This Ancient Sugar Substitute Has a Surprising Benefit Beyond Sweetness, New Research Says

When people try to cut back on added sugars, coffee is typically the first culprit folks look to. Options like monk fruit stand out particularly for anyone in search of a natural, zero-calorie, and zero-glycemic way to sweeten drinks without the blood sugar spike. Now, new research suggests its benefits may extend well beyond its sweetness.

Native to Southeast Asia, monk fruit is a small melon that's been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Modern studies have only looked at its role as a sweetener, until now.