Monk Fruit: A Nature’s Sweetener

Monk fruit, or lo han guo, is a small green melon native to southern China. The health benefits of the fruit have been well-known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for decades.

 Health benefits of monk fruit:

1. Safe for diabetes

Monk fruit gets its sweetness from natural compounds called mogrosides, which are also powerful antioxidants.

It is generally safe to sweeten foods and drinks using monk fruit for those with diabetes and anyone who wants to limit dietary sugar because it does not increase blood sugars. 

According to research studies, monk fruit may improve insulin response and does not affect blood sugar levels the way natural sugars do. This means it can provide the sweet flavor without the damaging side effects.

The fruit had been used as an antidiabetic by the Chinese for centuries. As a sweetener with a low glycemic index, it is also antihyperglycemic (which helps bring down the blood glucose levels in the body).

2. Promotes weight loss

Monk fruit has no calories, carbs, or fat. 

3. Anti-inflammatory properties

The fruit’s mogrosides are said to be anti-inflammatory, and may help prevent cancer. It has long been regarded as the “longevity fruit”.

There is evidence suggesting that the seeds and extract taken from this fruit have anti-carcinogenic effects. Monk fruit extract has displayed an ability to inhibit skin and breast tumor growth and to provide proteins that have anticancer abilities.

Throughout history, it was used medicinally as an expectorant, cough remedy, treatment for constipation and as a remedy for clearing heat/fevers from the body. Monk fruit has been used in TCM to make hot drinks that relieve sore throats and reduce phlegm.