What is monk fruit sweetener and why is it a far healthier alternative to sugar?
As we become increasingly aware of the health dangers associated with eating sugar, finding healthier alternatives is imperative. Monk fruit is one of the least known about but best alternatives available. This is why we have used it in our new GOOD Sauce tomato Ketchup for a touch of natural sweetness. But what exactly is this mystery fruit?
Monk fruit is a small round fruit native to southern China. It has been safely used for centuries as a cold and digestive aid. The sweetener is created by removing the seeds and skin and then crushing the flesh and collecting the juices which is then dried into a powder. It’s flavour doesn’t come from the natural sugars like most fruits but rather from the powerful antioxidants called mogrosides. These are metabolised differently in the human body than natural sugars, having no calories and no effect on your blood sugar levels.
Below are some of the health benefits of monk fruit.
Reduces your risk of diabetes and obesity
Sugar is one of the key drivers of the obesity epidemic facing Australians today. Whilst many people turn to artificial sweeteners thinking these are a healthier alternative, they can be just as damaging if not more. Monk fruit enables you to get the sweetness, 150-200 times more than sugar in fact, without the damaging effects on blood sugar levels that cause weight gain and obesity. This also makes it a useful sweetener for those following a ketogenic diet.
Fights free radicals
Oxidative stress is what triggers inflammation and disease. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants is important to offset this oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that the mogrosides in monk fruit significantly inhibit the free radicals from forming and thus help reduce inflammation in the body.
Promotes longevity
In areas where the monk fruit is abundant, there is a high number of centenarians per capita. The antioxidants in the fruit have a positive effect on the aging process. As we age, we experience stress and inflammation in our internal environment, causing the rapid breakdown of tissues and the degeneration of our bodies. The antioxidants in monk fruit control inflammation supporting the longevity of our cells.
Acts as a natural anti-histamine
Allergies are caused by an over-production of histamines, which produce symptoms like itchy eyes, a runny nose and excess sneezing to remove foreign invaders from the body. Repeated use of monk fruit has been shown to reduce allergic reactions through inhibiting histamines released and thus preventing the associated symptoms.
Immune boosting
Monk fruit contains high levels of vitamin C which plays a key role in our immune health. Vitamin C is able to boost the immune system and fight common bacterial and viral illnesses. Vitamin C is also essential for producing collagen, which is used to make new healthy tissues, cells, blood vessels and muscles.