In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can stevia go bad?” with an in-depth analysis of the storage and nutritional values of stevia. Moreover, we are going to discuss the health benefits and side effects of stevia.
Can stevia go bad?
No, stevia doesn’t usually go bad.
However, stevia can also get spoiled if not properly stored.
What are the signs of bad stevia?
Once stevias go bad we can know it by noticing the following signs of bad stevia;
- Off smell or odor
- Lumpy texture
But the mildly bitter taste of the stevia is normal, and due to the hygroscopic properties, stevia also becomes Lumpy.
So you can’t declare the stevia bad by noticing any single sign.
What is stevia?
Stevia leaves are 2000 times sweeter than normal white sugar and are used as sweeteners.
However, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) crude stevia aren’t safe for humans to consume.
It is advised by FDA to use high purity steviol glycosides to keep its users safe for you.
How to properly store stevia?
Just like sugar, stevia has a long shelf life.
To store the stevia, keep it in a dry, cool place and it will easily last for at least 4 years.
But if you expose stevia to heat or humidity, chances are it will become lumpy but you can consume it even after that without any harm.
What is the nutritional value of stevia?
The nutritional value of the stevia for 1 tablespoon of it, provided by the USDA is as follows;
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
From where can you get stevia?
You can get stevia from many grocery stores either in liquid or powder form.
In the grocery store, you can find it near the baking section with other Sugars.
You can also buy it online.
What are the health benefits of stevia?
Stevia has positive effects on your health as well.
Some of the health benefits of stevia include;
- Stevia has positive effects on regulating blood pressure in people with hypertension.
- 1 tablespoon of stevia is equal to ¼ teaspoons of sugar.
- Stevia has no calories or carbohydrates so people with diabetes type 2 can use it to replace sugar.
- Stevia also lowers the insulin and glucose level that’s why it has hypoglycemia properties.
- The absence of any calories also helps in weight loss.
- Stevia has been found to interact differently with the bacteria in the mouth.
- So it decreases the acidity and results in less bacterial and cavity formation in the oral cavity and proves beneficial for oral health.
What are the side effects of stevia?
When used as a sweetener or to flavor the foods, you shouldn’t even be hundred percent sure of highly purified stevia regarding no side effects.
A number of the side effects of stevia have been found by studying animals and many of them have also been rejected.
However, some of the potential side effects of stevia are as follows;
Kidney Damage:
Stevia is a diuretic, meaning it is involved in increasing the speed at which the body expels water and electrolytes from the body to the urine.
That’s why according to the experts, long term usage of stevia can damage your kidneys.
On the other hand, most recent studies have shown stevia is effective in preventing kidney damage.
Gastrointestinal Problems:
Stevia products also contain added sugar alcohol, which can cause several issues in people hypersensitive to sugar alcohol.
Some of the issues caused in this way include;
- nausea
- vomiting
- indigestion
- cramping
- bloating
However, studies have also shown stevia effective against some gastrointestinal issues such as;
- Diarrhea
- IBS(Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Allergic Reactions:
Stevia has not been shown as a cause of allergic reactions in people.
Hypoglycemia:
Stevia has been known for controlling the blood sugar level.
However, long term and excessive use of stevia can induce hypoglycemia or high blood sugar level in people.
Low blood pressure:
Stevia acts as a vasodilator, widens the blood vessels and lowers the blood pressure.
And it is if used for a long time in excessive amounts can cause serious health complications.
Who shouldn’t use stevia?
Some people are at greater risk of facing health issues by the long term usage of stevia.
Also, the people who are on medication shouldn’t consume stevia without asking their doctors.
Factors that can result in increasing the side effects of the stevia include;
- blood pressure conditions and medications
- liver conditions and medications
- kidney conditions and medications
- heart conditions and medications
- hormone-regulating medications
- steroids
- cancer medications
Here are the recipes for stevia that you can make at home.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can stevia go bad?” with an in-depth analysis of the storage and nutritional values of stevia. Moreover, we discussed the health benefits and side effects of stevia.