Blog

Monk fruit, known as Luo Han Guo or Siraitia grosvenorii, is a small, round fruit celebrated for its natural, zero-calorie sweetness. At Purely U, we’re proud to bring you this remarkable sweetener, 100% Australian-made, crafted with care to deliver unparalleled quality and purity. Below, we dive into monk fruit’s rich history, its journey to the modern world, and its exceptional benefits, especially for those managing diabetes.

History and Origin

Monk fruit’s story began centuries ago in the misty mountains of southern China, where Buddhist monks in the 13th century cultivated it, giving it the name “Luo Han Guo.” Revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it was used to soothe coughs, sore throats, and digestive issues, often brewed into cooling teas to reduce inflammation and promote longevity. Its intense sweetness, derived from mogrosides—compounds 250-300 times sweeter than sugar—was a secondary benefit to its medicinal value. Rare and challenging to grow, monk fruit remained a regional secret, cherished for its health properties. At Purely U, we honor this legacy by crafting our sweeteners in Australia, ensuring every bottle reflects our commitment to purity and local excellence.

Journey to the Modern World

Monk fruit’s global rise began in the 20th century when a 1930s National Geographic expedition introduced it to the West. By the late 1900s, advances in extracting mogrosides transformed it into a versatile sweetener, with the fruit crushed and filtered into liquid or powder forms. The U.S. FDA’s 2010 GRAS approval marked a turning point, making monk fruit a staple in keto, vegan, and diabetic-friendly products. At Purely U, we take this global treasure and make it uniquely Australian. Our 100% Australian-made sweeteners are produced locally, using organic monk fruit sourced from trusted farms and processed in state-of-the-art facilities right here in Australia. This ensures not only premium quality but also supports local communities and sustainable practices, bringing ancient wisdom to modern tables with an Aussie touch.

Medical Benefits, Especially for Diabetic Patients

Monk fruit’s zero-calorie, zero-glycemic nature makes it a standout choice for diabetic patients. Its mogrosides don’t raise blood sugar or trigger insulin spikes, as supported by studies showing no impact on post-meal glucose levels compared to sweeteners like stevia. Research, including animal studies, suggests monk fruit can enhance glycogen synthesis, improve blood glucose control, and reduce insulin resistance, offering potential long-term benefits for diabetes management. Endorsed by organizations like the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes Australia, our 100% Australian-made monk fruit sweeteners provide a safe, natural way to enjoy sweetness while supporting low-carb and low-sugar diets.

Beyond diabetes, monk fruit’s antioxidant mogrosides reduce inflammation, potentially lowering risks of heart disease and arthritis. Studies also hint at anticancer properties, with extracts inhibiting tumor growth in colorectal and throat cancers, and antimicrobial effects against infections like candida. For weight management, its zero-calorie profile aids calorie reduction, perfect for all lifestyles. Purely U’s Australian-made process ensures no additives or fillers—just pure, organic monk fruit sweetness you can trust, crafted locally for maximum freshness and quality.

At Purely U, our 100% Australian-made organic monk fruit sweeteners bring these benefits to your daily routine, whether you’re managing diabetes or seeking a healthier way to sweeten life. Proudly crafted in Australia, we’re dedicated to delivering pure, sustainable sweetness that supports your wellness and our local communities.

Sign up to our newsletter for weekly recipes and exclusive discounts!