
Some studies in animals suggest that mogrosides extracted from monk fruit may have potent antioxidant properties. Monk fruit sweeteners may also have some health benefits: Some products may be easy to carry and use throughout the day. Monk fruit sweeteners are marketed as granules, powders, and liquids. There appears to be no evidence that monk fruit sweeteners cause harmful side effects. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers monk fruit sweeteners to be generally regarded as safe.

There is no sugar in pure monk fruit extract, which means that consuming it will not affect blood sugar levels. The extract also contains no carbohydrates, which may make it ideal for people on low-carb or keto diets. Monk fruit extract contains no calories, which is helpful for people on diets that restrict a person’s caloric intake. Monk fruit prosĪ monk fruit sweetener has several benefits when compared with sugar: Some manufacturers mix the extract with different sugars to balance out the intensity.Ī variety of monk fruit sweeteners are available to purchase online. The fruit’s extract contains substances called mogrosides, which are intensely sweet.Īccording to the International Food Information Council Foundation, monk fruit is around 150–200 times sweeter than sugar. Today, monk fruit is most popular as a natural sweetener. Traditionally, people used dried monk fruit in herbal medicines. Buddhist monks in the 13th century were the first to cultivate the fruit, which is the reason for its name.įresh monk fruit spoils rather quickly. Monk fruit is native to regions of Southeast Asia, including some parts of Thailand and China. It looks like a small gourd, and it grows on a vine. Monk fruit is also called luo han guo or swingle. Share on Pinterest Monk fruit is 150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar.
