Stevia a healthy sweetener?

Last week I posted an article on the blog on the topic of aspartame. This is an artificially developed sweetener that, according to scientists, has both advantages and disadvantages. I received nice responses to this and the question whether â € œsteviaâ € is a 100% healthy sweetener and a good replacement for sugar.
Last week I posted an article on the blog on the topic of aspartame. This is an artificially developed sweetener that, according to scientists, has both advantages and disadvantages when used. I received nice responses and the question whether â € œsteviaâ € is a 100% healthy sweetener and a good substitute for sugar.

I knew it myself, I use it too, but to say immediately that I know everything about stevia would be a lie. This weekend I did some research and came to some nice discoveries.
I knew it myself, I use it too, but to say that I know everything about stevia would be a lie. This weekend I did some research and came to some nice discoveries.

Contents: 1. What is stevia? 2. Advantages and disadvantages of stevia 3. Healing effect? 4. Is stevia prohibited? 5. Various products

What is stevia?

For those of you who haven't heard of stevia, let's start with a small intro! Stevia (see picture) is a plant native to South America. The leaves of this plant have a soft sweet taste. Stevia has been used for centuries by the inhabitants of South America as a sweetener.

The leaves of the plant don't just taste sweet. They also have a number of other positive effects. In addition, there are more than 200 plants that belong to the â € œstevia familyâ €. However, the one with a sweet taste is called stevia rebaudiana.

Many people claim that stevia is the perfect alternative to artificial sweeteners like aspartame! It contains no calories and carbohydrates, but it still tastes very sweet! This means that people with diabetes can still use this medicine (of course always consult the doctor). It is a vegetable product and is therefore not processed. This allows the plant to retain its health benefits.

It contains anti-oxidants, is said to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, is an antibacterial agent and there are a number of other benefits.
It contains anti-oxidants, is said to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, is an antibacterial agent and there are a number of other advantages.

It will also save you a few more euros in your wallet as you will have to use much less of the sweetener stevia than if you use normal sugar cubes!
It will also save you a few more euros in your wallet as you have to use far less of the sweetener stevia than if you use normal sugar cubes!

The reason why the sale of stevia was stopped by the government was because too little research had been done into the effects of the plant. In the beginning it was thought to be a long-term carcinogen. Studies have ruled this out! No further drawbacks are known…

Because it contains no calories, it will indirectly help you lose weight. Unlike aspartame, it will not induce hunger.

People with certain conditions cannot use sugars because it would only make the condition worse. Conditions like: Candida fungus, diabetes 2, high blood pressure.
People who have certain conditions cannot use sugars because it would only make the condition worse. Conditions like: Candida fungus, diabetes 2, high blood pressure.

Stevia has a positive effect on the skin. It prevents bacteria, so when it is smeared on a wound, it will heal faster and will prevent scars. As a result, it is increasingly used in creams against eczema, acne and dandruff.
Stevia has a positive effect on the skin. It prevents bacteria, so when it is applied to a wound, it will heal faster and will prevent scars. As a result, it is increasingly used in creams against eczema, acne and dandruff.

Stevia is a substance that was banned for years. This is because (20 years ago) very few studies had been carried out to chart the actual effects of stevia. For years there has been 'fights' to bring this drug to the market. Recently on nu.nl there was an article that we are getting closer to the approval of stevia
Stevia is a drug that was banned for years. This is because (20 years ago) very few studies had been done to map the actual effects of stevia. For years there has been 'fights' to bring this drug to the market. Recently on nu.nl there was an article that we are getting closer to the approval of stevia

In other countries, for example Japen, it has been used for over 30 years and at the moment it makes up a large proportion of the existing sweeteners used for production (40%) . In South America it has been used for over 1000 years with positive effect.

Manufacturers of chemical sweeteners have been trying for years to stop the sale of stevia by putting pressure on politicians. Of course this will be discovered. We do not know whether this is really true.
Manufacturers of chemical sweeteners have been trying to stop the sale of stevia for years by putting pressure on politics. Of course this will be discovered. We do not know whether this is really true.

When stevia is actually put on the market, sales of chemical sweeteners will drop, that's a fact!
When stevia is actually put on the market, the sales of chemical sweeteners will drop, that's a fact!

For those who want to use stevia, there are still possibilities. Stevia products may be sold when they are used for external use! Selling stevia from abroad is also not prohibited!

But until now it is forbidden to sell it in stores. However, the admission of stevia on Dutch shelves is getting closer!

There are various stevia products that are only for sale outside the Netherlands (internal use then)! Â The products are for sale on various webshops on the internet.