Stevia is not known to cause inflammation, and some studies even suggest that it may have anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed to determine the magnitude of this effect. In some people, stevia products made with sugar alcohols can cause digestive problems, such as bloating and diarrhea. People who take certain medications or have certain health conditions should talk to their healthcare provider before consuming stevia for a long period of time. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers stevia leaf extract to be safe for consumption and unlikely to cause side effects in most people.
However, since stevia can lower blood pressure and blood glucose and have diuretic effects, people who take certain medications or have certain health problems should talk to their healthcare provider before consuming significant amounts of stevia. Stevia is a calorie-free sweetener that comes from the plant Stevia rebaudiana native to South America. Sweeteners derived from this plant are generally considered safe to consume in moderation. The sweetness of stevia is due to the compounds present in the leaves that are extracted by submerging these leaves in water.
