Estevia is a type of plant, the extract of which is used as a low calorie sugar substitute. Its use has been controversial because there is studies that claim that it is beneficial and other studies that indicate that it may be dangerous. Currently it is available as a food supplement but not as a food additive. It is also known as stevia.

An herb from the Chrysanthemum family, the estevia plant is native to South America, specifically Paraguay and Brazil. Its leaves are naturally sweet and are used as a type of sweetener. Estevia is several hundred times sweeter than sugar yet has no calories.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved estevia or its extracts as safe for human consumption, stating that there has not been enough research on the long-term effects of the product for it to be labeled as safe. Estevia is not available to consumers as a food additive or sweetener because of this. It is, however, available as a dietary supplement, as supplements do not fall under FDA regulations.

Many claim that estevia is an effective natural sweetener that is not only safe to consume but also has beneficial side effects. Some maintain that estevia is especially beneficial for diabetics because it may lower blood sugar levels by promoting insulin production. Others speculate that it may become a treatment measure for type 2 diabetes, and studies indicate that it may lower blood pressure. Estevia can also benefit dental health because, unlike sugar, it does not cause tooth decay.

There are also arguments that estevia is harmful. Male rats that were fed estevia suffered form reduced sperm production along with other indicators of infertility, suggesting that it may have negative effects on the human male reproductive system. Some studies also indicate that estevia may contain mutagenic compounds, which can cause DNA mutation and, possibly, cancer. There is also evidence that consuming estevia may disrupt the body’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates and the body’s process of converting food into energy.

Although estevia extract is not available as a sweetener, the FDA has declared some refined versions of estevia as safe. These products contain rebaudioside A and are sold under names such as Truvia® and PureVia®. Some individuals suffer mild side effects from these products, such as nausea or a feeling of fullness.