In traditional Chinese pharmacology, Lo Han Guo fruit is acknowledged as a precious health tonic. So, what is Lo Han Guo, and what wonders does it hold for your well-being? Mytour is here to answer these questions in this article.
What is Lo Han Guo fruit?
Lo Han Guo is a fruit from the Lo Han plant – a vine belonging to the gourd family. Scientifically known as Momordica grosvenori, this round fruit, roughly the size of an orange, has a yellow-brown or greenish-brown color with a fine fuzzy coating. The skin is crisp, and the flesh is fluffy, making it easy to break apart.
The name 'la hán' originates from the tradition of great monks at Shaolin Temple in China regularly consuming water infused with this fruit to enhance their health. Extracted from the la hán fruit, it has a cool and sweet taste, nearly 300 times sweeter than sugar and with very few calories, thus not causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Specifically, 100g of la hán contains:
- 25-38% sugar
- 8 – 13% protein
- 41% fatty acids
- Mogroside – a component with sweetness 300 times that of cane sugar.
- Vitamin C
- D-mannitol – a gummy substance
- Various trace minerals like Fe, Mn, Zn, iodine, Se.
Currently, la hán fruit is considered a specialty of the Guangxi and Yunnan regions in China and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine.
La hán is a fruit from the la hán plant – a type of vine belonging to the gourd family. (Source: Internet)Benefits of the la hán fruit
What does la hán do? With its valuable natural components, la hán brings users fantastic benefits such as:
Weight Loss Support
The Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Journal has indicated that the medrol component in la hán fruit inhibits fat cells, helping minimize the accumulation of fat in the body. Therefore, using la hán supports weight loss and reduces the risk of obesity. Thanks to its almost calorie, carb, and fat-free nature, this fruit is suitable for those seeking a healthy weight loss beverage.
La hán is free from calories, carbs, and fats, aiding in weight loss (Source: Internet)Enhancing Diabetes Resistance
La hán has a sweet taste due to mogrosides – natural compounds safe for individuals with diabetes as they do not raise blood sugar levels. However, some beverages and supplements sweetened with la hán may contain ingredients that increase calorie and carb intake, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and impacting insulin sensitivity. Therefore, opting for fresh fruit ensures better effectiveness.
Cancer Prevention
A 2011 study revealed the la hán fruit's capability to inhibit the growth of tumors in breast and skin. Cancer is linked to artificial sugars as they act as catalysts for inflammation in the body. Therefore, substituting artificial sugars with la hán sugar helps prevent cancer. Mogrosides in this fruit possess properties that inhibit the development of cancer cells, reduce DNA damage, and provide antioxidant effects.
Replacing artificial sugars with la hán sugar aids in cancer prevention (Source: Internet)Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Fibrotic Properties
Traditional medicine has used la hán as a remedy for reducing cough, phlegm, and throat irritation. Modern medicine also proves that mogrosides in this fruit help combat free radicals – the primary cause of inflammation.
Artificial sweeteners are the culprits behind the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. In contrast, sugar from la hán provides beneficial bacteria like B. bifidum, L. salivarius, L. casei, and L. acidophilus. Therefore, this fruit not only controls inflammation and scar tissue in the lungs but also prevents digestive issues, all without causing side effects.
La hán aids in anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects (Source: Internet)Preventing Kidney Decline
The kidneys are often affected when blood sugar levels are high. Prolonged high sugar levels cause the filtration holes in the kidneys to enlarge, reducing the efficiency of blood filtration and leading to albumin leakage in urine. Consequently, la hán can prevent kidney decline by inhibiting excessive sugar levels.
La hán fruit prevents kidney decline by inhibiting excessive sugar levels (Source: Internet)Supporting Treatment for Heart-Related Conditions
Oxidized cholesterol leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in blood vessels and arteries. La hán contains components that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol for heart health. Therefore, la hán is trusted as an effective medication for treating heart-related conditions.
La hán aids in the treatment of heart-related conditions (Source: Internet)Who Should Avoid La Hán Water?
La hán offers numerous health benefits. However, this fruit is advised to be used cautiously by certain groups:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Individuals with wind-cold symptoms, colds, or cold extremities. The cooling nature of la hán fruit may exacerbate the condition of the seriously ill.
- Those allergic to components in la hán.
- Individuals undergoing treatment with other medications should consult their doctor before use.
Pregnant individuals, those with wind-cold symptoms, etc., should avoid using la hán water (Source: Internet)Some Effective Remedies Using La Hán Fruit
To safeguard and enhance health, consider applying these effective remedies using la hán:
- La Hán Infused Water: Prepare 2 crushed la hán fruits, boil into a drink 1-2 times daily. This method aids in treating sore throat, flu, and constipation.
- La Hán Almond Water: Prepare 10g almonds and 1 la hán fruit. Crush la hán and brew with almonds. Steep and drink once a day to treat bronchitis, flu, and productive cough.
- La Hán Seashell Water: Prepare 2 seashells, 1 la hán fruit. Crush la hán and seashells, boil well, and drink throughout the day. This usage helps treat intestinal heat and constipation.
- La Hán Rose Preserved Water: Prepare 1 rose preserved and 1 la hán fruit. Crush la hán, add water, and steep. Drink once a day to treat chicken cough and allergies effectively.
- La Hán Fruit and Loquat Syrup: Soak 10g loquat syrup and 1 la hán fruit. Crush la hán, brew thoroughly, and divide into two servings daily. This method is quick in treating lung tuberculosis, dry throat, and hoarseness.
- La Hán Soup: 50g la hán fruit, 100g lean pork. Slice la hán, add water and pork to cook soup. You can add seasonings as in regular soups. La hán and pork soup is effective in treating tuberculosis.
Some effective remedies using la hán (Source: Internet)Above, Mytour Blog has shared about la hán fruit, what it is, and the fantastic benefits of la hán. Hopefully, the article helps you understand more about la hán, enabling you to use them to the best. Mytour has many useful articles on the same topic; visit regularly for more insightful reads!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to experts, individuals with high blood pressure can consume la hán water. This fruit is highly effective in preventing respiratory diseases and mildly alleviating cardiovascular symptoms.
La hán is a commonly used herbal remedy nowadays. You can purchase dried la hán fruit, la hán tea, and more at Mytour, reputable pharmacies, and trusted websites at competitive prices.
