Stevia has zero calories and is 200–350 times sweeter than sugar. A meta-analysis of RCTs (Anker et al., Nutrients 2019) found no significant effect on fasting glucose or HbA1c in type 2 diabetics. A separate meta-analysis (2014, 14 RCTs) showed a modest blood pressure reduction of −3.7 mmHg systolic in hypertensive subjects.
How should I track Stevia extract?
When tracking Stevia extract, measuring by weight on a kitchen scale gives you the most precision. Volume measures vary depending on crystal size and powder density — a heaping spoonful can be double a level one. Research shows visual estimation errors reach 50–200% for calorie-dense foods (Almiron-Roig et al., Appetite 2013), and liquid sweeteners like honey are among the easiest to over-pour. For zero-calorie sweeteners, bulking agents add trace calories (2–4 per packet) — negligible in your daily total. For calorie-containing sweeteners, the scale is essential.