1. What are the negative effects of stevia?

Stevia is a zero calories sweetener that is made from a compound that is extracted from the leaves of a particular plant ( Stevia rebaudiana ). This compound is known as Steviosides.In recent times, more and more people are replacing sugar with Stevia, though many are not aware of its side effects. Stevia extracts averages about 150 – 200 times sweeter than plain sugar.What are the negative effects of stevia? Let us take a look.Though several studies on laboratory animals have shown negative side effects of Stevia, the long term damage to humans is still undocumented.Kidney damage is a possible negative effect of Stevia. Also according to certain reports some stevia products or brands has added sugar alcohols which can cause negative side effects like nausea, vomiting and indigestion.Stevia may also cause problems to the Gastrointestinal tracts.Cramping and bloating can also result from the consumption of stevia, with long term use. The core proponent of Stevia usage by most manufacturers hinge on the aspect that it can help limit blood sugar in people with diabetes. But some researchers believe that with long term use, it can actually cause Low Blood sugar. It is prudent to ask for doctor's recommendation, if you have sugar.Some people who are already having high blood pressure levels may react negatively with Stevia. There are fears of deterioration of the blood pressure levels in people with the consumption of Stevia in the long term. Individuals on hormone regulating medications or people who are suffering from kidney conditions should be aware when choosing stevia. The National Kidney Foundation says” Stevia might cause Kidney problems”.A number of research studies found some harmful chemicals in Stevia products. This include sodium saccharin, sodium cyclamate, and aspartame, that have been already categorized as unhealthy .compounds for the body. Although it is a general notion that Stevia is safe for people with diabetes, it has been found that brands that contain compounds like dextrose and maltodextrin are still harmful to the body. In a related study done on the overall health aspects of Stevia, it was found that a link could be possible between stevia and damage caused to the beneficial bacteria in the intestines.The full effects of Stevia on the body are still researched. A recent 2017 survey on the health outcomes and complications linked to zero calories sweeteners, found that not enough studies have been concluded to warrant its overall safety. In some case, the consumption of Stevia has also given rise to Allergies. Some of the symptoms include Swelling and itching of the lips, mouth, throat, and swelling of the tongue.Certain controlled studies also found that Stevia caused numbness of the hands and feet, after consumption. Since Stevia can also interact with certain drugs, it is very important to be aware if one is on medications.Stevia might be ok for use, now and then. But its true damage usually happens if used for the long term. Since Stevia products that are available in the market are highly processed compounds, the concentration of sweetness is also very high. For example, a pinch of Stevia equals a tablespoon of sugar. The best approach to making your choice about Stevia is to consult your doctor before you try it.

2. How are stevia and testosterone related?

 Stevia is a kind of non-sweetener which is advertised a good for those who are suffering from diabetes or who has blood sugar problems. Extracted from the Stevia plant, a number of brands currently flood the market as it is pushed as a natural alternative for table sugar. Though there are a number of benefits that are currently advertised for Stevia products, there are side effects to it as well. A recent study done on rats found that too much of Stevia consumption lead to the fall in testosterone levels. Effects on humans are still being researched. Stevia consists of compounds known as Glycosides which are considered 300 times sweeter than plain sugar. Some scientists believe that the Glycosides in Stevia can affect the androgen receptors negatively which can cause a fall in the fertility rates. But the normal use of Stevia among the public still continues unperturbed. According to many research papers, Stevia consists of sugar alcohol compounds like erythritol which can cause disorders to the digestive system if consumed in higher amounts. In a lot of ways, the benefits of Stevia makes it promising for those who suffer or are very aware of Blood sugar levels. But compounds like Aspartame and Saccharin, which has been documented as harmful for the body still exist in sweeteners like Stevia. The inclusion of chemicals that are used as flavors in Stevia is another aspect which needs more attention too. Some of the so called lauded benefits of Stevia products is that it can be easily tolerated by patients with high blood pressure. In some cases the consumption of Stevia caused reduction in the Blood pressure levels. But Stevia fields considerably surprising health benefits as well! According to the 2012 edition of the Nutrition and Cancer research study,Stevia consumption has been related to the reduction of Breast Cancer cell growth. It was found that the compounds in Stevia, principally Steviosides boost the cell death of cancer cells and also reduces the stress pathways in the body which causes cancer. One another study showed that when Stevia was mixed with natural colon benefitting antioxidant herbs like blackberry lead, the antioxidant levels increased. Since Stevia is considered a zero calorie plant-based sweetener, many researchers support that the consumption of Stevia at moderate quantities can help lower the normal need for sugar. This can help cut down the daily sugar intake. This is also one reason why Stevia is mainly pushed on Keto diets. In addition, since Stevia has been found to dilate blood vessels and increase the excretion of sodium, it's believed that Stevia is beneficial in lowering the Blood pressure levels in people who are suffering from hypertension. The true effect of Stevia on Testosterone levels of humans are still to be analyzed and any final studies made. Though there are a lot of studies which actually support the use of Stevia and some which brand it as a harmful product, the true damage of it can only be accessed in the long term. It is a good step to seek medical advice especially if one is under medication, especially in the case of liver and kidney conditions. Particularly for individuals who are on hormone regulating medications, it is very important for them to seek medical recommendation before they choose Stevia as a sugar substitute.