On 6/20/2015 8:31 PM, Bruce wrote:
> On Sat, 20 Jun 2015 20:16:54 -0400, Ed Pawlowski > wrote:
>
>> On 6/20/2015 8:03 PM, wrote:
>>> I think stevia upsets my stomach a little.
>>>
>>
>> All the artificial stuff does that to me. I'm sticking with sugar or honey.
>
> I thought it was a plant.
>

Derived from a plant. The FDA does not allow the actual leaves to be
used.
http://www.livescience.com/39601-ste...ts-safety.html
Is stevia safe?
The question of whether stevia is safe to consume largely depends on
what someone means by "stevia." The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has not approved stevia leaves or "crude stevia extracts" for use as
food additives. Studies on stevia in those forms raise concerns about
the control of blood sugar and effects on the reproductive,
cardiovascular, and renal systems, the FDA warns.

"Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood
sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be
monitored closely by a qualified health care professional, including a
pharmacist," Ulbricht said.

Stevia may also interact with anti-fungals, anti-inflammatories,
anti-microbials, anti-cancer drugs, anti-virals, appetite suppressants,
calcium channel blockers, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs that
increase urination, fertility agents and other medications, Ulbricht
said. People should talk with their doctor before deciding to take
stevia in large amounts, she said.