“Monk Fruit” For Diabetes

We know many sugar substitutes like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose or stevia, but not many people know about La Han Guo (monk fruit) .  This fruit has the name “monk fruit” because story goes that in the past, the monks in China would use this fruit as food to give energy and to practice kungfu and to keep them healthy

This is a popular fruit that is used for thousands of years in Asia and regard as the fruit of longevity.  This is a sweet fruit and is 300 sweeter than sugar with much less calories than sugar. It has hence been used as a natural and healthy sweetener in foods, and also used by diabetics as a form of sugar substitution.

Names
1) Scientific Name: Siraitia grosvenorii
2) Simplified: 罗汉果; Traditional: 羅漢果; literally “arhat fruit” (monk’s fruit)
Mandarin Pinyin: luóhàn guǒ
3) Vietnamese: la hán quả

Health Benefits & Properties
Monk fruit has been regarded as a longevity fruit for its health benefits. The fruit is touted for promoting a balanced heat built up by expelling excess heat from one’s body. It is also well known for its ability to combat chronic cough & throat inflammation as well as constipation.  It is also an excellent thirst quencher and used to alleviate the symptoms of heat stroke and thirst.  There some research has also found La Han Guo has substances that could fight cancer.  You should consult a doctor for the suitability of consuming this ingredient if you are pregnant or have a special medical history.

How to use Luo Han Guo

Fever – Luo Han Guo cut in halve put in boiling water and drink like tea.

Sore throat – ½ Luo Han Guo + 3-5 Pang Da Hai (Sterculia lychnophora Hance).  Put in hot water and drink slowly.

Constipation – 2 Luo Han Guo use the seed and meet put in boil water.  Drink like tea

Cough – Luo Han Guo put in boil water and cook until ready.  Drink twice a day

Diabetcic – can make drinks or use in cooking

There are many luo han guo products can be purchased in store.