What is Stevia?
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is much sweeter than sugar but contains no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is also considered to be a safe alternative to artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to a variety of health problems.
Does Stevia Spike Insulin?
Early research indicates that stevia does not significantly raise insulin or blood sugar levels and — because it doesn’t contain calories — it may help people maintain a healthy weight. Technically speaking, no, stevia does not break a fast. Because stevia doesn’t contain any carbohydrates or protein that can cause an insulin response, it can be consumed during intermittent fasting without disrupting the fast.
Does Stevia Interrupt Ketosis?
Intermittent fasting does nothing to the effects of stevia. Stevia does NOT elevate insulin secretion. This was tested on a group of obese patients who were given a stevia extract and found that it had no effect on insulin levels. Stevia alone may actually contribute to superior blood sugar and insulin levels. It doesn’t inhibit ketosis or the ability to burn fat, so it can be safely consumed during a fast.
Can Stevia Trigger Insulin?
Dr. Berg, a functional medicine expert and health coach, answers the question “Can stevia trigger insulin?” with a simple answer: no. In fact, stevia does not contribute to increased glucose and insulin levels. One of the most important biological effects of stevia is opening calcium channels, which helps reduce the amount of sugar absorbed into the bloodstream.
Conclusion
The short answer is no, stevia does not spike insulin during intermittent fasting. In fact, it has been shown to be a safe and healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Since it does not contain any carbohydrates or protein that can cause an insulin response, it can be consumed during a fast without disrupting ketosis or the fast.
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