Monk fruit is a small round fruit that grows in South Asia and was used in traditional Chinese medicine to make tea to soothe a sore throat and reduce phlegm.
It was so sweet that later it was used as a sugar substitute.
The fruit is named after the Chinese monks (Monks) who cultivated it, it contains natural sugar and its sweet taste does not come from sugar but from special compounds called mogrosides, which are unique antioxidants.
Thats why Monk fruit powder contains no sugar at all.
The FDA has approved monk fruit as the safest sweetener available and it is allowed for use by everyone, including pregnant women and children.
Its calorie free, has a neutral taste and is suitable for sweetening, cooking and baking.
In addition it has health benefits.
Here are some reasons to prefer monk fruit over other sweeteners:
- Delays aging
Mogrosides inhibit free radical activity harmful molecules to cells that can damage DNA. - Good for diabetics
Antioxidants in the fruit help lower blood glucose and balance insulin levels, benefiting diabetics without raising blood sugar. - Anti inflammatory
Mogrosides fight inflammation and may help with arthritis, gut inflammation, throat inflammation and other inflammatory processes.
Drinking monk fruit sweetened beverages can reduce phlegm and soothe a sore throat. - Beneficial for the heart
Antioxidants prevent cholesterol oxidation and raise good cholesterol (HDL), helping prevent heart attacks and heart failure. - Eases allergies
Mogrosides inhibit histamine production, chemicals released during allergic reactions that cause unpleasant symptoms. - Boosts the immune system
Mogrosides are antibacterial and anti inflammatory, balance gut flora and support a strong immune system while preventing related diseases. - Anti-cancer
Mogrosides fight free radicals that may cause cancerous mutations. - For sweetening, cooking and baking
Monk fruit is sold as an organic powder in health stores and is recommended to be used in its pure form rather than mixed with other sweeteners.
Thick Vanilla Shake (2 servings)
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (cashew, almond, oat, coconut)
1/4 cup melted cocoa butter
2 ts chia seeds
1/3 ts vanilla beans
1/4 ts monk fruit powder
1 ts maca powder
1 heaping tbs almond butter
1/2 cup ice cubes
Blend all ingredients until smooth, pour into a glass, and drink.
Halva Truffles with Monk Fruit (10 units)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/3 teaspoon monk fruit powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup raw tahini
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon quality honey or natural maple syrup
For coating: coconut flakes, coconut flour, toasted sesame
Mix flour, monk fruit powder, and salt.
Add tahini, coconut oil and honey and mix until uniform.
If too sticky, add a little flour, if too dry add a little coconut oil.
Chill 15 minutes roll into walnut sized balls and coat.
Keep refrigerated for a week or freeze for a month.