Sweet Solutions: Natural Sugar Alternatives for Healthier Living

Lau Racciatti

6. Monk Fruit: The Ancient Sweetener

Lo Han Guo, Monk or Buddha fruit in white background. Photo Credit: Envato @ThamKC

Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a small green melon native to southern China. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties. Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener that is calorie-free and significantly sweeter than sugar, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. The sweetness of monk fruit comes from mogrosides, compounds that do not affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, monk fruit has antioxidant properties that may offer health benefits. However, monk fruit sweeteners can be more expensive than other alternatives and may sometimes be mixed with other sweeteners or fillers. Despite these considerations, monk fruit remains a popular choice for sweetening beverages, desserts, and sauces.

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6. Monk Fruit: The Ancient Sweetener

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