Swingle or luo han guo are other names for monk fruit. The fruit got its name since it was initially cultivated by Buddhist monks in the 13th century. It grows on a vine and resembles a little gourd. It is indigenous to Southeast Asia, including Thailand and parts of China. The health benefits of monk fruit are numerous. Dried monk fruit was traditionally used in herbal treatments. It is most widely used nowadays as a natural sweetener. It is a fantastic option for those who want to minimise their intake of refined sugar, as it is 250 times sweeter than sugar and has no impact on blood glucose levels. Mogrosides, which are highly sweet, are found in the fruit's extract.
How to eat monk fruit?
Monk fruit is ideal as a sugar substitute in various dishes and beverages, such as tea and coffee, lemonade, smoothies, fruit juice, sauces and salad dressings, ice cream and overnight soaked oats, frozen yoghurt porridge, and desserts like mousse and icing. The plucked ripe or raw monk fruit only lasts a relatively brief time in storage. So, one must consume it shortly after purchasing it. Meanwhile, dried fruit or monk fruit tea can be found in Asian grocery stores or TCM vendors.
In baked foods that require sugar for texture and structure, monk fruit sweeteners are typically not suitable as sugar substitutes. Potentially useful as a sweetener is monk fruit. Monk fruit sweetener is more expensive than alternatives because it is difficult to farm and costly to manufacture, according to producers.
Monk fruit made as a drink, Image Source: vecteezy.com
Who can eat monk fruit?
One frequently asked question is, "Who can eat monk fruit?". An emphasis on portion control and consuming various nutrient-rich meals and beverages characterises a healthy eating pattern. Such eating habits do not require monk fruit sweeteners. However, they are a safe choice for those who want to reduce calories from added sugars without sacrificing sweetness. While it is a natural sweetener, persons with diabetes can incorporate it into their diet because it doesn't interfere with or creates negative effects on blood sugar levels.
When to avoid monk fruit?
There is a chance of developing an allergy to everything you eat, even though adverse reactions to monk fruit are uncommon. The family of gourds known as Curcurbitaceae, which also contains pumpkin, squash, cucumbers, and melons, includes monk fruit. If you are allergic to other gourds, your likelihood of developing a monk fruit allergy increase. Hives or rash, breathing problems, a quick or weak pulse, dizziness, a swollen tongue, nausea or vomiting, and wheezing are all indications of an allergic reaction.