Is Monk Fruit The Most Promising Sweetener of 2023 | Benefits and Safety Profile

#MonkFruit #Sweetener #Safety
In this video, I will review Monk Fruit's medicinal properties (in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory disorders, like asthma). I will also review Monk Fruit's SAFETY profile and will discuss who should reconsider consuming it.
Dr Kim is a physician, board-certified in Internal and Obesity Medicine, with a passion for preventive health, weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity.
DISCLAIMER:
This video is for general information and educational purposes only and does NOT constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health services, including giving of a medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials provided in the video is at user’s own risk. The contents of the video are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent disease. Viewers should not delay or disregard obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have and seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. Leonid Kim will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from use of the information contained in this video, including but not limited to, economic loss, injury, illness, or death. Furthermore, all content in the video is subject to change without notice, so the content creator assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of information contained. Please review all information regarding any medical condition or use of medications and/or supplements with your physician or healthcare provider.
The contents of this video are my personal opinion and do not represent that of my employer(s).

[@Sandy_00000]

Monk fruit is very popular in Thailand too! It was introduced by Chinese immigrants about 60-70 years ago and known as Lor Hung Guay drink (monk fruit juice)Nowadays, the drink is very popular throughout the country. Most restaurants especially the ones that owned by Thai-Chineses have the drink to offer you. People can also find the drink in all 7-11 or most convenient stores in our country. I started to reduce a large amount of sugar and replace it with monk fruit. I bought “XPRS Nutra brand” because it’s extract power, small bottle and I can bring with me everywhere. The brand also claims that there are 25% mogroside.

[@MacKenziePoet]

Love the professional, evidence-based approached. This is the best presentation on the subject to date.

[@anthonygambitta6220]

I have been using Lekanto Monk Fruit sweetener for years to replace sugar. I use it in green tea, baked goods, and even in pasta sauces. Glad to know that it has zero impact on the glycemic index.

[@M123Xoxo]

I use the Lakanto drops which are pure monk fruit (unlike their powder version which has erythritol). I used to use stevia drops but monk fruit tastes much better with no after taste

[@LeonidKimMD]

oh, never tried their drops! so hard to find pure monk fruit, thank you for sharing!

[@naomivaldez3959]

@@LeonidKimMD News today said monkfruit/erythrol (.sp) causes clots, strokes, heart attacks . . who to believe?? HELP 😔

[@LeonidKimMD]

yes! a paper came out today in Nature Medicine that showed Erythritol is associated with increase adverse cardiac events and increased platelet reactivity leading to thrombosis (clots). So if you’re using monk fruit that’s mixed with Erythritol, then I would recommend switching to another product, like pure monk fruit

[@naomivaldez3959]

@@LeonidKimMD thanks for the reply. What brands are real monkfruit?

[@LeonidKimMD]

Lakanto drops are pure, It’s Just also has a pure monk fruit product, lots of people rave about Monk Drops

[@samfarabee2963]

Thank you so much for this video. Started hearing about monk fruit a little while ago and was curious. Can't wait for more information to be revealed through further testing.

[@ronaldcoley9982]

Thank you very much for the review! It was concise and informative. Just the way I like it!

[@LeonidKimMD]

thank you!

[@seattlejayde]

Liked and subscribed. Found your narrative easy to understand and follow

[@simonialei9020]

I just buy the whole dried monk fruit in Asian supermarkets, break it into smaller pieces, and boil it with water for 10 minutes making a monkfruit tea syrup to add to coffee. However Monkfruit has a unique herbal taste that not everyone can accept. I'm ok with it but my husband hates the smell and taste.

[@LeonidKimMD]

thank you for sharing! i feel for the actual medicinal properties, we do need to use the dried (or frozen) fruit itself and not the extract

[@googlespyfranchise9089]

Thank you for the info!

[@bahmannosratollah7017]

Thank you so much for your explanation, I learned a lot.

[@thangalewis8957]

Hello Dr Kim Thanks for taking the time to do the videos about sweeteners. I have been using the 100% MONK DROPS (liquid) sold on amazon and another brand by XPRS NUTRA in very fine powder form which is also sold on amazon. I read the reviews and thought these two product claim as 100% so, I am using these two so far. I did read some time ago that study shows in Mice that it makes heart swelling for allulose. I could be two times of your age and I am not diabetic. For the first time my Hemoglobin A1C was one point high last year. From next day, I started researching for an alternative sweetener and started using the above two brands Monk Fruit sweetener. I am always under 105 but from last year my weight has come down to 97. I am not on any medication but do have thyroid nodules. After watching your videos on Allulose and Monk Fruit and you mentioned to write comments which brand and why we chose this brand I am writing this comment. I also had UTI infection may be three time in 7 years. Also At Least one time I wake up in the night to go the bathroom.

[@sbubb9155]

You actually lost weight on monk fruit ?

[@RaymondErdey]

I have just ordered the following from Microingredients Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener with Allulose, 2 lbs | No Erythritol, No Aftertaste, 1:1 Brown Sugar Substitute | Zero Calorie, Great for Drinks, Coffee, Tea, Cookies | Keto, Vegan, Non-GMO Fingers crossed, that it works out for me.

[@user-lb8gu7si8b]

Thanks for your information about Monk fruit , I have been using Lakanto Monk fruit

[@user-fw9fx8jr2d]

I have used Truvia monk fruit sweetener. So far so good. I have been using it for six months. We will see the next blood test next year.

[@djhogan9399]

I use Lakanto powder form, it's the only one I have found in my area plus I also use Stevia. I have been pleased with both of them

[@zumiez141]

Just found monk fruit in my slate. Vanilla latte. So good! Thank you for the facts

[@jamiehowington3]

I got powdered monk fruit off Amazon from a brand called: Health Garden. I also only eat Rebel ice cream sweeneted with monk fruit. Deliciuos

[@Vintage-Bob]

Health Garden "monk fruit" is mostly erythritol. Don't you even bother to read the ingredients on the label? And use common sense - no way are you getting 3 lbs. of monk fruit for $24.

[@keppela1]

You should talk about the potential hazards of MF products containing erythritol since the latter's been implicated in thrombosis and major cardiovascular events.

[@RR-iq8ze]

I bought the Whole Earth one, because it was a little cheaper than the other bag. I don't think there are too many choices at the stores where I live.

[@lindamcneil711]

I use micro ingredients brand 100% pure organic monk fruit. I love it. We don’t use a lot of sweetener, so two small packs a year is about what we do. However, I am thinking about adding allulose also in the mix. We use liquid stevia and I would like to perhaps cut some of the stevia and increase some of the allouse for coffees.

[@RNGesus999]

Lakanto Monkfruit extract drops are the best. Been using them for 4 years now.

[@Uch_Sreymom]

Thanks for sharing i am about to buy it to make keto coffee, i wish your Channel Growth more subscribers since you did a lot to make this video for us.

[@LeonidKimMD]

thank you!

[@lokipokey]

I like to use Lakanto golden for hot cereals such as oat bran. It's similar to brown sugar. I also mix it with cinnamon to make cinnamon sugar. I'm glad to hear that there are low risks, and even possible benefits from it. My husband is diabetic, and sometimes has a bit of trouble with erythritol. After watching several videos on allulose from you and other apparently reliable researchers, I'm going to try making homemade ice cream with it for him

[@grandpatravel7720]

Hi, doctor. I have been using allulose after watching your video about it. I now have no guilt to sweeten my coffee. This video on monk fruit is interesting and informative. I would give it a try.

[@christinashawgo6510]

I believe allulose has these same qualities. Allulose is great to cook with. It’s not as sweet as sugar. So I add monk fruit to inhance the sweetness.

[@igoratwork]

Came here from your Allulose video. Both are really helpful and informative. I first came across Monk Fruit through using Jocko Fuel line of supplements.

[@LeonidKimMD]

oh thanks for sharing! i love jocko willink, didn’t realize he had a supplement line, will need to check it out

[@mstevenchapman]

Can you be my therapist / life coach? Lol seriously though you have a very calm and relaxing demeanor sir, can see you hosting a show like Dr. Oz. Thanks for the info.

[@janetalipato1781]

Thanks for the info, 'wil try to use, hope it's available in our local market.

[@georgefinan5933]

I use a blend of monkfruit/Erythritol from bulk barn in Canada.

[@gautambaudh]

Topic on Gandoderma please Thanks to reduce human suffering 🙏 as a professional doctor We want more informative certified health video on top most global heath disasters

[@ralph72462]

I use Monkfruit as a sweetener because I don't need much to sweeten my coffee and it doesn't spike my blood sugar. I use the enlight brand I picked it because it says just pure Monkfriut extract. I also used Allulose too. To me these are the only two sweeteners I trust. I stay away from anything with a high glycemic index but if I do once in a while want to take a break and use a sweetener those are the two best for me. Allulose is really great yet not quite as sweet as Monk fruit. I have also experimented with combining them and got good results.

[@Gam3rgirl007]

Thank you for this video. I perfer monkfruit over other natural sugars.

[@mlmontalvo]

Lakanto monk fruit drops! Available at my local supermarket, no aftertaste. What’s not to love. And as a 65 year old or a mouse, reproductive health or a little shrinkage is not a concern for me.

[@Ronlawhouston]

It's interesting that both monk fruit and allulose seem to have effects on the GLP system. I noticed Amazon sells the two combined.

[@hernanenutube]

I have been using Julian Bakery Monk fruit. Suddenly very expensive after COVID. It works great for my coffee and tea. I tried other trade marks but I did not like the taste.

[@JxT1957]

i reversed my prediabetes to a normal a1c from 6.1 to 5.3 using splenda and love the taste of it after quitting awful tasting stevia. the only monk fruit i had is already in my greens powder ingredients.

[@dodgebanda876]

I'm stevia user, I'm about to try monkfruit natural brand made frm Taiwan, they're on sale....

[@VeloxusGaming]

Lakanto is my go to for monk fruit sweetener, but recently they released a new product of monk fruit sweetener with allulose instead of erythritol which I am now curious to try.

[@user-jp5cp4ce8n]

I use Besti monk fruit (or with allulose). I prefer to avoid erithrytol. Great product. Non-GMO.

[@MarinaHernandez-zx2vk]

I used golden monk fruit blend

[@horace7419]

Hi my name is Deven and I have been using monk fruit and stevia for the past year-and-a-half I cook with monk fruit basically everything and so far so good.

[@LeonidKimMD]

those are both great!

[@shakirajameel8042]

First time hearing about this

[@CarolynnMc01]

I have been using allulose. Thank you for this video. It was helpful

[@immaculatehoward5709]

I am using Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener. Is this a good sweetener brand to use? What brand do you recommend using?

[@verramendrin1756]

Hi an thk u for the video, what i want to know is monk fruit have the cold affect or does the eurithritol? Im using lankanto. Dont care for cold feeling.

[@kataraseifert8307]

I use Now Organic brand of liquid monk fruit. Been using for 4-5 years. Perfect for sweetening teas and coffee. Only a few drops needed. I don't taste any off taste or bitterness. If I can find an organic product, I will choose that every time.

[@chrisgiles5653]

I used the Now liquid form for a while, but found it hard to get the dose consistent - the bottle is poorly designed and you can easily end up with five drops instead of two. Now I use the pure powder, much easier to gauge.

[@pshanny5448]

I had high hopes and I tried monkfruit extract as a sweetner, and I got light headed right away. Consulted a few of my Chinese friends, they all tell me there are certain types of people who shouldn't take monkfruit according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Monkfruit is not for everyone. I guess it's common knowledge among Chinese.

[@jonathans4503]

Which kind of people shouldn't use it?

[@pshanny5448]

@jonathans4503 shouldn't use monkfruit if you feel cold all the time. The body runs cooler, hands and feet runs cold - don't use monkfruit.

[@jonathans4503]

@@pshanny5448Ahh thanks, I'm fine then. But my sister usually has cold hands and cold feet, she didn't notice that monk fruit changed anything. I guess everyone should listen to their own bodies

[@pshanny5448]

@jonathans4503 yes, we best know our own body! Good health to you!

[@markeyosef1579]

I'm Allergic. The 💩 almost killed me. 😔

[@AnaMillsaps]

I heard it causes GI problems and stroke in some people. I couldn't find the article but I think is because Monkfruit by Lankato uses mostly Erythritol and very little actual Monkfruit. BTW I love your voice!

[@LeonidKimMD]

the recent article raised concerns about erythritol, which is often mixed with monk fruit (like the lakanto brand as you mentioned) the study is fairly weak, but there’s so many good alternatives, makes sense to avoid erythritol until we get more data

[@lucylu9792]

@@LeonidKimMD what do you think about stevia? Do you have a video on it?

[@salvatorecosentino1526]

I’ve seen monk fruit combined with allulose, any studies or cautions for this combo used for baking?

[@marydixon2163]

Have been trying brand called: "It's Just"

[@mirzamay]

I do consider being specifically sought after and propagated by monks for its benefits for hundreds of years, so much so that it is named after monks, a type of human trial. I also consider something that increases dangerous bacteria, as allulose can, a really big red flag. Since our modern diet decimates good bacteria and overgrows bad bacteria already, creating an epidemic of the diseases that shouldn't have these bad bacteria. We don't even know we have these diseases until they progress to the significant damage stage. While it is getting established we are always in the dark. As well monk fruit is whole or moderately processed, either dehydrated juice or super blended and dehydrated. But allulose is an extract which normally in our food is balanced by the rest of the food it is extracted out of, and we are always getting in trouble with these kinds of extracted, processed additives. No one says oh don't eat corn or sea weed, but inevitably the little bit we separate out and use in significant higher amounts turn out to cause cancer or some other problem. Even though I'm not necessarily against them in moderation I'm definitely not seeking them out on purpose. These additives on top of what we've removed is the single biggest health destroyer of our modern age.

[@annie.76]

Just ordered, Durelife Organic 100% Pure Monk Fruit sweetener, No Erythritol

[@walterwlim]

I use Whole Earth Monk Fruit Sweetener since it's sold at Costco.

[@blondsinger38]

What are your clinic discoveries on Pentose like Bocha Sweet?

[@rogertomlinson9496]

Hi I've thinking about replacing erythritol for monkfruit but here in the UK it's not available. Can you suggest some excellent brands and where I could purchase from online.

[@erinswhimsies]

Yes! It is great. I use besti. I use it in my coffee with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. 50 cal will not break my fast so I am happy!

[@roygosai1687]

TY

[@nevaron7]

I use Monk Fruit Sweetener with Erythritol. You did not address the second ingredient that they put with monk fruit. What are your thoughts on this? Some sources suggest it can cause heart and clot problems. Thank you for your expertise.

[@taji712]

I am taking monkfruit extract for the last six months by Lou Han Guo. I am in US.

[@sergeyloverow2105]

Thank you Dr. Kim for sharing this. I want to try monk fruit 20:1 extract with matcha tea (both powders). I think this combination would be perfect to treat all kinds of illnesses. I recommend drinking only matcha green tea powder that have vibrant green color because it have more chlorophyll and antioxidants than regular green tea. By the way both the monk fruit and matcha tea were highly favored by buddhist monks. The ancient knowledge of monks and mystics are fascinating.

[@thelastgeneration1926]

Why would it heal all kinds of illnesses?

[@charissabass4231]

I use the NOW Foods monk fruit liquid drops for several months in my coffee.

[@teresawhite6280]

I use Lakanto.

[@SpinStreakYT]

I didn’t know people even knew about this. We have been getting drinks that only use this instead of traditional sugar

[@thyrafranchak2312]

Hello Dr. Kim! Most of the monkfruit available for sale (and I assume) used in baked goods etc sold in stores is mostly Erythritol. I wanted to hear you speak about this in the video. Do you discuss Erythritol in any of your videos? ie, what percentage of “monkfruit” is actually really Erythritol and how safe/unsafe it is?

[@Waltwizzle]

That's a good question I would like to know too

[@warthog733]

NOW brand monk fruit powder sold by Amazon does not contain erythritol. I use a mix of allulose and monk fruit I mix myself. I find that either allulose or monk fruit alone has an "aftertaste", but the combination does not.

[@nsmellowyellow1]

​@@warthog733interesting, do you use the liquid monkfruit, and what is the ratio you use to allulose?

[@brendanaranjo7969]

i watched another video saying that it was ok as long as it was non gmo as erythritol comes from corn.

[@teagoldleaf4137]

Allulose and erythritol cause gastrointestinal complications in SOME people. I would just use pure ground monk fruit and learn how to dilute it with natural whole food ingredients found in my pantry

[@Pushyhog]

testies word has caused me to depart monk fruit now, (you scared me bad,,,) for allulose. thanks doc, do another 2024 july 4 vid on allulose please.

[@stephenharvey5932]

If you are constipated, it. Works great to help that

[@uncy1207]

I like monk fruit but is Not the best to bake. What donyou think about coconut sugar?

[@ericledgerwood]

Hi, thanks for the informative video! On a complete side note, where did you get that shirt? It looks super comfortable.

[@LeonidKimMD]

i want to say H&M haha

[@theeuropeanreporter]

Hi, at 4:52 you show a quote (highlighted in yellow) which ends with the words "..and the advantage of being clean label". What does that mean exactly "clean label", is Stevia not that or?

[@rfrancoi]

Thank you Dr. So, which is a better Monk fruit or Allulose? Or is it that we don't know enough yet, and based on the individual?

[@blinderised2656]

Since Allulose is not as sweet as sugar and monk fruit is 200 times sweeter than sugar, I like to use a blend of allulose/monk fruit to get about the same bulk/sweetness of table sugar. Most monk fruit will be mixed with something anyway and I'd rather have allulose than erythritol of maltodextrin.

[@ah-1946]

Are use it for tea. I used two small packages. Is that going to hurt me because I was using the Stevia packages and that’s when I found out I was burning in my mouth badly.

[@tonny7167]

Is it ok to take monkfruit sugar when fasting? 🤔

[@painterzedgellc473]

Been using pure monk for over a year and my T has actually gone up. Not saying it's directly due to the monk fruit but it hasn't caused it to decrease

[@lindamcneil711]

What else are you eating? I normally look at my trigs and figure if I am over 100 mg/dl then I am eating too many carbs. I also look liver enzymes… I want my alt and ast to always be around 15-20. I don’t think I would rely on monk fruit to fix a diet… but used as a sweet supplement to a good diet.

[@Chino-Kafu]

Things that have monk fruit in it have to lable if it has erythritol too right? Because I see monk fruit in some products but it's not listed.

[@edwardinanaheim6732]

I found Choc Zero strawberry jam with monk fruit and is very sweet so I use less on my breakfast toast. I don't eat anything anymore with any type of sugar. Except monk fruit.

[@joyceshepherd5482]

Why Monk fruit being mixed with erythritol? the brand I use is Lankanto because I am a diabetic and because there’s no after taste

[@Desery168]

Is monk fruit good for the heart

[@PostprandialTorpor]

Lakanto drops or Now Real Foods drops and powder. Also powdered allulose (Rx sugar).

[@fazalop6693]

Is monk fruit safe for dialysis patients?

[@rhonda777]

I use stevia walmart brand cheaper.!😅 But will change to monk fruit if i love the Taste!

[@skyliner7333]

I have been eating a Keto lifestyle for so long, I have completely lost my sweet tooth. I think, for me, this is the best solution. I have just never got along well with these many alternative sweeteners. Shrinking testicles! Just another reason to avoid these things.

[@texanboiii562]

Can it be combined with Allulose?

[@judymundine3276]

Using brand lacanto.only one in Australia

[@ahmedalfi8487]

I just ordered Lakanto Will be delivered today

[@LeonidKimMD]

how did you like it?

[@ahmedalfi8487]

@Leonid Kim MD i found it very palatable .. It's almost like regular sugar... did not feel any annoying after taste

[@Pinko-Diamond]

​@@ahmedalfi8487I will also try and receive today. i make my own ice cream and chocolate and often use homemade date syrup so I will use it a lot if it is good!

[@ah-1946]

I drink four glasses of tea a day using Monk fruit Stevia is it safe?

[@christinehelmus8461]

I use Julian Bakery Pure Monk because it is pure.

[@LeonidKimMD]

thank you for sharing! will need to check it out

[@5uhai6]

The question is the monk fruit with erythritol safe? Ive watch a few experts on it explain that it is, with backed up evidence. but im still sceptical 😅

[@Gmail.comyama]

For myself doesn't seem there is any substitute for regular sugar, they should probably use less than they do know though. Everything else has an acquired aftertaste which I don't like and alters the taste dramatically. Organic Honey and natural sugar small amounts is what is a sweet taste

[@alightinthehorror1445]

My holistic doctor told me that the extract version is the same as the original and to use honey instead

[@penthesilliaas]

What the fda says has no bearing on my choices. I look across the water for recommendations.

[@edwin3944]

Hello doctor when buying monk fruit and allulose is there any benefits to choosing organic labeled over regular?

[@LeonidKimMD]

i believe most of the time it’s more of a scam and a lot of times products come from the same source, especially when it comes to sweeteners; this doesn’t apply to all produce of course

[@christopherhoang1339]

is cheaper buy the dried fruit or buy the monk fruit powder

[@ed8939]

I use monk fruit raw cane sugar I noted no heart rate increase and weight gain . As with coconut sugar , and raw cane sugar

[@ed8939]

I’m 59 years old in good health 172 lbs

[@ed8939]

Monk fruit only very mild use Now no other sweetener , eat mostly meat and healthy fats , A small amount of avocado and mushroom . Eggs and real organic 0 carb cream . Now 5’ 9”. 170lbs no men boobs 59 years old mild resistance training and I use a gazelle machine 3-4 days a week 30 mins

[@goldstandard3714]

What does it say about our FDA when 8,000 products contain monk fruit, but human studies have yet to proceed beyond rat testing.

[@Simplyolivia1000]

Exactly!

[@missdesireindependance5194]

How does monk fruit compare to date sugar?

[@agui6101]

Natural Stevia plant 🌱

[@AnshRus]

I use the Lakanto brand which has erythrol as one of the ingredients. It gives me GI distress, like severe GI distress. I don’t have a sensitive stomach whatsoever, which is why this is a red flag

[@luvwings]

I use stevia…monk fruit gave me dry mouth and I’ve read others have the same complaint.

[@teritasmith2617]

I use Lakonto because it's the only one I've found thus far. I don't agree that it's sweeter than sugar, as many state.

[@blinderised2656]

Because monk fruit is 200x sweeter than sugar, companies (like lakanto) mix it with something that is less sweet than sugar to try and make something that can be a 1:1 replacement for baking and cooking. Lakanto is probably about 99% erythritol and very little monk fruit.

[@spsaik]

Lakanto monk fruit sweetener with erythritol. I got it at Walmart. Using for keto chocolate chip cookies 🍪

[@LeonidKimMD]

that’s a popular brand! it’s so hard to find monk fruit without additives; thanks for sharing

[@_.lik._2172]

@Leonid Kim MD so I assume Lakanto is one of the safer brands to go with? Great video by the way 👏

[@LeonidKimMD]

thank you! it seems to be the popular brand; someone else pointed out their drops are pure monk fruit, unlike the powder which has erythritol

[@_.lik._2172]

@Leonid Kim MD Awesome! I'll have to check those out. Thanks for the response!

[@Klmrc]

Thats what you need to ditch. Do not buy monkfruit with erythritol

[@MoveYuhHand]

Is it safe for kids?

[@donnasr1799]

What about...how safe is sugar!