Story and photos by Dr. Michael Lim The Travelling Gourmet TM

Copyright all rights reserved

The indomitable and irrepressible Travelling Gourmet TM sheds light on the…

MAGICAL Monk fruit. Named after the monks who first cultivated it, this fruit is also called Lo Han Guo in chinese. Itis a small, cute dark olive green round fruit that originally hails from southern China. Although Traditional Chinese Medicine  practitioners have used it for centuries, manufacturers have more recently focused on its potential as a sweetener. TCM practitioners use it to treat coughs and sore throats and believe me, it works wonders! Simply cut in half and boil it up with water to make a healing tasty drink.

Companies make the zero-calorie, carbohydrate-free sweetener from the dried fruit. It is around 250 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar but does not affect blood glucose levels.

Monk fruit is rich in compounds called Mogrosides which give the fruit its extreme sweetness.

The US FDA recognizes monk fruit as safe for all consumers, including pregnant people, and children, and has permitted its use in foods and beverages.

The magical Monk Fruit…

May promote weight loss

Because monk fruit contains no Calories, no carbohydrates and no fat so people who want to lose weight may find monk fruit a useful addition to their diet.

A person who uses sugar can reduce their calorie intake by substituting monk fruit sweeteners where they would typically use sugar. For example, in their morning coffee, or with breakfast oats. People can also create low-calorie treats and desserts by using monk fruit sweeteners.

Safe for people with diabetes

Monk fruit does not affect blood sugar levels meaning it is a safe choice for people with diabetes.

However, consumers should understand product labeling to make sure their choices do not also contain sugar or other ingredients that can affect insulin sensitivity.

Anti-inflammatory properties

The Mogrosides in monk fruit have antioxidant properties which protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. The damage is a primary source of inflammation, meaning that monk fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties.

May have Anti Cancer properties

Limited research suggests that monk fruit may have anticancer properties.

A 2016 study found that monk fruit extract could suppress colorectal cancer and throat cancer growth. The authors suggested that monk fruit as a dietary supplement may have benefits beyond standard medications.

The antioxidant effects of mogrosides also reduce DNA damage by free radicals, which scientists associate with cancer growth.

May fight infections

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. If someone has an infection caused by germs that resist standard antibiotics, doctors may find them challenging to treat. The overuse of antibiotics is a contributing factor to these infections.

Studies show that monk fruit may have antibiotic properties.

Studies also suggest that monk fruit can fight candida. This yeast can cause painful oral thrush and affect other parts of the body, such as the digestive system.

The Travelling Gourmet TM says :

Keep calm and enjoy Monk Fruit! Stay healthy!