Does Stevia Break Intermittent Fasting?

You’ve joined the intermittent fasting trend, a favored method for a healthier lifestyle that revolves around meal timing and optimizing your body’s natural processes.

But there’s a lingering question on your mind: does stevia break intermittent fasting?

You’re not alone in your curiosity. Numerous individuals, like you, who strive to balance health-conscious choices while indulging their sweet cravings, ponder whether this natural sweetener can harmoniously complement their fasting regimen.

In this article, we’ll address your concerns and uncomplicate the relationship between stevia and intermittent fasting. Let’s dive in and find out if stevia aligns with your fasting goals.

What Is Stevia?

The stevia plant has been used to sweeten beverages for centuries, with its origins tracing back to South America. What’s intriguing is that it has expanded far beyond its native soil and is now cultivated in places like China and Japan. Similar to monk fruit, stevia is categorized as a “non-nutritive” sweetener because it doesn’t add any calories to your diet. This quality makes it a favored choice, especially for those focused on weight loss or particular lifestyles.

The pleasant taste of stevia leaves was first documented by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. With time, people discovered how to tap into this sweetness, leading to the widespread cultivation and global usage of the plant. It’s fascinating how this natural sweetener has seamlessly integrated into various cultures and diets, offering a valuable option for individuals seeking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness.

Stevia’s Chemical Composition

Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that stands out due to its unique chemical structure. Its sweetness originates from natural compounds known as steviol glycosides, with stevioside and rebaudioside A being the most prominent. These compounds, called glycosides, are the magic behind stevia’s remarkable sweetness without added calories¹.

Unlike artificial sweeteners, which rely on synthetic elements, stevia’s sweetness comes entirely from these plant-based compounds. This natural sweetness makes it a top choice for individuals like you seeking healthier alternatives to sugar.

Notably, this plant is a powerhouse of sweetness, reportedly 300 times sweeter than sugar. What makes it even more appealing is its sustainability factor. Compared to cultivating other sweeteners, stevia is far more eco-friendly².

It requires significantly less water and occupies only 20% of the land that other alternatives demand. So, not only does it satisfy your sweet cravings, but it also aligns with your desire to make environmentally conscious choices.

Health Benefits Of Stevia

Stevia is labeled as a “no-calorie” sugar substitute³. While it’s not entirely devoid of calories, it contains significantly fewer calories than regular sugar (sucrose), making it low enough to be categorized as such.

The sweetness in stevia comes from its natural components, making it an appealing choice if you prefer foods and drinks sourced from nature. Its low-calorie content makes it an excellent option for managing diabetes or achieving weight loss goals.

Let’s explore some of the potential health advantages that stevia offers.

1. Help control diabetes.

Research revealed that stevia sweeteners won’t add to your calorie or carbohydrate intake. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that they do not affect your insulin sensitivity or blood glucose levels. For individuals managing diabetes, this is fantastic news as it broadens the range of foods you can enjoy while adhering to a health-conscious meal plan.

The secret lies in stevioside, a glycoside compound in stevia, which gives us that sweet taste without affecting your body. Instead, it’s broken down by bacteria in your colon, bypassing your bloodstream entirely. Consequently, it doesn’t influence your blood sugar levels, a critical factor for those dealing with diabetes².

In a specific study involving participants with type 2 diabetes, it was noted that consuming stevia significantly reduced blood glucose and the body’s glucagon response post-meal⁴.

Glucagon, responsible for regulating blood glucose levels, tends to malfunction in people with diabetes. When blood glucose levels rise, glucagon usually drops to maintain balance. Stevia has no impact on insulin response.

2. May aid in weight loss.

Sugars typically comprise around 16% of the total calories in the American diet. This excess sugar intake has been linked to weight gain and struggles in maintaining stable blood glucose levels⁵.

Stevia, being a non-nutritive sweetener, offers a simple way to cut down on your sugar intake. You can swap it in for table sugar without adding any extra calories. So, whether it’s your tea, coffee, desserts, or even candies, incorporating stevia won’t increase your calorie intake⁶.

This means you can satisfy your sweet cravings without worrying about the extra calories. With stevia, you can easily manage your sugar consumption without giving up on enjoying your favorite treats.

3. Healthy blood pressure.

Specific glycosides in stevia extract can widen your blood vessels. Additionally, they can enhance sodium excretion and increase the production of urine.

In a study conducted back in 2003⁷, stevia could play a role in reducing blood pressure. The findings indicated that the stevia plant might possess cardiotonic properties. These properties balance blood pressure and regulate your heartbeat, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

It was demonstrated in a 2-year trial⁸ that those who took stevioside daily had lower diastolic and systolic blood pressure than those who received a placebo.

4. Reduce inflammation.

Two compounds in stevia, namely stevioside and steviol, have been linked to relieving symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Moreover, these compounds are packed with antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals, preventing cell damage in your body.

Stevia’s immune-boosting abilities come from its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, inhibiting tumor formation in various types of cancer⁸.

Furthermore, stevia contains several beneficial components, including sterols and antioxidants like kaempferol. According to studies⁹, kaempferol can lower the incidence of pancreatic cancer by 23%.

This means incorporating stevia into your diet could enhance overall health and reduce your risk of certain diseases.

5. Improve skin condition.

Dermatitis and eczema are only two skin disorders that can be treated topically with stevia. You might add it to your skincare regimen since it has antibacterial characteristics that stop bacteria from spreading¹⁰.

6. Promotes oral hygiene.

One of stevia’s key advantages is that it improves dental health, especially compared to table sugar, which is notorious for doing the opposite⁸.

Stevia is an excellent ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash since it can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Thanks to its components, it helps prevent gingivitis and other oral illnesses by battling dental cavities and plaque.

Downsides Of Stevia

Safety studies have overwhelmingly endorsed the use of stevia extract, confirming its overall lack of adverse effects¹¹. Purified steviol glycosides, specifically approved for food consumption, are widely acknowledged as safe. However, the scenario is somewhat different when considering whole-leaf stevia.

Historically, concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of stevia on kidney health. Recent research, particularly a study involving rats¹², has presented a different perspective. Interestingly, supplements derived from stevia leaves may possess attributes that protect kidney function and mitigate the effects of diabetes.

This new understanding challenges previous beliefs and suggests that stevia might offer potential health benefits, particularly in relation to kidney health and diabetes management. Recent studies indicate that it is safe to consume the recommended amount of this sugar substitute, even during pregnancy¹³.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that certain stevia products may contain sugar alcohols. For individuals sensitive to sugar alcohols, symptoms such as bloating, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea might occur. However, there is a type of sugar alcohol, erythritol, which carries a lower risk of causing these symptoms.

Choosing highly purified stevia and using it in moderation enables you to enjoy its benefits without undue concern for side effects. Practicing moderation is essential, as it ensures you can incorporate stevia into your diet without worries about potential adverse reactions.

How Is Stevia Processed And Used As A Sweetener?

Stevia undergoes a simple extraction process to transform its leaves into the sweetener you find on the shelves. After harvesting, the leaves are dried and steeped in water, similar to brewing tea. This water extracts the sweet compounds from the leaves.

The concentrated steviol glycosides are left behind after the resulting liquid is processed to remove impurities. These purified glycosides are further processed into different forms, including liquid extracts and powdered sweeteners, making them convenient for various culinary uses.

Processed stevia is widely used to sweeten beverages, baked goods, and even savory dishes, offering a natural, calorie-free alternative to traditional sugars. Nowadays, some companies add glucose and other sugar alcohols. So, make sure to always read the labels when purchasing a product.

Stevia sweeteners are a component of numerous goods in Asia and South America, including:

yogurts
sauces
ice creams
bread
soft drinks
chewing gum
candies

How To Use Stevia When Fasting?

When incorporating stevia into your fasting routine, your best bet is to add it to your coffee or tea. A cup of coffee, about 240ml, contains a minimum of three calories and negligible amounts of fat, protein, and minerals, ensuring it won’t break your fast. You can enjoy 1-2 cups daily, enhancing your beverages without interrupting fasting. However, skipping milk, cream, or other additives is crucial, as these will indeed break a fast.

If you’re looking for a refreshing change, consider swapping plain water with carbonated water, especially if you’re battling soda cravings. Traditional juices and sodas are discouraged during fasting due to their high sugar content. Substituting them with sweetener-infused water can help curb cravings and maintain hydration without disrupting your fast.

Outside your fasting hours, stevia offers creative possibilities. Whether liquid or powder, it provides a sweet touch without adding extra calories. It’s worth noting that stevia doesn’t caramelize like the non-nutritive, zero-calorie monk fruit. Therefore, when using stevia in your cooking or baking experiments, keep this distinction in mind.

Does Stevia Break Intermittent Fasting?

When it comes to fasting, many experts suggest sticking to plain water to maintain the integrity of your fast. This practice helps kickstart autophagy, a natural process through which the body cleanses itself by recycling damaged cellular components. It’s important to be mindful of what you consume to ensure that you don’t inadvertently disrupt your fast.

Luckily, incorporating stevia in moderation won’t interfere with your fast. It’s unlikely to hinder any fasting benefits, including the state of ketosis, which is typically induced during fasting and aids in various aspects of the fasting process. However, knowing the potency, which can vary between brands, is crucial. Always check the label to confirm its purity.

Furthermore, watch out for additional ingredients in your stevia product. Some brands might add sucrose, essentially regular table sugar, which breaks a fast. Others might include sugar alcohols that won’t disrupt your fast but could cause gastrointestinal issues.

Remember, moderation is key. Avoid excessive stevia consumption during your fasting hours or with your regular meals. Finding the right balance is essential for a successful and effective fasting routine, like everything else.

Final Thoughts

In intermittent fasting, the question lingers: does stevia break your fast? The verdict, supported by research and understanding, is that stevia, with its zero calories, stands as a unique exception among sweeteners.

Unlike many other natural and artificial sweeteners, incorporating stevia into your intermittent fasting routine won’t derail your progress. You can indulge in its sweetness without fear of breaking your fast, making it a valuable ally for those aiming to balance health goals and a sweet tooth.

The bottom line is clear: Stevia can seamlessly integrate into your fasting hours when used mindfully. Its ability to add sweetness without adding calories provides a welcomed solution, allowing you to savor your favorite beverages and meals while staying true to your fasting goals.

Once more, moderation is key; understanding your body’s response to stevia ensures your intermittent fasting journey remains uninterrupted. Stevia is a reliable companion as you navigate the world of health-conscious choices, offering a naturally sweet experience without compromising the essence of intermittent fasting.

So go ahead, enjoy the sweetness, and continue your fasting journey with confidence and a touch of flavor.