Is The Stevia On The Shelf At Food Stores Really That Good For You? Part 2

Part 2

So we've come up with this in part 1 to the bit where we check out the great processing to produce stevia that you find on the shelves at the grocery store. Let's talk a little bit more about the final product ...

The extent to which the final product is for the natural plant extracted from (its source) is somewhat like saying we humans are all made from materials out there in the universe.

Interestingly, refined sugars are less processed than Stevia. Now don't take it as a vote in favor of sugar. Obviously, not all of us need to be aware of the facts of how things have changed in the process of reaching a standard that is appealing to most people.

Keep in mind that whole foods are what we need to eat and the whole process of making Stevia powder doesn't tick the box for me. I wonder how "health experts" can claim that this lab product is actually good for you.

Now, remember our bodies need healthy food? Most people are unaware of this, but to make things simple here is a clear scientific fact for all of you to note:

Our body is 70% bacteria and our skin and intestines have the same profile. So what is attached to every cell in our body is many bacteria and in what sense, the food we eat should feed the bacteria! That in simple words are the ones who keep our bodies healthy.

This is why we need food that is fermented in our daily diet. Usually our gut needs to have 2 pounds of bacteria in it. The average person has 0.5 kilos.

Hmmm, Houston we have a problem!

Now what to do with taking Stevia powder, one might ask?

Well, in a 2014 Latvian study suggested that Stevia might have a negative effect on probiotic bacteria. For those of you who do not know what probiotic bacteria are, they are intestinal. All diseases start in the gut and unfortunately that's why we are a sick country. Poor gut health, nothing else.

Thus, probiotic bacteria increase intestinal flora, inhibit harmful bacteria, promote good digestion and improve immune function and increase resistance to infection.

However, back in the study, they used six strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (naturally found in human intestinal flora) in the experiment. Now they find that both compounds in Stevia - stevioside and rebaudioside have been found to inhibit the growth of ALL six strains tested. Here's what they said about this discovery:

The application of stevia glycosides in food is increasing; However, there is no data on the influence of stevia glycosides on Lact. reptile growth and very little data on the growth of other lactobacilli, either in probiotic foods or in the gastrointestinal tract. This study indicates that it is necessary to evaluate the influence of stevia glycosides on other groups of microorganisms in further research. "

So the problem here is that we don't hear too many people talking about the implications of stevia digestion and the possible molecular shape following the breakdown of steviol glycosides by bacteria in the digestive tract.

Evidence may suggest that it may be mutagenic after being consumed and broken down in the body.

So while it may be considered really safe to use, we don't know much about what happens next.

So stevia vs sugar?

While stevia may be better for diabetes and blood sugar it does not necessarily mean that certain sugars are worse in all cases.

No definitive study has been conducted on humans centered around the conversion of steviol glycosides to steviol. However, in mice, DNA damage is found in the blood, spleen, brain and liver cells.

So, in terms of using stevia as a healthy alternative, well, in my humble opinion, following the principles of raw food, you would be better off using a teaspoon of unrefined honey tea. The taste will be amazing and much better for you.

Stevia in Kombucha?

Kombucha naturally formed must use sugar to feed the microbes that produce probiotics. It is a fuel source for these amazing little creatures. Therefore, sugar is not for them and if Kombucha is mixed properly, then there will be no problem for most people, as most will be consumed and become probiotic, producing carbonated drinks naturally through the fermentation process. This is what makes Kombucha an amazing drink.

In terms of adding stevia to Kombucha, there is very limited research available, to show that it has any health benefits at all, but it makes good marketing during the "Fads".

Make people easy. Kombucha has been burned and consumed as a medicinal drink throughout the ages, helping to promote good health among nations, so why change?

References

1. Mama's Health: https://wellnessmama.com/1482/stevia-safe-or-healthy/

2. Body & Soul: https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition-tips/sugar-versus-stevia-which-is-actually-better-for-you/news-story/923ea30c45f4f222bd7fc9404c13bddd

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