Question about stevia...

[Nannies23]

Besides carrying the 4/4 Gene, my blood work also showed I was at risk for insulin resistance, which was another shock, (but not quite as electrifying as the 4/4 news), which surprised me because I’m not much of a sweet eater. I’m not one to eat desserts , cakes, candy or anything like that but I am a salt freak; chips, popcorn, pizza, French fries. So I guess most of my sugar comes from foods like breads, which is going to be the hardest thing for me to give up; yogurt chips, popcorn, etc. So now I’m researching the use of stevia and I’m getting all kinds of mixed info; some say it’s good for you and others say it isn’t. What are your opinions on stevia? Yay or nay?

[Jennifer]

Dr. Gundry talks about eating it in his book, the plant paradox. I use stevia in my morning coffee. However, I use the liquid stevia (only takes a few drops), not the powdered stevia that has other "stuff" in it.

[apod]

Besides carrying the 4/4 Gene, my blood work also showed I was at risk for insulin resistance, which was another shock, (but not quite as electrifying as the 4/4 news), which surprised me because I’m not much of a sweet eater. I’m not one to eat desserts , cakes, candy or anything like that but I am a salt freak; chips, popcorn, pizza, French fries. So I guess most of my sugar comes from foods like breads, which is going to be the hardest thing for me to give up; yogurt chips, popcorn, etc. So now I’m researching the use of stevia and I’m getting all kinds of mixed info; some say it’s good for you and others say it isn’t. What are your opinions on stevia? Yay or nay?

In general, I'm a yay for stevia. I was recently turned onto the butterscotch and vanilla liquid stevias at Omica Organics after listening to a Ben Greenfield podcast. I also use erythritol from time to time, or a blend of the two. I don't look at these as being good for me, so much, as often more in line with my goals, and unlikely to be bad for me in the overall scheme of things, taking diet adherence into account. Occasionally, I splurge and switch over to raw honey.

On a low carb diet, you can squeeze quite a bit of salt into your diet, so you're in luck there. Collard / kale chips, pickles, and olives make a decent chip alternative. Instead of pizza, I'll do something like pesto on portobello. It takes a minute to give up the old foods, but then it soon doesn't really matter and you take up new favorites.

[Stavia]

Instead of pizza, I'll do something like pesto on portobello.

brilliant idea!!

[TheBrain]

I use Whole Foods’ brand (365) organic stevia extract. It’s a white powder with nothing other than stevia in it.

[Sara]

I am still trying to learn more about Stevia - I haven't found any cons yet so if anyone knows of any please let us know. I enjoy adding a couple of drops of vanilla creme stevia to a glass of sparkling water. But I am also still holding on to those last few pounds so I may try going without for a while. I'll let you know if it makes a difference!

[Tincup]

I use Sweet Leaf brand stevia, but in moderation - once or twice a week. This is because I understand that anything with a sweet taste can provoke an insulin response, even if zero calories.

[Orangeblossom]

I am still trying to learn more about Stevia - I haven't found any cons yet so if anyone knows of any please let us know. I enjoy adding a couple of drops of vanilla creme stevia to a glass of sparkling water. But I am also still holding on to those last few pounds so I may try going without for a while. I'll let you know if it makes a difference!

It can have quite a bitter aftertaste, maybe try a little first as it can be quite expensive.

Also, sweeteners in general have been shown to alter the gut microbiome. I am unaware if this applies to stevia in particular though.

[CarrieS]

I've had to cut all sweeteners out to keep my sugar monster at bay and reset my taste for sugar. I'd also read that Stevia can have an impact on hormones. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Sarah Balllantyne in her book The Paleo Mom.
https://www.thepaleomom.com/teaser-exce ... th-stevia/

[Tincup]

Also, sweeteners in general have been shown to alter the gut microbiome. I am unaware if this applies to stevia in particular though.

My understanding is that stevia is OK in this regard.