The Health Benefits of Monk Fruit Sweetener
When it comes to cutting sugar from your diet, monk fruit sweetener is a popular choice due to its unique benefits. One of the main advantages of monk fruit sweetener is its zero-calorie content, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
But is monk fruit sweetener actually healthy? Let’s dive into what you need to know about this natural sweetener.
What Exactly is Monk Fruit?
Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo, is a fruit native to South Asia. It is commonly used as a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it has minimal to no calories, carbs, or sugar. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with diabetes, those following a ketogenic diet, or anyone looking to cut back on sugar consumption.
The Top 3 Health Benefits of Monk Fruit
1. Zero Calories
Monk fruit sweetener is calorie-free, making it a smart choice for individuals looking to reduce their daily calorie intake. By using monk fruit sweetener as a sugar substitute, you can enjoy sweet foods without the added calories.
Added sugar is a common source of hidden calories in many diets, which can contribute to various health issues over time. Opting for monk fruit sweetener can help you manage your weight and improve your overall health.
2. Keto-Friendly
Since monk fruit sweetener contains zero carbs and sugars, it is suitable for individuals following a ketogenic diet. The absence of carbs in monk fruit sweetener allows keto eaters to enjoy sweetened foods without compromising their dietary goals.
“Monk fruit as a sweetener is sold as an extract, which does not contain fructose or glucose,” explains Sofia Norton, RD. This makes it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb diet.
3. Sweeter Than Sugar
Monk fruit sweetener is incredibly sweet, ranging from 100 to 250 times sweeter than granulated sugar. This means you can achieve the same level of sweetness with a much smaller amount of monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, monk fruit sweetener has minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for maintaining healthy glucose levels.
Other Keto-Friendly Sweeteners
While monk fruit sweetener is a popular choice for keto diets, there are other carb-free sweeteners that are also keto-friendly:
- Stevia: A natural sweetener derived from the stevia rebaudiana plant with minimal calories and carbs.
- Sugar alcohols: Options like erythritol and xylitol are non-caloric but may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals.
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener with zero calories, commercially known as Splenda.
Where to Purchase Monk Fruit Sweetener
If you’re interested in trying monk fruit sweetener, you can find it at select health food stores like Whole Foods or online. Here are a few options to consider:
- Julian Bakery Pure Monk
- Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener
- Monk Drops – 100% Monkfruit Liquid Sweetener
- Monkfruit In The Raw Packets