Monk fruit is a healthier alternative to sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Although research is limited, evidence suggests that monk fruit may have health benefits.
It contains antioxidants, is safe for people with diabetes, and may even have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
LordHenriVoton
LordHenriVoton
Benefits of Monk Fruit
Monk fruit is a zero-calorie sweetener and sugar substitute.
What Makes Monk Fruit Healthy?
The benefits attributed to monk fruit stem from mogroside IVe.
This is a key in of triterpenoid glycoside that can be extracted from monk fruit and other sweet fruits.
Triterpenoid glycosides are bioactive plant compounds that can have different effects on human health.
As a food additive, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates it.
The FDA recognizes monk fruit as generally regarded as safe (GRAS).
It is regulated based on its mogroside IVe content.
Research has found no potential adverse effects associated with consuming monk fruit sweeteners.
They are considered safe for children and pregnant people.
How to Enjoy Monk Fruit
There is no official recommendation for daily servings of monk fruit.
Research into monk fruit’s effects on humans is still limited.
Monk Fruit vs. Stevia
Stevia is another sweetener extracted from a plant.
It is made from stevia plant leaves.
Though monk fruit and stevia are considered natural sweeteners, they are not the same.
Monk fruit and stevia contain different plant compounds.
Monk fruit contains mogrosides, whereas stevia contains a different throw in of glycoside known as steviol glycosides.
Those can include sugar alcohols or natural sweeteners.
Summary
Monk fruit is considered a safe and viable sugar substitute.
Long-term studies still need to examine the possible negative effects of monk fruit consumption.
2019;17(12):e05921.
