So... what is the *DEAL* with Stevia now?

Post #330,619 by folkert 8/1/10 8:48:17 PM Reply	So... what is the DEAL with Stevia now? I'm seeing rumbling in a few places now... What gives did some ADM backed research project find that its serious poison?
Post #330,620 by Andrew Grygus 8/1/10 9:30:51 PM Reply	The FDA rated one product GRAS. Now that one has GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) it's easy for most others to get it. There are dozens of Stevia products now coming onto the market, most aimed at food processors. The FDA was holding up GRAS for high dosage study because they are well aware of the way Americans abuse any good thing. "If ten milligram is good, 1000 milligrams must be really good!"
Post #330,655 by folkert 8/2/10 1:19:26 PM Reply	I knew about the GRAS approval... Just seeing some health nuts bantering about how Stevia is a serious poison... etc. I was just wondering if ADM/Cargil had sponsored a research project/study and found Stevia to be worse than saccharin or agent-orange... or some such crap.
Post #330,656 by beepster 8/2/10 1:41:25 PM Reply	Haven't seen that only some links to studies saying it lowers male sperm count...but its been on market for 30 years in Japan..nothing there. I will choose a path that's clear. I will choose freewill.
Post #330,627 by boxley 8/1/10 10:35:07 PM Reply	dont like that stuff leaves an oily aftertaste for the rest of the day. /me avoids
Post #330,654 by folkert 8/2/10 1:17:21 PM Reply	Wasn't asking for personal opinion. I'm seeing grumbling after the GRAS stuff Andrew pointed out. Some health nuts are saying "Stevia isn't good"... OK, real proof to back that up that isn't ADM backed?
Post #330,694 by drook 8/3/10 8:42:28 AM Reply	Generic backlash Can't say for sure, but there's a pretty sizable (and growing) contingent that treats any "new" foods with suspicion. In general, this is a pretty safe position. Whether this particular product is better or worse than what it replaces is completely beside the point that we don't know whether it's better or worse. And most of the research that has been published is, of course, paid for by the people trying to sell you something. -- Drew
Post #330,707 by mhuber 8/3/10 11:02:39 AM Reply	My annoying hypothesis ANY sweetener is going to mess you up. The pancreas reacts to multiple stimuli, not just blood sugar levels. Apparently insulin levels go up in anticipation of consuming sugar. Given that, it is extremely likely that the flavor kicks insulin production, regardless of the chemistry. Just looking at the donut will kill you. Have some bacon. --------------------------------------- I think it's perfectly clear we're in the wrong band. (Tori Amos)
Post #330,712 by Andrew Grygus 8/3/10 11:49:15 AM Reply	Actually, research reports have inidcated . . . . . stevia's effect on insulin balance is beneficial - so maybe it will compensate some for for the effect of looking at a stevia sweetened donut.
Post #330,848 by mhuber 8/5/10 4:32:06 PM Reply	Cool --------------------------------------- I think it's perfectly clear we're in the wrong band. (Tori Amos)

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