Research studies, including a Brazilian study from 2007, have suggested that stevia may raise the risk of cancer. However, other studies have shown no side effects.

I am very aware of all the hype passed around about cyclamates, aspartame etc etc and as sucralose is basically sugar with 'treatment' I will only buy sweetened drinks (and very few of those) that contain sucralose. Meanwhile, Molkerei Scheitz (83 million kg biomilk/year) is preparing its case for the Bavarian court, pointing out that stevia has been used in foods other than dairy products in Europe for 13 years now, as well as being accepted as a safe and traditional sweetener in South American foods for many hundreds of years." The terms ‘non-nutritive’ and ‘artificial’ sweeteners are used interchangeably. Types of artificial sweeteners It has no calories or additives, making it a suitable alternative to sugar for cooking and baking foods where sucrose (table sugar) is an ingredient. It can also be used to sweeten coffee , tea , and other hot or cold drinks , as well as sugar-free cereals and other foods. What is Erythritol? Erythritol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in certain fruits. It is safe to use, less sweet than sugar, and in practical terms has no calories, no additives, and a zero GI ( glycaemic index ). Unlike other sugar alcohols, it also has no significant laxative effect on the body. Unique blendUntil 2012, stevia had not been approved for sale in the EU and its availability had been eagerly anticipated by people with diabetes looking to have a naturally derived low calorie sweetener. Stevia’s sweetening effect

Using pure stevia preparations in relatively small amounts should have no significant effect on blood glucose levelsHigh in antioxidants and with zero calories and a zero glycaemic index, the producers of 000 Stevia Sugar claim it does not increase blood sugar levels or cause weight gain, making it highly beneficial for management of obesity and diabetes without impacting lifestyle choices. It also has no additives and has been shown to have none of the negative side effects of many sweeteners on the market. They're found in products such as drinks, desserts and ready meals, cakes, chewing gum and toothpaste.

Some products are made from a combination of two artificial sweeteners. For example, Hermesetas Gold sweetener is made from a blend of aspartame and acesulfame-K. Sweeteners and cooking Why use sweeteners in cooking?A statement from the Food Standards Agency reads: “This product contains aspartame, (E951), (a source of phenylalanine) making it a possible health risk for sufferers of phenylketonuria (PKU).” Moderately active - Do light to moderate intensity exercise 3-4 times a week. E.g. going to the gym / swimming / cycling / horse riding / dance classes / playing golf. Daily dog walking (brisk pace, twice a day). A research study from Brazil, published in 1986, showed that taking stevia preparations at 6 hour intervals over 3 days helped to significantly improve glucose tolerance It has no taste other than sugar, and contains no nasty chemicals. I've had no problems with it at all, though apparently the granular can affect some people's bgs 'cos they bulk it up with maltodextrin.

Sweeteners are ingredients that are added to food to enhance sweetness. They can be grouped in different ways: One way is to loosely group sweeteners as: sugar or sugar substitutes.Another way to group sweeteners is whether the sweetener is: natural or artificial. Types of sweetenersPolyols are usually used in products marketed as ‘diabetic’ or ‘suitable for diabetics’and, as these products can be as high in fat and calories as standard products, Diabetes UK and the European Commission Regulations don’t recommend them. Consuming large amounts of polyols can have a laxative effect, causing bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea. Non-nutritive or artificial sweeteners However, carbonated drinks are associated with dental erosion due to their acid content, regardless of whether they contain sugar, lower calorie sweeteners or no calorie sweeteners. Sweeteners are a range of products that are used as an alternative to sugar to sweeten food and drinks. They come in various forms such as granules, tablets, powders and liquids. Sweeteners are often used by people who are trying to reduce their sugar intake, or those who have diabetes and need to manage their blood sugar levels. They are also popular with those who are looking to reduce their calorie intake and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Sweeteners are available in a variety of flavours and can be used in cooking and baking.