Stevia is a natural sweetener that is extracted from plants. Because Stevia is not an animal-based food, you shouldn’t eat it on a strict carnivore diet.
However, Stevia has some benefits for low carb dieters who want the taste of sweetness, but don’t want to eat a lot of sugar. Stevia can help you lose weight on a keto or paleo diet, but it’s not recommended for true carnivores.
If you need an animal-based sweetener, using honey on the carnivore diet is a much better option than stevia.
Stevia is a non-nutritive sweetener, which means it has no or few calories in extract form. Stevia is a food additive that provides the same flavor impact as sugar, but contains less food energy.
Many people choose to use sweeteners like Stevia instead of high-calorie sugars. However, research has conclusively demonstrated that sugar substitutes like Stevia induce weight gain, brain tumors, bowel cancer, and a variety of other health problems (R.Tandel, 2011).
Stevia can be an effective tool, but should only be consumed in moderation because it’s long term negative effects outweigh the short term positive effects,
Uses of Stevia
Here are the main uses of Stevia:
Weight Loss Tool
Some people choose to decrease their meal energy consumption by substituting low or no daily nutrition sweeteners instead high energy sweeteners such as sugar or corn syrup. This allows individuals to consume the same meals they would typically eat while losing weight and avoiding other issues linked with high-calorie consumption.
Keto-friendly Sweetener
Zero-calorie stevia is derived from an herb known as stevia glycosides that does not contain any calories (Vandana, 2017). No carbs means Stevia is keto-friendly. Stevia can technically be consumed on a carnivore or keto diet as it would never kick you out of ketosis. It’s therefore an option to eat sweet foods but not reduce insulin levels and or raise blood sugar levels.
Sweetener for Diabetics
As Stevia contains zero calories and carbohydrates, it does not affect insulin and blood sugar levels. It’s therefore a game-changer for people who are struggling with sugar or diabetes. The use of stevia can help diabetics enjoy sweet food items while keeping the level of blood sugars in the proper range.
Promotes better oral health (i.e., reduction of plaque levels)
Supports healthy blood pressure
Offers anti-oxidant properties
Reduced inflammation
Manage blood sugar levels
While these benefits have been observed, they also contradict the goals of the carnivore diet, which is to eliminate any potentially harmful plant foods.
Should You Eat Stevia on the Carnivore Diet?
Although Stevia is not a carnivore food, for people starting the carnivore diet who miss the taste of sweet food but don’t want to eat sugar and get kicked out of ketosis, Stevia can be a good transition food because it’s:
Sugar-free
Low-carb
Low Glycemic
However, while Stevia can be used as an effective dieting tool, it’s not a true carnivore food and any initial health benefits will not be as effective as consuming a true meat only carnivore diet.
References:
R.Tandel, K. (2011). Sugar substitutes: Health controversy over perceived benefits. National Library of Medicine.
Vandana, K. (2017). Effectiveness of Stevia as a Mouthrinse among 12-15-Year-Old Schoolchildren. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology.
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