If you’re looking to reduce sugar from your diet for any reason, whether it’s blood sugar management, weight loss, or a ketogenic diet, there are a growing number of sugar alternatives to choose from. Monk fruit sweetener stands out among the most popular choices for one benefit in particular.
“Monkfruit sweetener has zero calories, which means you can use it in place of sugar to reduce your daily calorie intake,” says registered dietitian Sophia Norton.
But is monk fruit sweetener good for your health? Here’s what you need to know:
What is monk fruit?
Monk fruit, also known as Luo Hanguo, is a South Asian fruit that is usually identified on labels as monk fruit extract or monk fruit juice. Its extract is used as a non-nutritive sweetener and contains little to no calories, carbohydrates, or sugar, making it a good option for people with diabetes, followers of the keto diet, or those looking to cut down on sugar. I am. intake.
3 health benefits of monk fruit
1. Zero calories
For those looking to reduce their caloric intake, monk fruit sweetener contains no calories and can help reduce sweeteners that may be consumed in the form of added sugar.
Added sugar is a pervasive and sneaky source of calories that is increasingly permeating the American diet. This can cause health problems over time.
So, if weight loss and improving your overall health are one of your goals, sweetening your foods with monk fruit extract instead of sugar can help you eat them without adding calories or sugar. You may be able to enjoy the foods you want.
2. Keto friendly
Monk fruit sweetener contains no carbohydrates or sugar, so if you’re on a ketogenic diet, which restricts carbohydrates to put your body into ketosis (a metabolic state in which your body uses fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel) Suitable for people.
“Monk fruit contains no carbohydrates,” says Norton. “The fruit itself contains fructose and glucose. However, monk fruit as a sweetener is sold as an extract that does not contain fructose or glucose.” Even people with diabetes can enjoy sweet foods without consuming excess sugar.
3. Exponentially sweeter than sugar
Monk fruit sweetener is 100 to 250 times sweeter than granulated sugar, achieving the same sweetness in a fraction of the volume. It also has little effect on blood sugar levels, so it can be used to maintain healthy serum glucose.
Is monk fruit the only keto sweetener?
All non-carbohydrate sweeteners are considered keto. Other options are:
Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant and has nearly zero calories and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate per gram. Sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol are fermented from raw materials such as wheat, cornstarch, and wood sugar. Although it has no calories, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people. Sucralose is a non-caloric artificial sweetener made from sugar, but after processing it has zero calories. Commercially known as Splenda.
Where to buy monk fruit
Despite its growing popularity, monk fruit is still considered a bit of a specialty. Monk fruit can be found at health food stores such as Whole Foods and online. There are some options below.
Pure Monk by Julian Bakery on Amazon. Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener on Amazon. Monk Drops – 100% Monk Fruit Liquid Sweetener on Amazon. Monk fruit in raw packets, raw.
