But everyone must have heard about magical fruit that can give the eater some super power. The only question is all of this magical fruit came out of legend, right? Or are they. Eternity life or perhaps longevity is a very tempting quirk, what if there is some food that can provide thievery special quirk?
Lo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii) or luóhàn guǒ (羅漢果) is some kind of fruit firstly known in history at 13th century A.D. by Chinese monk in Guanxi which is part of the Guilin region China. This fruit is rarely being included on Chinese herb due to their difficulty of cultivation. Even with the difficulty in cultivation the Health Benefit of Lo Han Guo is vary based on many researches.
The rare use means this fruit is not very well-known until 20th century. Lo Han Guo is one of the rare fruit then that become more common today. Lo Han Guo firstly brought to United States by some Chinese merchant, later showed to the ministry of agriculture. Finally, Lo Han Gou enter the list of botanic description since 1941. Lo Han Guo then take their first research at 1975 in English report, followed by Japanese researcher at early 1980s. Read more about more Asian Fruits.
Property of Lo Han Guo
Lo Han Guo consuming process is mostly by extracting the fruit. The fruit diameter itself in around 5-7 cm (2-2.7 inch). The texture of Lo Han Guo is soft enough and can disintegrate as soon it enter throat. Ripe Lo Han Guo noticed by their outer skin to be bit watery. Considered as an herbal, Lo Han Gou actually taste good due to their sweetness not like another herbal that might taste a little to bitter or sour. The sweetness of this fruit may make the taking the health benefits of luo han guo become more pleasant experienced.
Lo Han Guo commonly used in substitute of common sugar have Mogroside-5 as its primary substance commonly extracted. Mogroside-5 is a chemical compound which constitutes as glycosides. Based on research Mogroside-5 commonly extracted from Lo Han Guo is 300 times sweeter sugar. Researcher say that even though the sweetness level is very high, Mogroside-5 of Lo Han Guo is categorized as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).
However, based on researcher this is a Luo Han Guo Fruit Extract MV 95 ( +95% of Mogroside-5) at average concentration of 0.192% property:
Lo Han Guo might not suitable to kept for a long period of time, this might be one of the reason for this fruit is not well-known until later on. Lo Han Guo must be utilized soon enough after the fruit is ripe. Not much benefit Lo Han Gou can provide before the fruit is processed. The processed involve water infuse (as a tea), Cook along with soup, dried, etc. There is no exact measurement of the substance of Lo Han Guo extract due to their variety of Mogrosode-5 concentrate. Mogroside-5 concentrate of the Lo Han Guo product is varying from 0.81% to 1.29%.
Health Benefits of Lo Han Guo we can get is:
Not only in monk myth this magical fruit provide longevity but in real life too. Based on many study’s Lo Han Guo have a fairly high potential in antioxidant that can help to protecting body against “Aging” or breaking down process living organism experienced as they grew older. Antioxidant theoretically too can reduce cancer growing potential.
Mogroside-5, the substance contained inside Lo Han Guo when its mixed with warm water can reduce sore throat, phlegm, and act as anti-inflammatory. Mogroside-5 as a natural sweetness can relieve pain by its own. Because it’s a natural compound, Mogroside-5 is very save to consumed in moderate use.
By lowering the level of histamines Lo Han Guo can prevent massive activity of cells that trigger allergies. Therefore, regular moderate consumption of Lo Han Guo can reduce illness of allergies. Also read: Health Benefits of Coriander Leaves for Face
With a very low total fat and less use than sugar due to their high sweetness level Lo Han Guo can provide a very little use of sweetness but with same taste get from sugar.
Diabetes that is usually caused by higher than normal blood sugar can be reduced by substituting sugar with Lo Han Guo. Enjoying tea will be no more hassle for its now less for more. Lo Han Guo too contain a very little amount of cholesterol which can help prevent future risk of increasing the development of diabetes. Also read: Health Benefits of Chia Seeds for Diabetes
Natural compound found in Lo Han Guo may assist with hearth problem as it can lower the chance of cholesterol oxidation that lead to restoring hearth healthy state. This means lowering heart attack risk and preventing future development of atherosclerosis.
Use Lo Han Guo as the substitute of sugar and / or any sweetening agent. It is recommended to use Lo Han Guo extract with caution for it is way sweeter than sugar.
Lo Han Guo too can be consumed as an infused water or tea with this step:
With this method, health benefits of luo han guo can be enjoyed every day. Beside prepared as an infused water or a tea, Lo Han Guo can be cooked along with vegetable. There is no exact recipe for cook Lo Han Guo and prepared it as a soup. You can get creative with Lo Han Guo recipe with some little tips which is “Its good with meat especially pork”.
Related Article of Tea:
Cautions of Lo Han Guo
Even with natural substance inside, Lo Han Guo must not get consumed recklessly. With high amount of sweet inside, there could be some small risk of side effect regarding insulin level. If you not exactly sure with consuming Lo Han Guo it is better to consult with your doctor.