Monk Fruit: A Healthy Alternative to Sugar

In the world of natural sweeteners, one fruit stands out for its remarkable sweetness without the drawbacks of sugar: the monk fruit. Also known as luo han guo, this small, green gourd-like fruit has been treasured in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, not just for its sweet taste, but also for its medicinal properties.

What is Monk Fruit?

Monk fruit, scientifically named Siraitia grosvenorii, is a perennial vine native to southern China and northern Thailand. It belongs to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, and is revered for its intensely sweet flavour, which comes from natural compounds called mogrosides. Unlike sugar monk fruit extract contains zero calories and does not spike blood sugar levels, making it an excellent option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and those monitoring their blood sugar levels. It is keto-friendly and paleo-friendly.

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, monk fruit has been used for its cooling properties and to treat various ailments, including sore throat, cough, and digestive issues. Its sweet taste also earned it a place in Chinese culinary traditions, where it was used to sweeten teas, soups, and medicinal concoctions.

1. Cooling Properties: Monk fruit is considered to have cooling properties in TCM, making it beneficial for reducing heat and inflammation in the body. It is often used to alleviate symptoms of heat-related conditions such as sore throat, fever, and heatstroke.
2. Moisturising Lung Qi: Monk fruit is believed to moisten the lung qi, which is essential for respiratory health. It is commonly used to relieve coughs, soothe irritated throats, and promote lung health, particularly during dry or hot weather conditions.
3. Supports Digestive Health: In TCM, monk fruit is thought to have digestive benefits, particularly for promoting healthy bowel movements and relieving constipation. It is believed to lubricate the intestines and encourage the smooth flow of qi (energy) in the digestive system.
4. Regulates Blood Sugar: Monk fruit is traditionally used to help regulate blood sugar levels. It is believed to have a gentle balancing effect on blood sugar, making it suitable for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels naturally.
5. Promotes Heart Health: Some traditional uses of monk fruit in TCM include promoting cardiovascular health. It is believed to help regulate blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
6. Soothes Throat and Respiratory Issues: Monk fruit is often used in herbal remedies for respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. Its cooling and moisturising properties are thought to help soothe throat irritation and support respiratory function.
7. Detoxification: Monk fruit is sometimes included in TCM formulas designed to support detoxification and cleanse the body of toxins. It is believed to help eliminate heat and toxins from the body, promoting overall health and well-being.
8. Anti-Inflammatory: Due to its cooling nature, monk fruit is also used to reduce inflammation in the body. It may help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and skin rashes.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR TWO MONK FRUIT PRODUCTS

We offer two monk fruit products, each catering to different preferences. Whether you seek a dependable low-calorie sweetener or desire additional health benefits, we have options for you.

Organic Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit)

Luo Han Guo contains mogrosides with a zero glycemic index, providing sweetness without adding calories, making it suitable for diabetics. The sweetness stems from mogrosides, constituting approximately 1% of the fruit by weight.

Our Luo Han Guo 80% extract is obtained through water extraction without the use of organic solvents or resins. It contains no fillers or preservatives, ensuring pure monk fruit extract. With a consistent extraction of mogrosides, it serves as a reliable sweetener.

1 teaspoon of this monk fruit is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.

Luo Han Guo (Monk Fruit) 10:1 Extract

Standardised extracts maintain an extract ratio determined by the concentration of active compounds in the original herb compared to the final extract. A 10:1 extract ratio means the extract contains ten times the unique active compound found in dried monk fruit. This option preserves the natural composition of the fruit, though taste and sweetness may vary between batches, potentially exhibiting a more herbal aftertaste.

1 tablespoon of this monk fruit is equivalent to 1 cup of sugar.

Raw vegan Three Colour Ice Cream Pops Recipe

1 cup cashews, soaked rinsed and drained 

1 cup coconut yoghurt

1/4 cup Brazil nut milk 

3/4 – 1 tbs monk fruit 10:1

3 tbs Lucuma powder

2 tbs hemp Protein powder

Blend all the ingredients together and split the mixture into three portions.

Colour one with turmeric, another with Blue spirulina and leave the third portion as it is.

Swirl the mixture and pour into ice cream popsicle moulds.

Freeze and when ready dip them in melted chocolate. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.

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