Is Stevia Sweetener Good for You? | Mastering Diabetes | Dr. David L. Katz

Do artificial sweeteners like Stevia raise blood sugar or insulin levels? A lot of people with diabetes are using Stevia because it comes from plants and has zero calories. But according to Dr. David Katz, the best natural sugar for diabetics is still real food. Here's why he's generally opposed to artificial sweeteners and what he thinks of Stevia.
Notes from Dr. David Katz: Are artificial sweeteners better?
I really don’t know, because nobody knows for sure. The literature on this topic is mixed with some studies showing benefit from cutting out sugar and calories through the medium of no-calorie, “artificial” sweeteners. Other studies, however, suggest that the currently prevailing sugar substitutes may do significant damage of their own. Whether or how this pertains to the newer entries such as stevia, or monk fruit extract, is still a work in progress.
What I can say is that I avoid artificial sweeteners personally for three reasons. First, the precautionary principle, which argues that it’s safer to assume harms until they are disproven than it is to assume harmlessness until it is confirmed. Second, when sugar is “put in its place” and one’s diet is made up overwhelmingly of unprocessed foods, there is neither need, nor place, for artificial sweeteners. And third, I think there is a better way to reduce sugar intake, which I call “taste bud rehab.” By trading up choices and eliminating stealth sugar first, and more overt sugar after, you can cut your intake of sugar and calories; avoid any actual or potential harms of chemical additives; and rehabilitate/sensitize your palate into the bargain, so you actually come to prefer more wholesome, less copiously sweetened food. (Full article at: bit.ly/3IbWEUz)
David L. Katz, MD, MPH, FACPM, FACP, FACLM is a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine, with particular expertise in nutrition.
He earned his BA at Dartmouth College (1984); his MD at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1988); and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health (1993). He completed sequential residency training and board certification in Internal Medicine (1991) and Preventive Medicine/Public Health (1993).
Katz is the founder and former director of Yale University’s Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (1998-2019); Past President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; President and Founder of the non-profit True Health Initiative; and Founder and CEO of Diet ID, Inc. He is a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American College of Physicians; the American College of Lifestyle Medicine; and Morse College, Yale University. (Full bio at: davidkatzmd.co...)
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[@victorloya1590]

Doctors never, NEVER, never ever give you a direct answer. 8 minutes to say "I don´t know, maybe yes"

[@thepositiveside2197]

Because they are ignorant.

[@DeeDee60skin]

Because it's a practice. They're practicing with everything they do, also they need to be careful of saying something conclusive and being sued. No one knows everything and I don't think they ever will. More studies always needed🥰

[@julienielsen3746]

I like what he said. I don't need any sugar substitutes . I want to get sugar out of my diet a much as possible. Then I won't crave it. I can eat good healthy foods and a little bit of fruit when I do want something sweet. People used to not eat any sugar other than fruit. it was better for them to not want to eat a lot of sweet. I got a lot out of what he said.

[@ibuumar]

I drink Black Coffee and black Tea with a bit of stevia and it doesnt raise my blood glucose.

[@bosco50050]

I tried with various brand of stevia and it raised my blood sugar - some more than others - i suspect that there could be tweaking of stevia taste with other sugar additives to give it a more acceptable taste - this is my suspicion - as I could see that some raised my sugar significantly more than others. Just sharing my observation.

[@videogazer801]

@@bosco50050just stick with pure and all natural ones and you won’t see the sugar spikes.

[@imafwatcher]

*Look at the ingredient list!!!* UNLESS IT IS PURE STEVIA w/0 additional ingredients. I rece try bought a big bag of Stevia w/o looking. When I got the bag w/info about additives. Sadly, the bag said pure natural Stevie. My Bad, as I trusted the labeling on front. Now I check!

[@manny5310]

Thanks for this really great content, although I would like to argue that I have been using stevia and I actually don’t crave sugar. The belief is that a natural or artificial sweetener will make the body want the real thing but our bodies are so complex that the truth for some people may not be the same for others. What I’m trying to is that not everyone is going to want to eat a cake or reach over for that pack of Oreos on the counter, in my own experience I have not had any need for “real sugar”.

[@shirleymorgan9254]

I’ve been using stevia in my tea or coffee only. I don’t crave sugar. It doesn’t bother my sugar levels . Thank you for sharing.

[@traviscutler9912]

Yeah but if stevia doesn't have calories and doesn't have blood sugar spikes then why not use it? This seems super unhelpful and biased from a person who can eat real sugar.

[@dandan1364]

Banana or honey or raw sugar or pasta or bread all spike my glucose over 250. Stevia zero glucose response. And because I have zero sugar in my diet everything tastes a lot sweeter now naturally … lettuce asparagus nuts broccoli … are all so sweet now. Because I use zero sugar and I use stevia in my tea

[@dj-fe4ck]

Because you're eating so much saturated fat. I could eat all of those in any amount I want and I never go over 130.

[@julienielsen3746]

Good point.

[@stefan7285]

First of all:Stevia isn´t an artificial sweetener. End of story. I don´t even have to watch this video to understand that it gives incorrect information.

[@luish777]

Doctor is absolutely correct about about rehab your taste buds you will cancel the amount of sugar you want but you must cut.

[@MasteringDiabetes]

Thanks for watching! 👍

[@Ron-rk6iz]

Such nonsense. I like a sweet taste, period, why that tabu about "sweet" ? Staying away from sugar is so easy using Stevia extract, that it makes sugar obsolete. What else can you wish for ? I have used Stevia extract for over 30 years now, starting with the green version, it is just great.

[@lexismart7555]

I agree. I eliminated all sugar from my diet to bring down my A1C. To compensate for the lack of sugar I was increasing the Stevia and my A1C went up. Therefore I agree with the doctor's opinion that using sugar substitutes triggers the sugar response regardless of the source of the sugar.

[@veganvocalist4782]

Very wise man , researching it as I make my own toothpaste which is great but I wish to sweeten it a little with a pinch of stevia

[@robi8020]

FYI, cane sugar comes from a plant.

[@Veetribe.]

He's totally correct..im type 2..if you're craving sweet..do a little fruit...surgar is addiction..in a whole food diet..your trying to change your taste buds..your stomach..flora....in America were inadated..with surgar..but my problem is having something in my coffee..it's tricky

[@ProgressiveTruthSeekers]

Does Stevia harm the brain? YES! Stevia Side Effects: Nervous System & Psychological Peripheral Nervous System Effects Long-term stevia use may have adverse effects on your peripheral nervous system, which is comprised of sensory nerves that send and receive messages to and from your spinal cord and brain. Stevia may affect the transmission of nerve impulses to and from your central nervous system and may slow down nerve conduction velocity. Overdosing with stevia may lead to tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, similar to the feeling of neuropathy, as well as a temporary loss in motor control. Psychological Effects Stevia use may cause mild to severe psychological side effects, accordingn to The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Individuals suffering from psychosis, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders may find a worsening of their symptoms as a result of stevia use. Stevia may interfere with the actions of anti-psychotic medications because they can compete for the same cellular receptors in the brain. Individuals taking anti-psychotic medications should consult with their physicians prior to using any products containing stevia. Effects on Mood Stevia may affect hormone and neurotransmitter production in the brain. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are important in the natural regulation of mood and greatly influence thoughts of happiness and satisfaction. When these compounds are inhibited, you may have increased thoughts of depression and sadness. If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or nervousness, stevia may compound these symptoms because it slows the release of dopamine and serotonin. * Stevia may affect hormone and neurotransmitter production in the brain. * If you suffer from depression, anxiety, or nervousness, stevia may compound these symptoms because it slows the release of dopamine and serotonin.

[@Krissylove719]

When I switched to low carb and increased my Stevia use, my anxiety was out of control

[@bigjg904]

sources for these claims please?

[@Krissylove719]

@@bigjg904 I can say my source is from my personal experience

[@bigjg904]

@@Krissylove719 don't know what kind of stevia you have been using. I have been using Pyure brand organic stevia for 6 years now and have only experienced positive results.

[@Krissylove719]

@@bigjg904 That might be possible not everything affects everybody the same way

[@HGS9773]

i’m no medic or chemist BUT many substitute sweeteners are chemicals. While stevia is natural, I’ve heard that the vehicle for powdered stevia is harmful but haven’t found out what or why. Was hoping this vid would disclose.

[@woodlakesound]

what is artificial about whole leaf stevia?

[@rusty383]

I have gotten great results using Stevia.

[@hineraable]

Exactly my question, i get that artificially made sweeteners could be unhealthy, but Stevia leafs and even Stevia Extract (and i mean actual, pure stevia extract)?

[@woodlakesound]

@@hineraable I don’t believe whole leaf and processed stevia (white powder) are very similar. Whole leaf is not sharp tasting like the white powder or extract.

[@btbowden1234]

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363527/ It impacts the gut microbiome

[@apathy5218]

As a diabetic, my doctor said I could drink diet coke until the cows come home. Now why would she tell me that?

[@dj-fe4ck]

So it's ok to eat 500 grams of sugar from fruit if you want, but even 10 or 20 grams of cane sugar or coconut sugar or maple syrup is poison? Doesn't make a lot of sense unless it's gmo sugar like high fructose corn syrup or gmo beet sugar. Most products with added sugar are loaded with added oil, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, transfats, and other artificial ingredients. The sugar gets the blame for what all those other bad ingredients do.

[@brogenkastl1809]

I am type 1, the dr. Says, but I still produce some insulin. I didn’t want to take insulin injections so I started the diet on mastering diabetes, in the hope I wouldn’t need added insulin, by making it easier for the insulin to do it’s thing without the fat getting in the way. I have been using raw honey, agave, and Black molasses. I do not use much, but enough to be happy with a sweet taste.

[@luish777]

Yep it's not easy its a tight balance but with some research and reading labels it should help make better decisions. In General I feel if Americans cut back on all sodas, diet too at around 80% and at least 70% of processed carbs and sugary snacks this could have a dramatic affect on people's health plus drinking more water and some exercise. just walking for 20-30 minutes 4 days a week will do the trick imo.

[@peacelovejoyandhappiness]

@@luish777 Amen 🙌 🙌 🙌.

[@carrington2949]

I know this is old but my body does not process the sugars in most fruits the way it does with refined sugars. Carrot juice actually will send me a little, but others do not.

[@northyland1157]

I satisfy my sweet tooth with Salad, But I put a few strawberry, black berries, blue berry, and raspberries in my salad. I avoid carbs and sugar. I think the fiber in the salad helps with the berries sweetness. I use home made vinegar and oil dressing. Compared to the salad the berries are extreme burst of sweetness. Its almost like eating a piece of Berry Pie for me. I find the frozen berries are just as good as the fresh, but often cheaper.

[@kgfes]

I agree purely on an anecdotal basis. I stopped adding sugar to my tea a year ago and i find that things like cookies too sweet nowadays

[@wentafew]

In my personal experience, using Stevia does reduce my sugar cravings. Your preferred approach is fine if someone has extreme will power AND never slips because one slip and the cravings all come back. You using yourself as an example is disconnected from the reality that overweight people are dealing with.

[@jilow]

Part of what he is saying is the will power needed gets reduced as you eat less sugar. For where he is at, he doesn't need a lot of will power just his routine is enough

[@AllisOneOneisAll]

these things were all planned by the powers at be and corporations to turn us into over consuming, sedated, obese weak human beings that fatten their pockets and make them more powerful. all these foods. we are so dumb as a people with this stuff. even with trying to eat better, we focus on the superficial cosmetics of it rather than the whole human concept. even today we cant seem to wrap our heads around that the people who make these toxic processed foods, DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT YOU. THIS, ABOVE ANYTHING ELSE, SHOULD BE ANY RED BLOODED HUMAN BEINGS REASON TO EAT BETTER AND STARVE THESE EVIL BASTARDS OUT. If not, continue to be their puppet, and the next cupcake u pick up, youll be thinking of this but u cant stop yourself. it worked, they knew you wouldnt have the will power to stop yourself. anyone else is at full liberty to do what the fuck they want. Me, i prefer not to be anyones fuckin livestock. dont believe me, watch ANY documentary on factory farming and carefully compare and contrast what they are doing to them vs. what they are doing to YOU. I think u will find that it aint much difference.

[@realvipul]

exactly

[@8wildrose]

Like some other people have shared, I have not noticed an increased craving for sugar or sweets from using natural (unblended) stevia. Similar to how eating whole fruits does not increase my sugar cravings, so I don't think that's a valid assumption, and there are not currently enough studies to back it up.

[@hymns4ever197]

This was mostly psychobabble. You can't lump stevia and monk fruit in with other types of sweeteners. The key is whether they actually spike insulin. Dr. Eric Berg has at least one excellent video comparing the various sweeteners. I personally have lost 45 lbs in the past year, and one of the keys was to replace sodas sweetened with sugar or corn syrup with stevia. There is a product called Zevia for anyone who is interested.

[@planthappygirl8645]

Super helpful guys. Thank you!

[@UnrealTalent]

I have a glucose monitor on me all the time. Stevia does not spike my insulin after an hour. Also, I eat food with stevia treats. I never eat snacks with stevia by itself. Might be helpful

[@phydariel]

It is not good for me. My GI doctor told me to ingest the Metamucil power instead of the cookies. It was nauseating and I wake up not feeling well. Looking deeper I find out that the “sugar” mentioned on the label is stevia. I also am having thyroid hormone imbalance. I think I am better off with sucrose or no sweeteners at all.

[@MatoNupai]

My doctor gave me the Watch your carbs talk. I don't need diabetes so i radically adjusting adjusted my diet and switched sugar in coffee for a blend of stevia and monk fruit, and oatmeal with sugar or maple syrup for quite nasty tasting low carb granola with my blend of stevia/monk fruit and cacao powde. Now it feels like im cheating on my diet. I have reduced my carbs just for breakfast by almost 70%! Without those tweaks my life would be HELL! I make the blend because im allergic to stevia and trying to build up my tolerance to stevia. Monk fruit only grows in China, and would like to use as little monk fruit as possible I think that "doctor" was a lawyer in a previous life

[@studiosinger]

It’s not artificial!

[@dj-fe4ck]

What do you think about raw honey?

[@korgond]

Honey is fructose 🤮

[@matthewthomas00]

I consume drinks with stevia as a treat. But then I eat whole foods with little or no sugar (an mainly natural sugar). You use real sugar as your treat. I use stevia.

[@MichelleL20942]

⚠️”THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPAL” is SO SMART⚠️

[@SnowAngelfish]

Stevia has insulin sparing effect?? I thought it raised insulin??

[@1drummer172]

I never use stevia; I hate the bitter aftertaste.

[@jgz6989]

2:58 He addresses Stevia.

[@WaGwan-n6x]

So instead of answering the question of stevia vs sugar, he proceeded to drivel on about his personal opinion on general sweetness addiction. Newsflash doc, no one cares about your eating habits, the discussion was about the efficiency of such supplements to sugar. This is the type of doctor I would hate to visit.

[@jessplant7816]

I thought the same thing 😂😭

[@redescubriendo7609]

Doesn't stevia lower testosterone? What about allulose compared to stevia?

[@wolfiefox4370]

Thank you

[@MasteringDiabetes]

You're welcome!

[@royswartz8825]

I use stevia in my coffee in the morning and I do not crave sugar or sweets. I literally have zero interest in other sweets.,

[@petersimon5874]

Thank you. 👍

[@studiosinger]

The fact he eats sugar instead tells you a lot about his pro sugar industry intent. Be glad he’s honest!

[@Acejustforalaugh]

This guy is just dancing around the question. No calories no carbs you're going to lose weight.

[@Becki545]

The scientific conclusion I've made based on my personal studies is that stevia and monk fruit are both so discussion and that a talented pso discussign

[@wentafew]

Yes it may be triggering the reward system in the brain, but whatever physiological stuff is going on with sugar is not happening. I think it's more than mental toughness, but that's just my experience.

[@onetimbersas]

you wasted a lot of time with your initial preaching. the question was simple is a cup of cofi with stavia better than with sugar from diabitic point of view

[@msanyae8454]

Stevia isn't artificial though so this doctor knows nothing

[@ItsLindaMichelle]

Stevia gives me a migraine

[@MrAzlantheLandlordSdnBhd]

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[@alinakochanowska2300]

😍♥️🌹❤️♥️🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@BobCristofaro]

Stevia does not cause a glucose spike for diabetics and it’s more natural derived from a plant called the Stevia plant

[@MrAzlantheLandlordSdnBhd]

See also: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmfTe6WuoqmMe6s