Can monk fruit sweetener increase the risk of heart problems? Here’s what experts say

“Monk fruit sweeteners are considered as safe and fall under the GRAS (generally recognised as safe) category as given by FDA. Since it is sweeter than sugar, monk fruit is required in smaller amounts to sweeten the food,” she said.

Although it is safe to consume and discomfort with its consumption hasn’t been seen yet, individual responses to this sweetener can vary when there is an underlying allergy or digestive discomfort on consumption.

You can opt for date syrup or powder, raisin syrup, stevia or plain monkfruit extract to sweeten the food. (Source: Freepik)

What you should keep in mind

This is a relatively new sweetener and is still under study for its long term use, said Srivastav.

“The studies conducted on mon kfruit and it’s safe consumption have been done in animal models. There is very little or no research on its digestion and effects in children and pregnancy women. Hence these two sensitive classes should restrict consumption of monk fruit,” she explained.

As monk fruit is not fermentable, it is not known to cause gastrointestinal disturbances when compared to other sugar alcohols like erythritol, said the dietitian. She shared that they are also paired with the sugar alcohol erythritol to achieve sugar like sweetness. “Erythritol is made commercially by fermenting corn and is produced by the body in smaller amounts,” she said.

“However over consumption of this sugar alcohol has been linked to heart disease by a study carried out in the USA and Europe. Thus, while buying monk fruit sweeteners, Srivastav suggested looking for sweeteners that contain monk fruit extract as the sole ingredient with no addition of erythritol.

According to Dr Vikas Kohli, founder of Child Heart Foundation, said, “Long-term use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS), including monk fruit sweetener, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Hence, reducing added sugars and incorporating more whole foods with natural sugars, such as fruits and vegetables, can contribute to better heart health.”

Srivastav stated that opting for natural sweetness through fruits, dried fruits and whole foods is always healthier than going for a commercially made alternative. “You can opt for date syrup or powder, raisin syrup, stevia or plain monk fruit extract to sweeten the food. Add fruits to yogurt or vegetable salads to sweeten them instead of using sugar or sugar loaded dressings,” she added.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.