"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> 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.

I'll pass. There are a lot of plants on the face of the earth. Some are
not meant to be consumed.