Less can be more with this incredible option.
Sugar is loved worldwide and it’s no secret that many of us have a sweet tooth. Unless you have diabetes or are hyperactive, it’s safe to assume that you have a liking for sugar. Sadly, sugar isn’t the healthiest option out there. It can lead to dental issues, heart problems, and several other unwanted conditions. Completely eliminating sugar from our diets isn’t always practical, which is why experts are constantly searching for alternative sweeteners. Corn syrup and aspartame aren’t good for us, and stevia doesn’t appeal to everyone’s taste buds. So, have you considered giving monk fruit a chance?
Monk fruit sweetener is a concentrated extract from monk fruit, originating in southern China. Resembling a mixture of a melon and coconut, monk fruit is naturally incredibly sweet, which is similarly true for its sweetener counterpart. According to the USDA, monk fruit sweetener is 150 to 250 times sweeter than regular sugar. Just imagine the level of sweetness it could bring to your favorite treats! As Winston Zeddemore famously said, “that’s a big Twinkie.” Despite its intense sweetness, monk fruit sweetener is virtually calorie-free. One single packet contains no calories, carbs, or sugar. It’s essentially pure sweetness without any additional nutrients.
The FDA granted approval for monk fruit sweetener in 2010, and you can usually find it in the specialty or international food aisles of most grocery stores. There have been no reported side effects associated with its consumption; it’s just a source of sweet, flavorful satisfaction. However, that doesn’t mean you should indulge in it excessively, nor would you want to. If you were to consume monk fruit sweetener on its own in the same manner as a Pixie Stick, the intense sweetness could potentially harm your mouth. When adding monk fruit sweetener to a beverage, use approximately one-third of the amount you would use for sugar. For baking, consider using about half the quantity. By using it in moderation, monk fruit sweetener can serve as a wonderful alternative to traditional sugar.
