What Makes Luo Han Guo So Appealing? Discover How to Choose It and Recommended Products That Maximize Its Benefits
However, caution is needed as some products labeled as monk fruit may contain additives or carbohydrates. This article explains the basics and characteristics of monk fruit, along with recommended products. If you're looking for “a natural sweetness and a gentle choice for your body,” be sure to read on.p>
What is Luo Han Guo?
Luo Han Guo is a plant that has gained attention in recent years as a natural sweetener alternative to sugar. First, let's explain the basic information about what this Luo Han Guo actually is.
Overview of Luo Han Guo
Luo Han Guo is a fruit from the gourd family native to the Guilin region of southern China. It has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and folk remedies as a “longevity fruit.” The ripe fruit is dried and used in teas, characterized by its intense sweetness even in very small quantities.
Luo Han Guo grows only in specific subtropical regions within China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, such as Yongfu County, Rong'an County, and Lingui County. The export of the fruit and seeds is strictly controlled. In Japan, it is only available in the form of dried fruit or extracted essence.
Today, it is used in various applications, such as sweetening low-calorie foods and diet support products.
What is a Lo Han Guo sweetener?
Lo Han Guo contains the natural sweet component “mogroside” extracted from its fruit, characterized by a sweetness 300 to 400 times stronger than sugar. Since its natural sweetness is too intense, most commercially available Lo Han Guo sweeteners are blended with other ingredients to adjust the sweetness level.
Specifically, it is commonly made by combining it with sugar alcohols that are zero-carbohydrate or low-calorie. Erythritol, in particular, is considered highly compatible with luo han guo because it has virtually no effect on blood sugar levels and is effectively zero calories.
It's important to note that even products labeled “with monk fruit” are not necessarily low in carbohydrates or calories. Depending on the type and proportion of sugar alcohols blended in, the carbohydrate and calorie content can be high.
Check the ingredients list to see if natural ingredients like “erythritol” or “lakanto extract” are used, and verify that the sugar content and calories are low.
Comparison of Luo Han Guo and Other Sweeteners
There are various types of sweeteners, but they can be broadly categorized into two groups: “naturally derived” and “artificially synthesized.” Those derived from luo han guo (monk fruit) are made from naturally occurring components and are gaining attention as gentle sweeteners for the body.
Artificial sweeteners are sweeteners created by scientifically synthesizing substances that do not exist in nature. They possess hundreds to thousands of times the sweetness of sugar, allowing intense sweetness to be achieved with very small amounts. For this reason, they are widely used in zero-calorie soft drinks and diet foods.
However, some express cautious opinions regarding their safety and potential effects from long-term consumption, leading those with a natural lifestyle orientation to tend to avoid them. In this regard, sweeteners derived from luo han guo (monk fruit) have a significant advantage: they are “completely plant-based,” utilizing components extracted from natural fruit.
Nutritional Characteristics and Benefits of Luo Han Guo
Luo Han Guo is not merely a “source of sweetener,” but a highly nutritious fruit with exceptional properties. Below, we explain the nutrients contained in Luo Han Guo and the health benefits they provide.
Rich in ingredients that are excellent for health
Luo Han Guo has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the body and regulate health. This is because it contains abundant minerals and vitamins.
● Minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and sodium
● Components involved in body structure and metabolism, such as phosphorus and silicon
● Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin E and carotene
For example, minerals are “essential nutrients” indispensable for maintaining bodily health. Iron, for instance, serves as a building block for red blood cells and plays a role in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Zinc is essential for maintaining immunity.
As mentioned above, luo han guo contains many components that help maintain metabolic and immune balance.
Helps prevent constipation
Luo Han Guo is rich in water-soluble dietary fiber, and its ability to improve intestinal health is a major feature. Specifically, it functions as a prebiotic that easily serves as food for beneficial gut bacteria, particularly bifidobacteria.
When conditions are right for Bifidobacteria to thrive, it becomes easier to maintain a healthy balance within the gut. A well-regulated intestinal environment can stimulate peristaltic movement and help establish a natural bowel movement rhythm. From the perspectives of beauty and overall health management, it is a sweetener worth actively incorporating.
Achieve both sweetness and health
Luo Han Guo is a sweetener perfectly suited to modern lifestyles, offering sweetness while also being health-conscious. Especially when used as a daily substitute for white sugar, it significantly reduces the impact on calories and blood sugar levels.
White sugar is a highly refined “pure carbohydrate” with almost no nutrients remaining. It tends to cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, leading to excessive insulin secretion. Consequently, it can become a factor increasing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Points to Consider When Selecting Luo Han Guo
While monk fruit is gaining attention as a natural sweetener, did you know that its quality and composition vary significantly between products? Even if you purchase it thinking it's healthy, the presence of sugar or additives can undermine its inherent health benefits. Below, we explain key points to consider when selecting monk fruit products.
Check whether sugar or additives are used
Many lo han guo sweeteners on the market contain not just 100% lo han guo, but also other sweeteners and additives. Be sure to check whether they contain “sugars such as white sugar, glucose, or fructose,” “artificial sweeteners,” or “food additives like preservatives and flavorings.” If any of these are included, they may compromise the unique properties of lo han guo.
For peace of mind, choose products labeled “100% Luo Han Guo Extract,” “No Additives,” or “No Sugar Added” whenever possible. The best way to verify this is by checking the ingredient list. Products with shorter, simpler ingredient names tend to contain fewer unnecessary additives.
If you choose Luo Han Guo as a natural sweetener, discerning its “quality” is the first step toward a healthier diet.
Verify the origin and manufacturing process
To incorporate luo han guo with greater peace of mind, it's also important to consider “where it's grown and how it's processed.”
The primary origin of luo han guo is the area around Guilin in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Yongfu County, Rong'an County, Lingui County). These regions are known for their climate and soil being well-suited for luo han guo cultivation, producing high-quality fruit.
Products without clearly stated origins or unclear quality control details may have inconsistent ingredient purity or safety, so caution is advised.
Furthermore, luo han guo is often cultivated using pesticides. Ideally, choose products made from pesticide-free luo han guo extracted at low temperatures.
Choose the type according to the application
Luo Han Guo is often strongly associated with being a “sweetener,” but in reality, several types exist depending on its shape and processing method. The “dried fruit type,” closest to the original form of Luo Han Guo, represents its traditional use in Chinese herbal medicine and folk remedies since ancient times. It is suitable for brewing into tea by simmering the fruit or for adding sweetness and richness to soups. Its sweetness is somewhat restrained, resulting in a mild flavor, making it recommended for those with a natural food preference.
The “granule/powder type,” processed from luo han guo extract, offers convenient use. Its appeal lies in being a direct substitute for sugar in coffee, tea, cooking, and dessert-making. Despite having virtually zero calories and carbohydrates, it delivers strong sweetness even in small amounts. Easy to measure and use, it's ideal for everyday applications.
Recommended products featuring luo han guo
Luo Han Guo is an ideal sweetener that delivers both natural sweetness and health benefits. Introducing products featuring Luo Han Guo from NATUVIEW, a brand specializing in keto foods. With a focus on “health-consciousness × palatability,” they offer premium sweets you can enjoy as a “treat” even while restricting carbohydrates.
Below, we've picked out four products to introduce.
Basque Cheesecake
NATUVIEW's “Basque Cheesecake” is a low-sugar dessert for adults, captivating with its rich depth and complex flavor. It lavishly uses cream cheese and sour cream to fully draw out the cheese's savory essence. For sweetness, it employs naturally derived monk fruit. Being calorie-free and having minimal impact on blood sugar levels, it's perfect for those who want to maintain deliciousness without using sugar.
While its mellow sweetness is a defining characteristic, Guérande sea salt is used as an accent, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. It achieves both depth and a clean finish, making it an excellent pairing with wine or champagne. It's not just gluten-free and free from white sugar; it's a healthy dessert that also focuses on the quality of its sweetness.
Chocolate Cake
「Gâteau au Chocolat is a reward dessert for health-conscious individuals, offering rich chocolate depth and aroma. Like our Basque Cheesecake, it uses natural sweetener monk fruit to achieve a gentle sweetness without white sugar.
The chocolate used is crafted using our bean-to-bar method, made from carefully selected cocoa beans. Each bean is meticulously roasted and ground, resulting in a deep flavor profile that highlights the cocoa's inherent subtle acidity and bitterness.
Characterized by its rich melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, aromatic flavor, it can also be warmed for a fondant-style experience. Enjoy two distinct delights: “moist when chilled” and “meltingly smooth when warmed.” This is a truly authentic NATUVIEW dessert that makes no compromises, even with reduced sugar.
Fresh Dorayaki Sayama Tea Set
「The “Fresh Dorayaki Sayama Tea Set” combines low-carb fresh dorayaki with richly aromatic Sayama tea. The dorayaki batter uses kudzu starch and flaxseed powder to recreate a perfect texture that's fluffy, moist, and chewy. It pairs exceptionally well with the natural sweetener monk fruit. The fresh dorayaki comes in three flavors:
● Premium Red Bean: Made with Hokkaido-grown adzuki beans for an elegant sweetness and smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture
● Rich Matcha: Generously uses premium matcha from Sayama, delivering a deep umami and expansive aroma
● Ultimate Fresh Cream: A simple yet rich flavor where the richness of fresh milk truly shines
Enjoy two ways: frozen for an icy sensation, or thawed for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture—perfect for any occasion.
Each set includes a Sayama tea bag. This premium tea, finished with the high-temperature roasting technique known as “Sayama Hiire,” enhances the fresh dorayaki's deliciousness with its aromatic flavor.
Premium Ice Cream
Premium Ice Cream is a healthy dessert that delivers a rich, creamy taste while being low in sugar. Its sweetness comes from natural sweeteners like monk fruit and the simple sugar allulose. The base uses fresh milk and cream produced domestically. It comes in the following six flavors:
● Hojicha: A rich Japanese flavor where the roasted aroma shines
● Matcha: Deep umami using Sayama matcha
● Caramel Nuts: A perfect balance of nuttiness and richness
● Blueberry Yogurt: Refreshing tartness coexists with creaminess
● Chocolate: The natural aroma and bitterness of cacao
● Rich Milk: A thick, smooth sweetness enhanced with mascarpone cheese
Each flavor features natural sweetness derived from monk fruit, making them enjoyable even for those watching their weight or limiting sugar intake. They're perfect as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
Enjoy Healthy Sweetness by Using Luo Han Guo Wisely
Luo Han Guo is gaining attention as a body-friendly sweetener that lets you enjoy natural sweetness while keeping calories low. However, not all Luo Han Guo products are the same. When purchasing, it's crucial to carefully check whether it contains sugar or additives, if the origin and manufacturing method are clear, and if it suits your intended use.
Rather than denying yourself sweetness, making smart choices and incorporating it wisely can transform your daily diet into something richer and more enjoyable. Start living a healthier, more satisfyingly sweet life by effectively utilizing luo han guo. NATUVIEW offers a variety of products featuring luo han guo, so be sure to check out our lineup.
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