concerns.  It was said that some research is showing that Stevia has some properties that are of concern, healthwise, and it's use was not advised.   That's a loose translation - I wish I could remember more clearly what the problem was.  But I was never able to tolerate aspartame very well, and had actual immediate reactions to Splenda, so I had quit looking for a sugar substitute and didn't pay closer attention.  Just thought, "check" - no sugar subs.   I'm sure googling stevia would bring up lots of info.

I like my coffee sweet, too.  So I quit drinking coffee.  Now, if I could just quit eating M&Ms

Well, you made me curious  so I googled it.  This was the first hit, from the Center for Science in the Public Interest:   http://www.cspinet.org/new/200808281.html

and this information rings all the same bells as I was kind of recalling, but didn't want to say.....like mutation, cancer, etc. without being sure. 

No doubt there is a counter argument out there......but I'm just sticking with plain old sugar.  I get tired of needing to be a chemistry genius to sort out food ingredients! 

And me too....chocolate in any form is my weakness.  What do you bet there is something in the dyes in the M&Ms that we shouldn't be eating....sigh

If you google stevia safety, you'll find many more studies that show it is safe than the few that cast doubt on its possible harmful effects. One study is not proof.

Also, you have to make sure the research has been accepted into a peer-reviewed publication. That ensures that they followed correct experimental procedures. If they don't the results can mean anything or absolutely nothing, depending on how it was done.
Here's one that cites some claims for the sweetener's safety:

healing.about.com/cs/uc_directory/a/uc_stevia_jones.htm

This one states that it has been used for years by several groups of people with no known harmful effects.

If you like sweetener, I would certainly use it over sugar, especially to excess. We know that being overweight is definitely harmful to our health.

yum someone mention m & m's....pass them around...

I have RA and Lupus and have always used sugar in my coffee. ( I can go without milk if I have to but have to have it sweet ) After reading different sites about how diet can make a difference with both . I have eliminated some of my favorites just to see if it makes a difference . YES it has ! Since I have been sugar FREE about 6 mos. now, my immune system has increased . I haven't needed to see a Dr. for being ill in almost 5 mos ! That's a miracle and a mile marker for me <3 I use Stevia mostly and sometimes switch off to pure maple syrup for a treat every now and then. I also have AVOIDED all the flavored creamers . Nothing but chemicals ! I no longer take any meds for RA or my Lupus . I treat completely natural ! ( My Drs. are hating me... I'm loving it )

How about truvia???