Monk fruit (Momodica grosvenori) also known as Luo Han Guo, is a member of the gourd (Cucurbitaceae) plant family. It has been a favourite and traditional herb in its native places, Thailand and Southeast China.
Monk fruit contains mogrosides, a set of antioxidants that are 300 times sweeter than sugar, making it the best alternative to sugar.
Monk fruit has been recognised and used as a sweetener since the late 20th century. The extract from this fruit is used to make monk fruit extract. It is a low-calorie sweetener with health benefits that traditional sugar or other sweeteners do not offer.
So if you want to enjoy sweet treats without dealing with potential health issues or worsening any ongoing health issues, switch out traditional white sugar with sweetener made from monk fruit extract. This is why it is the healthiest option in place of another sweetener, be it artificial or natural.
8 Health benefits of Eating Monk Fruit
1. Low Calorie
Monk fruit and monk fruit sweetener have been proven to aid in weight loss. Monk fruit not only has a lower calorie count than sugar but also other sweeteners as well. To be precise, it has zero calories and carbs. It is a highly effective remedy for people struggling with obesity as it decreases caloric intake while satiating the sweet cravings.
2. Anti Inflammatory
The antioxidant properties of monk fruit make it a godsend for those dealing with chronic inflammation. In ancient China, the tea made from boiling this fruit was used to cure all sorts of body ailments, such as heat stroke, sore throat, and fever. With its mogroside compounds, it is a safe alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs.
3. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Pretty incredible right? The seeds and extracts contain antioxidants that have anticarcinogenic effects. What does that mean? It means it stops the growth of cancer cells, mainly skin cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia.
4. Prevents Diabetes
Monk fruit does not increase the levels of glucose in the blood while spiking insulin sensitivity. It is non-glycemic and has no carbohydrates. This means it can help improve metabolism for both healthy people and those with diabetes.
5. Fights Fatigue
You must be wondering how a fruit that has no calories and no carbohydrates in it provides energy to the human body. Monk fruit is nicknamed the “longevity fruit” for this very reason. Regular consumption of this fruit has been proven to fight fatigue and promote energy levels in people of all ages.
6. Fights Infections
Antimicrobial agents are proven to be the best when it comes to fighting off infections. Well, guess which fruit falls under this category? The one right here!
Anyone suffering from gum diseases would be happy to know that monk fruit not only tastes great but also rids the body of certain bacteria, specifically in the oral and gut regions.
7. Relieves Allergy
When your body experiences an allergic reaction, it experiences symptoms such as itching, inflammation, and coughing. These symptoms are the result of various chemicals, specifically histamine, being released by your body. Monk fruit reduces the levels of histamine released in your body and hence relieves you from allergic symptoms.
8. Side effects
You must be wondering that something with so many amazing benefits must have some drawbacks or side effects. But weirdly enough, there are no side effects of consuming monk fruit. You better believe it!
This is the most significant difference that makes monk fruit a better alternative to sugar than any other sweetener out there, be it natural or artificial. Other sweeteners contain carbohydrates, that may end up spiking your blood sugar and doing more harm than good.
Sweeteners such as dextrose, erythritol, aspartame, are calorie-free sugar alcohol, which have side effects such as oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, cellular function deregulation, and disruption of oxidant and antioxidant balance.
Monk fruit is totally free of such side effects. A true champion among sweeteners!
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