What is Monk Fruit Sweetener? Why Is It So Popular?
People have started to switch to healthier food options nowadays. They are not just buying organic food but avoiding sugar consumption by choosing alternative sweeteners. One such alternative is Monk fruit.
Monk fruit sweeteners have been around for decades, but their popularity has increased recently. It’s all-natural, has zero calories but is much sweeter than sugar.
Want to know more about the monk fruit sweetener UK? Dive right into this article.
About the Monk Fruit
This sugar-alternative is extracted from the Monk Fruit. Some also call it the Buddha fruit because it’s grown in parts of Southeast Asia. This gift of nature was used for creating traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
It is created by removing the fruit’s skin and seeds and crushing the content to collect the juice. The liquid is dried and created into a concentrated powder.
This fruit is rich in glucose and fructose. Interestingly, the natural sugars are not responsible for the sweetness, it’s the antioxidants called mogrosides.
7 Benefits of Monk Fruit Sweetener
1. Safe for Diabetics
This incredible fruit’s natural sweetness is even safe for the diabetic because it does not increase blood sugar levels.
Adding this sweetener to foods and drinks does not increase the calorie count or carbs. Therefore, it’s generally healthy to consume.
2. Great for Weight Loss
The fruit does not contain carbs, calories, and fat. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to reduce weight. Plus, it is a healthier alternative to chocolate and other sweet treats.
3. Anti-Inflammatory
This fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help relieve sore throat, maintain the blood sugar level and also prevent cancer.
4. Fights Infections
The natural microbial agents inside the fruit have anti-microbial properties. They help maintain the correct balance in the gut. Since the fruit inhibits sugar overload, it also keeps the kidney healthy.
5. Great for Heart Health
The monk fruit can help lower the risk of stroke and heart attacks. It contains nutrients that prevent cholesterol oxidisation. It can also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
6. Healthy Supply of Vitamins and Minerals
The monk fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains mogrosides that control diabetes and inflammation. Vitamin C present in the fruit also helps produce white blood cells and boost immunity.
7. Improves Sleep and Reduce Depression
Artificial sugar can impair blood flow and mess up the hormonal balance. Consuming monk fruit can help reduce the hormonal balance in the body and hence improve your sleep and reduce depression.
Negatives of Monk Fruit Sweetener
Monk fruit sweetener UK sounds great, but it has some negative implications.
It is challenging to grow, harvest, and then dry the fruit. Hence it’s not widely available. It’s also pricey compared to artificial sweeteners.
Apart from the availability and the price, some people don’t like the after taste of this sweeter. It’s not highly unpleasant, but some people still aren’t keen.
The worst quality of this sweeter is it may cause an allergic reaction. If you are allergic to melons, squash, cucumbers or pumpkin, allergy risk is higher.
Monk Fruit Sweetener vs. Other Sugar alternatives
Monk fruit is not the only sugar alternative out there. Stevia and some other artificial sweeteners like sugar alcohol are available too.
You may have also tried maple syrup if you ever wanted to quit sugar. The only problem is one tablespoon of maple syrup contains 13g carbs and 50 calories. Monk fruit, on the other hand, contains zero carbs and calories.
Stevia, is similar to monk fruit. It also contains zero carbs, sugar, and calories. It comes from the stevia leaf, and it is best for making a cake and other baking items. But, Stevia can cause bloating and gas.
How to Consume Monk Fruit Sweetener?
Quit Sugar and Switch to Monk Fruit Sweetener UK
If you are looking for a low-calorie sweetener, this might be it. This sugar substitute is better than honey, agave, and maple syrup. It is also keto-friendly.
This fruit has existed for centuries, and it is the healthiest alternative out in the market. It also contains antioxidants that can fight infections, inflammation, and fatigue.
Those who are dieting and are trying to cut back on sugar but are struggling will find it extremely helpful.
Currently, no evidence proves this sweetener can affect your weight directly. However, if you replace sugary fruits and vegetables with low-calorie sweeteners, it can help with weight loss and weight management.
By quitting sugar and choosing a healthier alternative that doesn’t contain carbs and calories will boost your health.
FAQs about Monk Fruit
Check these FAQs before buying Monk Fruit Sweetener:
Is Monk Fruit a Safe Sweetener?
This sweetener is perfectly safe to consume.
The government of Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and China have labelled monk fruit sweeteners safe to use for adults, children, pregnant and nursing women, and people with diabetes. Monk fruit sweetener UK has not been deemed safe in the UK and is currently, illegal to sell.
No acceptable daily intake has been established, however.
What are the Side Effects of Monk Fruit Sweetener?
No evidence proves this sweetener can cause harmful side effects. It may cause an allergic reaction to people who are allergic to pumpkin and other fruits belonging to the Curcurbitaceae family.
Is Monk Fruit Sweetener Better Than Stevia?
Both sweeteners contain zero calories. However, monk fruit is better than stevia because of fewer side effects. Stevia is known for causing bloating, nausea, gas, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.
What is The Best Monk Fruit Sweetener to Buy?
Purisure Monk Fruit Extract is one of the best monk fruit sweeteners to buy. It is the only 100% monk fruit extract minus additives. It’s not certified, but it is grown without using herbicides and pesticides.
What is Monk Fruit?
It’s a small melon-like fruit found in Northern Thailand and Southern China. This fruit is 200 times sweetener than sugar but has no carbs or calories.
Andy
Ever since I started cooking I’ve been fascinated by how different people’s techniques are and how they best utilise the ingredients around them. Even the person living next door will have their own unique way of frying an egg or cooking a salmon fillet.
This fascination led me on a journey across the globe to discover the countless practices and traditions the world of cooking has to offer. I thought you’d enjoy and find value in sharing that journey with me so I created Cooked Best!