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Arhat - Monk Fruit Overview
Monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, is a fruit that has various aliases. Some refer to it as the monk fruit, while others call it the monk's fruit or Arhat fruit. It's often used to make tea that can soothe throat issues. The fruit resembles a melon in shape but is smaller in size.
Originating from Southern China, it is named after the first monk who cultivated this fruit. Luo Han Guo extract is 150-250 times sweeter than regular sugar. Despite its intense sweetness, monk fruit contains no calories and carbohydrates. In other words, consuming it does not raise blood sugar levels.
According to Healthline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has deemed monk fruit safe for everyone, including pregnant women and children. However its popularity is relatively recent, and there haven't been long-term scientific studies on its consumption effects.
Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo) - Health Benefits and Considerations
Arhat fruit also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper and zinc. Vitamin C and vitamin A are antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Here are the health benefits of Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo) for our body:
1. Save for Diabetes Patients:
The sweetness of monk fruit comes from natural compounds called mogrosides. Generally, these compounds are safe for diabetes patients as they do not spike blood sugar levels. However, foods and drinks sweetened with monk fruit may contain additional sugar and other ingredients that affect carbohydrate and calorie intake or insulin sensitivity. Therefore, it's essential to check sugar and calorie content before consuming products sweetened with monk fruit.
2. Aids in Weight Loss:
Another benefit of monk fruit is its potential to aid in weight loss. Since monk fruit contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fat, it can be a good choice for those trying to lose weight. By replacing regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener throughout the day, you can significantly reduce calorie and carbohydrate intake. Once again, ensure that the monk fruit products do not contain added sugar.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Monk fruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to make throat-soothing drinks and reduce phlegm. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help prevent cancer and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
4. Allergy Relief:
Another noteworthy benefit of monk fruit is its ability to alleviate allergies. Monk fruit extract has been shown to inhibit the activity of allergy-triggering cells and reduce histamine levels. Therefore, it can help manage and relieve allergies, including asthma reactions.
5. Boosts Immunity:
The high vitamin C content in monk fruit can boost the body's immunity. This is another excellent health benefit of monk fruit. According to Nutrients journal, vitamin C contributes to supporting various bodily functions, maintaining both innate and adaptive immune systems. Additionally, consuming monk fruit is associated with preventing viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus.
6. Cancer Prevention:
Monk fruit contains anti-carcinogenic properties that can inhibit the growth of skin and breast tumors. It also possesses antioxidants that can inhibit cancer cells, including leukemia and colorectal cancer.
7. Combats Free Radicals:
The antioxidants in monk fruit can protect the body from tissue damage caused by free radicals. Its anti-inflammatory properties are highly effective in preventing various diseases like cancer, joint inflammation, and digestive issues.
8. Fights Gut Infections:
Gut infections, characterized by inflammation, can occur in the small or large intestines, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Monk fruit can help combat these infections as it contains natural microbes that inhibit harmful bacteria, thereby maintaining the balance of gut bacteria and preventing gut infections.
9. Cholesterol Management:
High cholesterol levels can have adverse effects on health. One way to lower high cholesterol levels is by consuming monk fruit. The mogrosides in monk fruit can protect cholesterol from accumulating in the body. Additionally, it can increase good HDL cholesterol.
10. Improves Sleep Quality:
Excessive artificial sugar consumption can disrupt blood flow, affecting hormonal balance. Using monk fruit as a natural sweetener can help ensure hormonal balance, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced depression.
11. Lung Health:
Lung health is crucial for overall well-being. Monk fruit consumption can promote lung health by reducing inflammation, aiding proper respiration, and extracting oxygen effectively.
12. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:
Unlike sugar, which depletes vitamins and minerals in the body, monk fruit contains mogrosides I-V, which help control diabetes and inflammation. The vitamin C in monk fruit stimulates the production of white blood cells, enhancing overall immunity.
Arhat fruit has very low calories, namely only 32 kcal per 100 grams. This fruit also does not contain sugar, making it suitable for consumption by people who are on a diet or suffer from diabetes.
Arhat fruit is rich in fiber, namely 2.4 grams per 100 grams. Fiber can help maintain digestive health and lower cholesterol.
Additional information on the nutritional benefits of Arhat fruit (Monk Fruits)
Arhat fruit is rich in fiber, namely 2.4 grams per 100 grams. Fiber can help maintain digestive health and lower cholesterol.
- Potassium is an important mineral that plays a role in maintaining blood pressure.
- Calcium and phosphorus are important minerals that play a role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
- Magnesium is an important mineral that plays a role in energy metabolism and nerve function.
- Manganese is an important mineral that plays a role in energy production and brain function.
- Phosphorus is an important mineral that plays a role in energy metabolism and muscle function.
- Copper is an important mineral that plays a role in red blood cell production and nerve function.
- Zinc is an important mineral that plays a role in the immune system and reproductive function.
Exception: Effects Consumption Of Arhat or Monk Fruits
Monk fruit (Luo Han Guo or Arhat fruit) is generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some situations in which someone should exercise caution or avoid consuming this fruit:
1. Allergies:
If someone has allergies to specific fruits or natural sugars found in monk fruit, they should avoid it.
2. Diabetes:
Monk fruit contains mogrosides, which have the potential to control blood sugar levels. However, individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor before consuming it, as it can impact blood sugar levels and require adjustments in diabetes management.
3. Side Effects:
Although rare, some individuals may experience side effects such as diarrhea or digestive issues after consuming monk fruit in large quantities. Therefore, it's important not to consume it excessively.
4. Drug Interactions:
There is a possibility of interactions between monk fruit and certain medications. If someone is taking specific medications, they should consult with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure there are no harmful interactions.
It's important to remember that monk fruit is a healthier natural sweetener alternative to regular sugar. However, like any other food or beverage, it's crucial to consume it in moderation and according to individual needs and health conditions. If you have specific questions about consuming monk fruit, it's advisable to consult a medical professional or nutritionist.
Nutrients Contained in Arhat (Monk Fruit)
The following are all the nutrients contained in Arhat fruit (Monk Fruit) along with the amount of nutrients per 100 grams:
- Energy : 32 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 7.1 grams
- Sugar: 0.0 gram
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Fat: 0.0 gram
- Vitamin C: 1.5 mg
- Vitamin A: 27 IU
- Potassium: 145 mg
- Calcium: 12 mg
- Magnesium: 12 mg
- Manganese: 0.2 mg
- Phosphorus: 25 mg
- Copper: 0.03 mg
- Zinc: 0.1 mg
