Monk Fruit and Diabetes

14 Apr.,2023

 

Monk fruit has several health benefits for everyone. However, we would start with those specific to diabetes management. Some of the benefits include:

 

Promote Body Weight Loss

Excess body weight can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. This may affect internal organs like the pancreas, thereby causing alteration to insulin production, which may be detrimental to diabetes management. Reducing the amount of sugar you consume with other weight loss measures can help you lose weight and assist you in getting that summer body you are looking to obtain. 

Monk fruit is a low-calorie sweetener devoid of carbs and fats substituting sugar with monk fruit can help you drastically reduce your calorie intake. This sweetener is a good choice for individuals looking to cut down their body weight. It contains less sugar; hence it does not raise blood sugar levels. However, you may need to cross-check that the monk fruit product you are taking doesn't contain any other added sugars or artificial alternatives. 

 

Reduce Blood Glucose Levels

Excessive consumption of sugar and carbs poses significant risks of developing diabetes. Monk fruit is an exciting alternative to sugar, which derives its sweetness from mogrosides, not sugar. Hence, replacing sugar with monk fruit may be critical in preventing blood sugar spikes.

Moreover, the main constituent of monk fruit, mogroside, has been linked to aiding in regulating blood glucose levels. Research also suggests that this compound may be effective against complications of diabetes. However, more studies may be required to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

 

Promotes Kidney Health

Poor kidney health is a significant concern in the management of diabetes. The excess blood sugar overwhelms the kidney, leading to kidney failure or diabetic nephropathy, which is common in type 1 and 2 diabetes. 

Reports suggest that monk fruit can protect the kidney against diabetic damage. It also aids in regulating lipid levels, reduces blood sugar levels, and improves liver functions. All these benefits may prove vital in maintaining proper kidney health.

 

Promote Heart Function

Cardiovascular disorders are a major diabetic complication; hence, doctors sometimes prescribe drugs to improve heart function for diabetic patients. Monk fruits may reduce the propensity to develop heart disorders. 

Mogrosides, the primary compound in monk fruit, contains antioxidant properties, which may be crucial in improving heart health. It is said to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, thereby preventing it from building up in arteries and other blood vessels.

Besides its benefits concerning the management of diabetes, there are a couple of other benefits of monk fruit to the improvement of general human health. Some of which include: 

 

Anti-Inflammation

For centuries, monk fruit extract has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sore throat and enlarged phlegm. Studies suggest that mogrosides may possess some anti-inflammatory properties, providing credible reasons for their use against sore throats. 

Anti-Cancer 

Reports suggest that mogroside possesses some antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are compounds from plants that rid the body of harmful free radicals that may pose risks of health issues like cancers and heart disorders. In all, antioxidants are good for improving the body's defenses against diseases: they can serve as good immune boosters. 

A report also suggests that this compound regressed colorectal and throat cancerous cells. There are also some hypotheses that it may be effective against pancreatic cancer. However, more studies are underway to check for the activity of monk fruit and mogroside in the treatment of cancer. 

 

Improve Gut Health

Monk fruit contains some antimicrobial properties, which may prove crucial and assist the body in combating the growth of harmful microbes. Also, it promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus. 

 

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