Latest news with #Stevia
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Sweet but risky? Stevia has been linked with brain stroke
Artificial sweeteners have been seen as a safer alternative to sugar for years, low-calorie, diabetes-friendly, and tooth-friendly too. Among them, Stevia and Erythritol often come up together in sugar-free products. But a recent study has shaken things up, linking erythritol, a sweetener blended with Stevia in commercial products, to potential risks that could affect the brain's vascular system. The word "stroke" instantly grabs attention, and rightly so. But it's important to understand the reasoning behind it. What did scientists really do? This study was conducted in vitro, meaning it was done outside the human body, specifically in a lab, using cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs). These are the same types of cells that line blood vessels in the brain and help regulate things like blood flow and clotting. Researchers treated these cells with erythritol in quantities equivalent to what's found in a standard artificially sweetened drink (around 30g of erythritol). The goal? To observe how this sweetener affects oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) production, and markers that influence blood clotting and vessel function. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Spike in oxidative stress One of the most striking findings was a significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), basically, unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, damaging cells over time. The oxidative stress levels were double in erythritol-treated cells compared to untreated ones. This triggered the cells to produce more antioxidant proteins like superoxide dismutase-1 and catalase, which act like emergency fire extinguishers in the body. But if the fire is too strong, even more antioxidants might not be enough. The takeaway? This oxidative imbalance may weaken the blood-brain barrier over time, possibly contributing to neurovascular issues like stroke. Why blood flow suffers Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial, it helps relax blood vessels, ensuring smooth blood flow. The study found that NO production dropped in erythritol-treated brain cells, even though the main enzyme that produces it (eNOS) didn't change much. The twist? The phosphorylated forms of eNOS (the active and inactive switches) were altered, one became less active, the other more inhibitory. This disrupted signaling means the vessels may not relax properly, increasing the risk of clot formation or vascular stiffness, both red flags for ischemic stroke.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The artificial sweetener that may actually be good for you... and it could even ward off deadliest cancer
The artificial sweetener Stevia may help prevent one of the world's deadliest cancers, a new study suggests. Researchers in Japan collected samples from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant native to tropical and subtropical South America. The plant is used to make the sugar substitute Stevia, which can be 50 to 300 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories. After fermenting the leaves with Lactobacillus plantarum — the same bacteria used in yogurt and fermented vegetables — the team found fermented Stevia proved effective at killing pancreatic cancer cells. Compared to non-fermented Stevia, fermented varieties (FSLE) destroyed more cells of pancreatic cancer, which kills eight in 10 Americans affected within five years. It also left healthy cells virtually untouched and neutralized free radicals, which cause harmful inflammation throughout the body. Artificial sweeteners like Stevia have long been under fire for being linked to health issues like strokes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. However, the science on sugar substitutes and alternatives is murky, while decades of research does show the harms of traditional sugar are much clearer. The researchers said the findings could eventually turn the tide for pancreatic cancer, which is on the rise and most often only detected after it has spread throughout the body. Narandalai Danshiitsoodol, study co-author and associate professor in the Department of Probiotic Science for Preventive Medicine at Hiroshima University, said: 'Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer continue to rise, with a five-year survival rate of less than 10 percent.' In the US, approximately 67,440 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer each year, and about 51,980 people die from it, according to the American Cancer Society. Pancreatic cancer is highly invasive and prone to metastasis, meaning it more commonly breaks away from the primary tumor and spreads throughout the body. It shows significant resistance to existing treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, thus the need for anti-cancer compounds was sought after in less conventional methods like medicinal plants. That's where Stevia and fermentation comes in. In the study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers fermented Stevia leaf extract and compared it to unfermented extract. The technique is called microbial biotransformation, which has emerged as a valuable technique for improving the efficacy of natural plant extracts. It involves the use of microbial enzymes - bacteria and yeast, for example - to modify bioactive compounds and enhance their potency. Stevia turned out to be most potent when fermented for 72 hours, without oxygen, at 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) - the body's natural, healthy temperature. The team found Stevia killed pancreatic cancer (PANC-1) cells more efficiently than the non-fermented extract. At the same time, it barely touched healthy HEK-293 (healthy) cells, even at high doses. The extract also slowed cancer cell growth and made them lose shape, preventing them from sticking together and spreading. Additionally, fermented stevia proved to be a potent antioxidant. Cancer arises from oxidative stress, which damages cells and DNA. In lab tests the Stevia extract neutralized free radicals more effectively than non fermented varieties, eradicating 94 percent of them in one test. Fermentation likely created new compounds. The researchers suspect chlorogenic acid that is in the original stevia transformed into chlorogenic acid methyl ester (CAME), a more active form. The raw extract had none of this, by comparison. It's thought that CAME shut down cancer cells by blocking their cell cycle and making them commit apoptosis, molecular steps that lead to its death. Danshiitsoodol said: 'This microbial transformation was likely due to specific enzymes in the bacteria strain used.' The Hiroshima University team plans to study FSLE in mouse models next, which will help determine how well CAME works in a living system and identify safe, effective doses. Over time this could potentially lead to a natural and easy way to combat one of the world's deadliest cancers.
Evening Standard
24-04-2025
- Health
- Evening Standard
The surprising side-effects of aspartame, a common low-calorie sweetener
Stevia: This natural sweetener, derived from the Stevia plant, contains no calories and does not spike blood sugar levels, making it a favourite among those managing diabetes or looking to lose weight. Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that is low in calories and has minimal impact on blood sugar, erythritol is well-tolerated by most people and can satisfy those wishing to cut down on sugar while retaining sweetness. Monk Fruit Extract: This sweetener, derived from monk fruit, has zero calories and is much sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed. It also does not affect blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics. Honey and Maple Syrup: Though these natural sweeteners contain more calories, they offer beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. They can be enjoyed in moderation, particularly as part of a wholesome diet.
Fox News
02-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Sports Illustrated model combating ultra-processed food shares key to longevity
MAHA mom and Sports Illustrated model Kristen Louelle Gaffney has been outspoken about her support for the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary. Gaffney told Fox News Digital in an interview that she's excited for RFK Jr. to take a more active approach to healthcare, calling him the "white horse for moms." She said the MAHA movement has created a community of Americans and parents who are "fed up with the system and seeing their kids sick, having diseases, behavioral issues and want to get to the common denominator of it." Gaffney is married to Ty Gaffney, a former NFL running back. The couple has three children. "How can we live a proactive lifestyle to avoid things like dementia or cancer or any other diseases relating to behavioral or mental illnesses?" said Gaffney. "What can we proactively do to be better so that it's not too late?" The key to living longer, she said, lies in loving oneself by taking care of the mind, body, soul and the gut. "Everything is connected. You have to follow your gut and heal your gut," Gaffney said. "That's through food and supplementing as well," she said. "I think a good supplement routine [is] staying active every day, getting sunlight and breathing fresh air. It really is a simple recipe, but the hard part is consistency." Gaffney joked that after having three babies, she will never be in the same shape again, but said that healing begins on the inside and impacts other aspects of life. "When I put in the work, I feel like a better person," she said. "I have more energy. I'm a better mom. I'm a better wife." Gaffney said she stays as active as possible and always continues moving. "If you don't use it, you lose it," she said. Gaffney is a big proponent of cooking at home for herself and her family. "I think we overcomplicate things and think we need a chef and meal prep and expensive equipment. You just need to get sun and go walk outside for 20 minutes and cook your own dinner." "When I put in the work, I feel like a better person." Gaffney said that when she is grocery shopping, she avoids seed oils and dyes, making sure to look at each label of products she is purchasing. "I tell people, 'If you can't pronounce something on the ingredients, you should probably put it back," she advised. Gaffney decided to lead the effort to combat ultra-processed foods by developing her own line of snacks for kids called Super True. The chocolate chip brownie and peanut butter banana chocolate chip bars are gluten-free, non-GMO, free of dairy and artificial ingredients or dyes and colored by nature. Each bar has protein and fiber — and is sweetened with monk fruit and Stevia extract. Gaffney said it is critical to educate children about the different foods they are putting in their bodies. "I always try to educate them [about] the 'why' instead of, 'No, you can't have soda.' [I say], 'No, you can't have soda because there's 60 grams of sugar in it and because that's going to lead to yucky cells growing in your body.'"
