Monk Fruit: Your No-Sugar Sweet Alternative
Big sugar means big business. How big? The Canadian sugar industry reaps in a whopping 1.4 tonnes of refined sugar annually in just 4 provinces, amounting to approximately $1.75 billion (with a B) in 2023 alone. (1) But what is the real cost? Could sugar be robbing us more than just our time and money? What price is your health worth? And what if you could find a healthy, sweet, no-sugar alternative? Read on to see how can have your cake and eat it too - guilt free!
A Monk Tradition
This super sweet treat is obtained from a fruit from the gourd family native to Southern China where Buddhist monks would harvest it dating as far back as the 13th century. Luo Han Guo ("longevity fruit") has long been known as a natural sweetener up to 250x sweeter than sugar, but retaining only 5% of the calories of sucrose. (2) With traditional use as a lung tonic, it can assist with cough, sore throat, phlegm build-up, heat strokes, fevers, and inflammation. (3) The mind can finally be at ease as this naturally sweet beverage is drunk with bliss and a sigh of pleasure as you take in the complex toffee meets date meets maple-like flavors.
Glycemic Index List:
- Blackstrap Molasses - 55 GI
- Maple Syrup - 54 GI
- Raw Honey - 35-48 GI
- Coconut Sugar - 35 GI
- Coconut Blossom Syrup - 35 GI
- Date Sugar - 30-50 GI
- Agave - 10-19 - GI
- Xylitol - 7-11 GI
- Lucuma Fruit Powder - 5 GI
- Yacon Root Syrup - 1-5 GI
- Stevia Leaf - 0 GI
- Monk Fruit Sweetener - 0 GI
Though historically utilized, one of the reasons why Monk fruit has come into such popularity in recent years is due to its non-glycemic and non-caloric effects upon the user. Although containing minute amounts of glucose and fructose, its sweetness comes primarily from triterpene glycosides known as the Mogrosides. Studies have actually found a sweet revelation - these compounds have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. (4) What's more, further research expanded its benefits to even weight loss! "We found that compared with the negative control, [monk fruit] reduced body and liver weight". (5) Double win! And unlike its non-glycemic counterpart, stevia, there is no after taste, plus no side effects for all stages of life!
Other Side Benefits
Monk fruit has come under the magnifying glass lately and surprisingly shown up as a powerful tool in combating disease. For instance, a comparative study found that monk extract inhibited the release of histamine thus helping prevent allergic reaction and bringing natural relief. (6) Research revealed that it can also serve as an anti-fatigue agent in the body in a dose-dependent manner. (7) It can even serve as an effective antimicrobial against leading infections such Candida and Strep! (8) Sweet deal!
Paradise Fields Farm Store is now introducing a one-ingredient (no-erythritol) pure liquid Monk Fruit extract. Add it today guilt-free to your favorite beverages and baked goods:
If you wish to reach out to us, call us at (289) 522-0202 or drop an email at hello@paradisefields.ca.
Blog By: Yafet Tegene
Sources:
1 - https://sugar.ca/international-trade/canadian-sugar-market/value-of-sugar-to-the-canadian-economy
2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27821754/
3 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1756464609000048
4 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3854338/
5 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6222773/
6 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15684476/
7 - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3813191/
8 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20183321/