Monkfruit, also known as Luo Han Guo or Siraitia grosvenorii, is a small, round fruit native to southern China and northern Thailand. It belongs to the gourd family and is named after the monks who first cultivated it in the 13th century.
Monkfruit is known for its intensely sweet taste, which is primarily due to natural compounds called mogrosides. These mogrosides are about 200 times sweeter than sugar but contain no calories or carbohydrates, making monkfruit a popular natural sweetener.
Unlike many other fruits, monkfruit is rarely consumed fresh due to its hard, bitter outer rind. Instead, it's typically dried and used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions like diabetes and obesity. More recently, it's been processed into a sugar substitute for use in foods and beverages.
"We at Gytree have been looking to introduce a new flavour sweetened with the zero-calorie monkfruit addition. With the launch of our chocolate flavour, we have provided with a delicious options for those who prefer monkfruit over commonly used non calorific artificial sweeteners," says Swareena Shaw, Head of Product-Growth, at Gytree.
Addition of monkfruit retains the sweetness of the protein but also gives it some other added boosts. "Monkfruit is rich in antioxidants, particularly mogrosides, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants can help protect the body against oxidative stress, which is linked to a variety of chronic diseases," says nutritionist Chahat Vasdev.
Anti cancer properties
Monkfruit has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties. Some research suggests that the mogrosides in monkfruit may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, although more research is needed in this area.
It also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. While these amounts are not significant enough to meet daily nutritional needs, they do contribute to the overall health benefits of this fruit.
Opting for monkfruit over sugar
Adding monkfruit to your protein intake instead of sugar offers several benefits. Firstly, it can help manage blood sugar levels. Unlike sugar, monkfruit doesn't spike your blood sugar, making it a great choice for people with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar levels. This is particularly beneficial for those consuming protein shakes or bars, as it allows them to enjoy a sweet taste without the associated blood sugar spike.
Nutritionists always recommend that any protein should be consumed with a non calorific sweetener - whether its 100 per cent natural or whether it is artificial zero calories sweetner.
Monkfruit has antioxidant properties
Monkfruit has antioxidant properties. The mogrosides in monkfruit have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help protect your body from damage by harmful free radicals. This can contribute to overall health and wellbeing, and may even help to prevent certain diseases. When combined in proteins like this one from Gytree, it's true powers are multiplied with the amino acids of the protein.
