How Many People Are Allergic to Stevia?

Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has gained immense popularity as a sugar substitute due to its zero-calorie content and natural origin. 

While it is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated, there is some concern about the potential for allergic reactions. 

But how common are these reactions, and what should you know if you suspect you might be allergic to Stevia?

Understanding Stevia Allergies

Stevia allergies are relatively rare. Most people can consume Stevia without any adverse effects, but as with any natural product, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction. Allergies to Stevia are thought to be linked to its chemical composition, which includes compounds like stevioside and rebaudioside. These compounds can occasionally trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals.

How Common Are Stevia Allergies?

There isn’t a wealth of scientific data quantifying how many people are allergic to Stevia. However, reported cases are extremely rare, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both classify Stevia as safe for general consumption.

The rarity of Stevia allergies may be attributed to the fact that the plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes other plants like daisies and sunflowers. People allergic to other members of this plant family might have a slightly higher risk of reacting to Stevia, but this remains uncommon.

Symptoms of a Stevia Allergy

For the few who might experience an allergic reaction to Stevia, symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Skin rashes or hives

Itching or swelling, especially around the mouth or throat

Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea or cramping

Difficulty breathing in severe cases (anaphylaxis)

If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming Stevia, it’s essential to stop using it and consult a healthcare professional.

Cross-Reactivity Concerns

Stevia allergies may also involve cross-reactivity with other plants in the same family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, or marigolds. If you have known allergies to these plants, you may want to exercise caution when trying Stevia for the first time.

What to Do If You’re Allergic

If you suspect a Stevia allergy, it’s crucial to:

Avoid Stevia Products: Check ingredient labels carefully for Stevia or its derivatives.

Consult an Allergist: An allergist can perform tests to confirm whether you are allergic to Stevia or another substance.

Consider Alternatives: Other sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, or natural sugar substitutes may be safer options.

Conclusion

While Stevia allergies are rare, they are not impossible. Most people can enjoy this natural sweetener without issue, but those with plant allergies or sensitivities should be cautious. If you experience any unusual symptoms after consuming Stevia, seek medical advice promptly. With proper care and attention, you can find a sweetener that works for you without compromising your health.

Have you had any experiences with Stevia allergies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Bitter Truth About Stevia: Why It May Not Be a Good Sweetener

In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and reduced sugar consumption. As a result, alternative sweeteners have gained popularity, with stevia taking centre stage as a "natural" and calorie-free sweetening option. 

While it may sound like the ideal sugar substitute, there are several compelling reasons why stevia may not be the best choice for everyone. In this blog post, we'll explore the downsides of stevia and why it may not be a good sweetener after all.

Bitter Aftertaste

One of the most common complaints about stevia is its bitter aftertaste. While it's significantly sweeter than sugar, this intense sweetness is often accompanied by a noticeable bitter undertone. Many people find this bitterness off-putting and report that it can negatively impact the taste of their food and beverages. This bitter aftertaste can be particularly pronounced in some brands and forms of stevia, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those who seek a truly sweet and enjoyable taste. (I was thinking it was just me who was troubled by the bitter aftertaste problem? I have just eaten a stevia sweetened mango yoghurt and the unpleasant bitter aftertaste is still troubling me some ten minutes after I finished it.)

Highly Processed

Stevia is often marketed as a "natural" sweetener because it is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. However, the reality is that most commercial stevia products are highly processed and refined. The leaves undergo a series of chemical processes, including extraction and crystallisation, to create the final stevia sweetener. In this sense, the end product bears little resemblance to the natural, unprocessed plant. This level of processing raises questions about whether stevia can truly be considered a natural sweetener after all.

Potential Health Concerns

While stevia is often touted as a healthier alternative to sugar due to its zero-calorie nature, some studies have raised concerns about its safety. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has questioned the potential genotoxicity of certain steviol glycosides, which are the compounds responsible for the sweet taste in stevia. Although these findings are not definitive, they do underscore the need for more research and careful consideration before fully embracing stevia as a safe sugar substitute.

Impact on Blood Sugar

Another factor to consider is that stevia may have varying effects on blood sugar levels from person to person. While it's generally considered safe for individuals with diabetes because it doesn't directly raise blood sugar, some studies suggest it may affect blood sugar control differently in different people. This means the impact of stevia on blood sugar isn't as predictable or consistent as one might hope.

Adaptation and Cravings

Using sweeteners like stevia can alter your palate and taste preferences. Since stevia is far sweeter than sugar, it can lead to an increased preference for overly sweet foods and beverages. Over time, this can make it challenging to enjoy naturally sweet foods like fruits and vegetables. Additionally, there's some evidence that artificial and highly sweet tastes can trigger cravings for more sweet items, potentially leading to overconsumption of calories from other sources.

While stevia has its merits as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, it's essential to consider its potential drawbacks. The bitter aftertaste, processing methods, potential health concerns, effects on blood sugar, and the potential for increased sweet cravings all highlight why stevia may not be the best sweetener for everyone. 

It's important to approach stevia and other sugar substitutes with a critical eye, weigh the pros and cons, and consider your personal health and taste preferences when making choices about your sweeteners. In the end, moderation and balance may be the key to a healthier and more satisfying approach to sweetness in your diet.

Incidentally the reason for publishing this blogpost is that my wife is quite severely allergic to stevia and we decided to do some research on the potential downsides to using stevia, as we realised my wife cannot be the only person so impacted on by stevia.)

(Image courtesy of Kimberly Protasio from Pixabay)

Cavalier Launches Healthy Chocolate

What is claimed to be the healthiest chocolate that you can buy has been launched by a premium Belgian chocolate producer Cavalier.

This unique range of over 20 flavours of 100% no added artificial sugar chocolate created using a natural and healthy sweetener Stevia instead of sugar is perfect if you are looking after your waist. It is one of the first products available in the UK which incorporate Stevia since it has been approved by the EU. The guilt free treat has been created without compromising on the celebrated taste, texture and aroma of fine, traditional Belgian chocolate.

Stevia is a 100% natural sweetener that has been used for centuries in countries such as China, Japan, Brazil and Paraguay and was approved for use in the European market at the end of 2011. It is a small green plant that originates from the border between Brazil and Paraguay and produces a very strong sweetener deemed to be 300 times sweeter than ordinary sugar meaning that only a very small amount is used in the creation of this delicious tasting chocolate. In comparison to standard bars, with far less sugar added Cavalier chocolate is therefore packed with additional goodies such as fibres including inulin which, due to their health properties, essentially make the bar healthier.

By only using Stevia as the sweetening property in their chocolate, Cavalier chocolate has twice the amount of fibre than sugar and, with Stevia containing no calories or carbohydrates, it is the ultimate healthy bar of chocolate. The authentic sweet taste of chocolate is retained throughout the products which contain natural antioxidants, fibres, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and iron. It could be an ideal option for diabetics and it is also gluten free.

Cavalier Stevia chocolate comes in a large variety of flavours further to dark, milk and white including dark chocolate with blueberry, milk barley rice crisp and white coconut. The full range of the healthy indulgence is available to buy online from www.chocbox.co.uk, RRP £2.99 for 85g bar and £5.99 for a 4 bar selection (4x42g).