Part 2
So we got so far in part 1 to the point where we examined the extensive processing that goes into producing the stevia that you find on grocery store shelves. Let’s talk a little more about the final product…
How close the final product is to the natural plant from which it is extracted (the source) is a bit like saying that all humans are made of the things in the universe.
Interestingly, refined sugar goes through much less processing than stevia. Now don’t take that as a vote for sugar. It clearly isn’t, however we all need to be aware of the facts surrounding how things are changed in a comprehensive process to arrive at a standard that is attractive to most people.
Remember that whole live foods are what we should be consuming and such an extensive process to create a Stevia powder does not fit the bill for me. I wonder how so-called “health experts” can claim that this lab product is really good for you.
Now, remember that our body needs whole live foods, right? Most people have no idea about this, but to keep things simple, here’s a clear science fact for everyone to take note of:
Our bodies are 70% bacteria and our skin and intestinal tissue have the same profile. So attached to every cell in our body are numerous bacteria and guess what, the food we eat is supposed to feed the bacteria! That, in simple terms, is what keeps our bodies healthy.
This is why we need fermented foods in our diet every day. In general, our intestine needs to have 2 kilos of bacteria. The average person has 0.5 kilo.
Hmmm, Houston, we have a problem!
Now, what does all this have to do with taking some Stevia powder, one may ask.
Well, in 2014 a study from Latvia suggested that stevia might have a negative effect on probiotic bacteria. For those of you who have no idea what probiotic bacteria do, they keep your gut healthy. All disease begins in the intestine and unfortunately that is why we are such a sick country. Poor gut health, nothing more.
So probiotic bacteria improve intestinal flora, inhibit harmful bacteria, promote good digestion and stimulate immune function and increase resistance to infection.
Anyway, back to the study, they used six different strains of Lactobacillus reuteri (found naturally in the gut flora of humans) in the experiment. They now found that both compounds in Stevia, stevioside and rebaudioside, inhibited the growth of ALL six strains tested. This is what they had to say about this find:
The application of Stevia glycosides in food is increasing; however, there are no data on the influence of stevia glycosides on Lact. reuteri and very little data on the growth of other lactobacilli, either in probiotic foods or in the gastrointestinal tract. This research shows that it is necessary to evaluate the influence of stevia glycosides on other groups of microorganisms in future research.”
So the problem here is that we don’t hear many people talking about the implications of stevia digestion and the shapes of the molecules that could result after the breakdown of steviol glycosides by bacteria in the digestive tract.
Evidence may suggest that it could be mutagenic after being consumed and broken down in the body.
So while it may be considered completely safe to consume, we really don’t know much about what happens after that.
So stevia vs sugar?
While stevia may be better for diabetes and blood sugar, it doesn’t necessarily mean that certain sugars are worse in all cases.
Definitive human studies focusing on the conversion of steviol glycosides to steviol have not been conducted. However, in rats, DNA breakage was found in blood, spleen, brain cells, and liver.
So in terms of using stevia as a healthy alternative, well, IMHO, following the raw, whole food principle, you’d be much better off using a teaspoon of raw, unfiltered local honey. The taste will be amazing and much better for you.
Stevia in Kombucha?
Authentically brewed kombucha must use sugar to feed the microbes that produce the probiotics. It is the fuel source for these amazing little critters. So the sugar is for them, not for you, and if the kombucha is prepared correctly, then there will be no problem for most people, as most of it will be consumed and converted to probiotics, producing a natural carbonated drink at through the fermentation process. This is what makes Kombucha such an amazing drink.
In terms of adding stevia to kombucha, there is very limited research, if any, to show that it has any health benefits, but it’s good marketing in times of “fads.”
Keep it simple folks. Kombucha has been brewed and consumed as a medicinal beverage for centuries, helping to maintain good health among nations, so why should that change?
References
1. Wellness Mom: https://wellnessmama.com/1482/stevia-safe-or-healthy/
2. Body and Soul: https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition-tips/sugar-versus-stevia-which-is-actually-better-for-you/news-story/923ea30c45f4f222bd7fc9404c13bddd
