What is Monk Fruit? The All-Natural Sweetener Explained

If you are a parent who likes to stay informed about the latest health findings or trends, then you may have heard of a magical new superfood: Monk fruit

If you are a parent who is trying to cut out sugar where it isn't necessary - this article is for you.

So what exactly is Monk Fruit?

Monk fruit is better known as “luo han guo” or “Buddha fruit” and is native to China. 

It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for years as a treatment for everything from sore throats to constipation. Oh, and did we mention it is calorie free???

This all-natural sweetener is quickly making itself into a household name as the go-to natural sweetener. The extract from Monk Fruit is about 200 times sweeter than sugar but contains no calories. You can find this in everything from ice creams, soft drinks - even in your vitamins and supplements.

Why is it so great?

Monk fruit is freakin’ awesome because it is derived naturally from a dried fruit. It is also sweeter than sugar, contains no carbs, no calories, does not raise blood glucose levels and is safe for diabetics. And as of now, there are no known side effects. Need we say more?

Monk Fruit is safe for kids, right?

Oh yes sugar warrior, Monk Fruit is safe for your little one. According to the FDA website, permitted monk fruit sweeteners are completely safe for children and teens and can be a part of their well-balanced diet. Incorporating low-calorie, sugar-free foods and beverages into your child’s diet help them avoid consuming excess calories and prevents childhood obesity. Monk fruit is a great alternative when you don’t want to use calorie-full sweeteners such as honey or agave.

What about allergies?

Monk fruit allergies are extremely rare, but there is always a risk of allergic reaction to anything you consume. Monk fruit is grouped into the “gourd family” along with pumpkin, squash, cucumbers, and melons, so you may be at a higher risk of having a monk fruit allergy if you are allergic to other gourds. Be on the alert for signs such as hives, difficulty breathing, swollen tongue, stomach pain or any other usual activity.

How else can I use Monk Fruit?

You can pretty much use Monk Fruit to sweeten anything! Try it in your coffee, salad dressing, fruit smoothies, pour it on your kids…... just kidding. It doesn’t work, trust us.

Are you trying to cut out the unnecessary sugar in your kid’s diet? Share your story with us at hello@renzosvitamins.com and check out our sugar-free vitamins for kids.