Oct 16, 2024
Monk fruit sweetener: Is it a safe sugar alternative?
Siddhartha JanaMonk fruit sweetener is a natural sugar substitute, extracted from a small green melon originating in China, and is 150-250 times sweeter than sugar due to mogrosides.
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The FDA considers monk fruit sweeteners safe, classifying them as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), and only small amounts are needed due to their sweetness.
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While generally safe, individual responses to monk fruit sweeteners may vary, especially in people with underlying allergies or digestive discomfort.
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Monk fruit sweetener is still relatively new, and long-term studies on its effects, particularly in children and pregnant women, are limited.
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Monk fruit sweeteners are not fermentable and are less likely to cause gastrointestinal disturbances compared to sugar alcohols like erythritol.
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Erythritol, often paired with monk fruit for sugar-like sweetness, has been linked to heart disease when overconsumed, so it's recommended to choose monk fruit sweeteners without erythritol.
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Long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners, including monk fruit, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, according to some experts.
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Holistic dietitians recommend using natural sweeteners like fruits, date syrup, or plain monk fruit extract over commercially made alternatives for better health.
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