Stevia?

So, I have to go do grocery shopping after work. I'm really tempted to buy stevia, but I cannot figure out if it is really harm free or not...

I found this article, and I am not sure what I should do! What do you think?

http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Dangers_of_Stevi a

I looke at the link, and most of those studies and problems are linked to "large amounts" of the stevia.  I think "large amounts" of lots of things can cause problems -- even too much water can kill you. 

That said, stevia was one of the ingredients of the Protein powder I was using recently, and I wasn't worried about consuming it at all.  I'm not worried about the reproductive dangers, because my kids are all grown -- no more kids for me. 

As long as your not using it in/on everything I think it's not too big of a risk.  But it's really a personal choice. 

In the end they summarize it kind of well. It has been used widely in Japan for over 30 years with no wide adverse reaction. I would argue that is a better indication then feeding what probably amounts to toxic levels of something to hamsters and rats. As for FDA, I just want to say that lobbying groups are quite strong in D.C., and leave it at that. In short unless you plan to eat it by kilograms a day, I wouldn't worry about it. As Karozel said consuming water in large quantities, can kill you.

UD

I don't know about how harmful stevia is, but I can't stand the taste/aftertaste. I buy one that claims to have no bitter aftertaste, but I swear that it makes everything I sweeten taste revolting. Especially coffee, but also tea. Some people (like my cousin) don't seem to mind it, but I think that if I had continued using it, my taste buds would have planned a coup or something.

Personally I love stevia and use it every day - I've read some pretty good things about it... but of course there will always be conflicting views on everything! And I am pretty sure the "mystery" will never be solved! I think it is probably healthier than aspartame though... but of course, research is the key to figuring it out for sure.

The only reason that the US has kept Stevia from getting big like artificial sweetners is because of the loss of sales. I mean, think about it, Japan has it eveywhere, I read that 50-60% of the sweetner market is in Stevia there. I think these claims about reproductive problems is BS, probably started by Equal and Splenda manufacturers. This is sad to say but at the end of the day, it's all about the dollar. Think about this, would you rather have Stevia which is grown, or Splenda, Aspartame, etc. which is manufactured in a lab. I actually read what Splenda or Sucralose was made of and how they processed it. Wow, I'm glad I quit that stuff. Anyhow, if you buy Stevia, don't buy the stuff Wal-mart sells, it's mixed with maltrodextrin. You can buy Truvia, but it's mostly the sugar alcohol Erythirol which is not bad for you, it's just expensive. I recommend buying it in bulk, and not cut with anything. I make three quarts of tea and can only use a little less than one tablespoon, it's that sweet!

In reasonable amounts stevia is not harmful, it does have an aftertaste if used in too large of an amount. I don't really recommend it for baking unless you find a specific recipe as like many other non sugar sweeteners it will not add the texture and browning required for a good result.

However I use it in my coffee and tea all the time. I recommend starting with less than you think you will need and increasing from there until you find a level you like.  It is several times sweeter (upwards of 300x) than  sugar so most stevia products are mixed with something else such as inulin or in a liquid form which is usually measured by drops.

I love it in my coffee and tea, and sometimes on oatmeal or cereal.

It is derived from the stevia plant, which is native to South America where it has been used for 1000s of years by the natives. It was orignially banned as a sweetener in the US dues to the Sugar Lobby and could only be sold as a supplement (ironic that it was banned as a sweetener due to potential effects, but safe as a supplement). Until the large sweetener companies found a way to profit from it.

It is considered safe at normal amounts,  most studies with bad effects involve amounts several times what a normal human would ever consume at any given time.

I consider it perfectly safe. I would read labels and look for one with as few additives as possible. Look in health food stores, rather than the sweetener aisle at your local grocery store. It has to be combined with something because the amount of dried needed is so tiny.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stevia

Edited to add link