What are the health benefits of stevia and other natural sweeteners? Are they safe?

Answer:

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is generally promoted as a natural, non-caloric sweetener and an alternative to sugars and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal). It is sometimes promoted for lowering blood sugar, lowering blood pressure, and even as a treatment for Lyme disease, but the evidence behind these claims is weak.

Although generally safe, some people may experience side effects.

See the full answer for details, including our Top Pick among stevia brands including Truvia (Cargill), PureVia (Pepsico and Whole Earth Sweetener Company), Sweet Additions Stevia (from Aldi stores), Great Value Stevia (from Walmart), Stevia in the Raw (Cumberland Packing Corp.) Stevia Extract (BulkSuplements.com), Organic Stevia (Micro Ingredients), Simply Stevia (Stevita), and BetterStevia (NOW Foods), as well as whether stevia can adversely affect gut health or brain function.

Also see how these other natural sweeteners compared on benefits, safety and taste:

• Allulose (Wholesome Allulose, RxSugar, Splenda Allulose)
• Erythritol (Swerve, etc.)
• Lucuma powder (Terrasoul Superfoods Lucuma Powder, Zint Lucuma Powder)
• Monk fruit (Nectresse, Monk Fruit in the Raw, PureLo)