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Norbu, is a brand of sweeter, claiming to be 100% natural. Norbu is a sugar substitute containing Monk Fruit and Erythritol . Norbu can be used as a sweetener for teas and coffees but also in baking and cooking as a sugar substitute. Norbu sweetener was launched into market in 2013 in Coles and Woolworths in Australia.
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About monk fruit
The Monk fruit is a round green melon that grows in the mountaintops of Asia. This fruit has been cultivated for centuries, but has been recently rediscovered as a natural sweetener for food and beverages . Monk Fruit is regarded as a healthy, low calorie alternative to sugar and other artificial sweeteners.
Monk Fruit is nearly 200 times sweeter than sugar, but has 97% fewer calories. Its sweetness comes from naturally occurring antioxidants. Monk Fruit extract has been certified by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for use in both food and beverages.
Retail packaging
Norbu comes in a 40 stick (80g) box, 80 stick (160g) box, 200g canister and 200 tablet tin
Monk fruit and diabetes
Norbu has a low glycemic index, which makes it suitable for diabetics. There is hope that due to its low glycaemic index Monk Fruit, and its compounds, may stimulate insulin secretion and have the potential to combat Diabetes.
History
Norbu was launched in Coles and Woolworth's in Australia Nationwide in April 2013. Although Monk fruit Sweetener has been readily available in the US, Norbu is Australia's first Monk fruit sweetener to be launched.
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The monk fruit contains about 25-38% of various carbohydrates, mainly fructose and glucose. However, Norbu is fructose free even though it is derived from monk fruit because only the sweet components called mogrosides are extracted from the fruit. Everything else including the fructose is left behind making it safe for diabetics. Norbu sweetener also contains Erythritol as a sweetener, as well as a binding and filling agent.
Health and safety
Norbu is considered to be free of immediate adverse effects. Because Norbu is new product, no data has been gathered on the long-term safety of Norbu for humans. Overconsumption however may have a laxative effect due to the presence of Erythritol.