Mighty Monk Fruit + Cookie Recipe
Monk fruit sweetener, derived from the exotic monk fruit, has gained significant attention in recent years as a natural alternative to traditional sweeteners.
Apart from its tantalizingly sweet taste, monk fruit sweetener offers a range of health benefits that appeal to health-conscious individuals. Here are some of the notable advantages of incorporating monk fruit sweetener into your daily routine:
1. Zero Calories and Low Glycemic Index: One of the primary reasons people opt for monk fruit sweetener is its negligible calorie content. It contains zero calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to manage their weight or reduce their caloric intake. Additionally, monk fruit sweetener has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This characteristic makes it a suitable option for individuals with diabetes or those on low-carb or ketogenic diets.
2. Natural and Chemical-Free: Monk fruit sweetener is derived from the monk fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, a small green gourd-like fruit native to Southeast Asia. The sweetener is made by extracting the fruit's natural compounds known as mogrosides, which provide its intense sweetness. Unlike artificial sweeteners, monk fruit sweetener doesn't contain any chemicals, additives, or artificial ingredients, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.
3. Antioxidant Properties: The mogrosides present in monk fruit possess potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help combat the damaging effects of free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. By consuming monk fruit sweetener, you can potentially boost your body's defense mechanisms and support overall health and well-being.
4. Suitable for Diabetic Individuals: As mentioned earlier, monk fruit sweetener has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable sweetening option for individuals with diabetes or those striving to regulate their blood glucose levels. By incorporating monk fruit sweetener into their diet, diabetics can satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising their blood sugar management.
5. Tooth-Friendly: Unlike traditional sugar, monk fruit sweetener does not contribute to tooth decay or cavities. Sugar can create an acidic environment in the mouth, leading to enamel erosion and dental problems. In contrast, monk fruit sweetener does not feed the harmful bacteria in the mouth, making it a teeth-friendly sweetening option.
Though monk fruit sweetener offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to consume it in moderation, just like any other sweetener. As with any dietary changes, individuals should consult with healthcare professionals to determine how monk fruit sweetener can fit into their individual health needs.
Overall, monk fruit sweetener provides a naturally sweet alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners, offering a range of health benefits. Its zero-calorie nature, low glycemic index, lack of chemicals, antioxidant properties, suitability for diabetics, and tooth-friendly attributes make it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing sweetness.
Monk Fruit Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour (or spelt flour for those who aren’t gluten-free)
½ to 1 tablespoon of Pure Monk sweetener (Adjust to personal taste)
pinch of pink Himalayan salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup organic real butter softened at room temperature
1 large egg
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup Lakanto Monk Fruit Chocolate Chips
How to Bake:
Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, salt and baking soda in a large bowl.
Add a softened stick of butter to dry ingredients and mix it all together.
Add egg, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
Drop 1” cookie dough balls on a baking sheet.
Bake 8-9 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before moving to a wire rack to finish cooling. (Without cooling before moving to a wire rack, cookies can fall apart.)
Enjoy!