Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo or swingle, contains zero calories, no carbohydrates, and no sugar, states Medical News Today. It can be an excellent alternative for those looking for sugar alternatives.
According to WebMD, its sweetness comes from unique antioxidants found in the fruit itself, known as mogrosides. It is 100 to 250 times sweeter than table sugar. So, even a tiny sprinkle delivers what you want.
According to Medical News Today, monk fruit contains low-glycemic sweeteners, which help manage the body’s glycemic levels with zero or neglible effect for diabetics.
Compounds found in monk fruit are known to protect the body by calming inflammation and fighting cell damage. They work by blocking harmful agents and supporting the safety of your genetic material, according to Healthline.
Monk fruit sweetener is tooth-friendly, as it doesn’t feed the bacteria that lead to decay. This makes it a safer option for maintaining oral health compared to regular sugar, states WebMD.
Cleveland Clinic states, 'Monk fruit is a good option for lowering sugar intake. But instead of consuming lots of zero-calorie sweeteners, focus on eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains' which have required nutrients.
Early studies indicate that mogrosides may slow down the growth of harmful cells linked to cancer, says Healthline.
You can dust it over fresh fruit to lift the flavour, stir it into your daily brew, mix it with yoghurt for a gentle touch of sweetness, or blend it into homemade dishes as a healthier stand-in for regular sugar, suggests Cleveland Clinic.