Can Luo Han Guo (monk fruit) steeped in water be consumed long-term?
Generally, it is not recommended to drink luo han guo (monk fruit) infused water on a long-term basis. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Luo han guo water offers multiple health benefits, such as promoting saliva production to relieve thirst, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, clearing internal heat and moistening the lungs, lubricating the intestines to relieve constipation, and improving skin appearance. For specific groups, such as individuals with excessive liver fire or chronic pharyngitis, moderate consumption of luo han guo water may help alleviate related symptoms.
However, long-term consumption of luo han guo water may damage the spleen and stomach's yang energy due to its cold nature, leading to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, which can cause digestive problems such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. This is especially important for individuals who already have weak spleen and stomach function, as they should avoid long-term consumption. Additionally, although luo han guo is sweet and low in calories, it does contain some sugar. Prolonged and excessive consumption may affect blood sugar stability. Therefore, when using luo han guo for infusion, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid overconsumption.
As luo han guo has a cooling nature, it can be boiled with ginger when preparing the infusion to help reduce potential side effects and support overall health maintenance.