In some forms of traditional medicine, it was even believed to heal snake bites due to its potent healing effects. If you do choose to use agave, you can easily swap it in for sugar to flavor your favorite recipes, such as baked goods and hot drinks. About the Agave Nectar and the Agave Plant. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. The Downside of High-Fructose Agave Nectar. However, unlike the fructose that is found naturally in fruits, agave contains a highly concentrated amount of fructose and lacks other important nutrients, including fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. High-fructose corn syrup, on the other hand, is an ingredient often added to sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages. For example, according to one animal model published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, mice who consumed agave nectar experienced less weight gain and decreased levels of insulin and blood sugar compared to mice who consumed regular sugar. Agave nectar is often touted as a beneficial replacement for unhealthy, high-sugar products made with high-fructose corn syrup or refined sugar. Mainly produced in Mexico, agave (pronounced ‘uh-GAH-vay’) is a syrup that is made from the blue agave plant. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Caralluma Fimbriata for Appetite Suppression & Weight Loss: Does It Work? The plant is grown for seven to 14 years before the leaves are cut off and the juice is extracted from the core. One of the most common ways agave is eaten is in the form of agave nectar, which is a thin syrup used as an alternative to traditional granulated sugar. The carbohydrate in agave nectar has a low glycemic index, which provides sweetness without the unpleasant “sugar rush” and unhealthful blood sugar spike caused by many other sugars. A modern medical study has confirmed agave’s remedial properties. Each type of agave has about 1 gram of dietary fiber and a total of 15 grams of sugar.Here are the health benefits of the blue agave syrup: Blue Agave Syrups have Lower Glycemic Index Value Glycemic index (GI) value is the ratio of carbohydrate in food in terms of how they directly affect blood glucose levels. The juice is then concentrated to form a syrup, which can range in color depending on the degree of processing that it undergoes. Over the long run, though, overdoing it on the agave nectar can still cause insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease and weight gain, just like regular sugar. ... Do you know some of the best vitamin B5 foods? The Blue Agave Plant and its Health Benefits. If you have dull and dry skin, agave nectar can bring it back to life. Especially in the last century, the western diet has become increasingly dominated by refined sweeteners such as granulated sugar and corn syrup. So is agave nectar better than honey? This is of importance to people with diabetes, who can use agave syrup to help manage their condition. However, none of these beneficial elements are present in the highly processed agave that is found on supermarket shelves. While high-fructose corn syrup is typically composed of about 55 percent fructose, agave syrup clocks in at a whopping 85 percent fructose, making it even more harmful than this common processed ingredient. Fructan intolerance is a condition that can cause issues like bloating, gas, stomach pain and diarrhea when foods high in fructans are consumed. That said, there are plenty of agave nectar health risks that need to considered as well. Agave syrup is made from agave plants found in the American southwest, Mexico, and parts of South America. As a result, the production of insulin goes smoother, ensuring that your body receives all the energy the food you ate offers. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. are clickable links to these studies. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes It also works on controlling acne and reduces the inflammation of the skin as well. This is because it contains a good amount of carbs and sugar, with five grams in each teaspoon. Because of that, many cosmetic products, including face masks, contain agave nectar. Agave is a type of syrup made from the agave plant, which is a type of plant that is mainly produced in Mexico. Agave Nectar: Benefits, risks, and alternatives Some supporters of organic food propose that people with diabetes could swap table sugar and other traditional sweeteners for agave syrup. The blue agave plant is what tequila is made from. Some benefits include weight loss, wound healing, cancer prevention, enhanced immune system, and the fact that itâ s â ¦ The agave plant is inhabitant to the desert regions of ⦠It is typically sold in either light, amber, dark or raw varieties, each of which has slight differences in taste. The ⦠Unlike glucose, which can be easily digested and metabolized throughout the body, fructose can only be processed by the liver. It is about 1.5 times sweeter than regular sugar and contains roughly 60 calories per tablespoon, which is even more than the same amount of table sugar. As previously mentioned, one of the biggest agave nectar benefits is that it has minimal effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Lychee: Antioxidant Powerhouse or Dangerous for Children? Which Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Boost Your Immune System? Registered dietitians compare the nutrients in agave and honey, explain which is healthier. So how exactly do these three sweeteners compare? This means that it won’t raise short-term blood sugar levels as rapidly as the glucose found in table sugar. Agave nectar is a natural sweetener, much like honey, which is derived from numerous varieties of the blue agave plant â the same plant that is used in making tequila. Agave supports the heart, the lungs and womenâs health as well. When you eat high amounts of fructose from ingredients like agave nectar, it’s converted to fat by the liver, increasing triglyceride levels and upping the risk of fatty liver disease. What is agave nectar? For example, according to one animal model published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, mice who consumed agave nectar experienced less weight gain and decreased levels of insulin and blood sugar compared to mice who ⦠Agave nectar, in particular, is a sweetener that is often touted as a healthy alternative to refined sugar. Skin Benefits. It can help with depression. However, note that there is limited research evaluating the potential benefits of agave nectar for skin, and most benefits are based on anecdotal evidence alone. Agave Benefits. We talked to a clinical nutritionist to ⦠Honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism spores. Darker syrups have a stronger, more intense flavor and can be used in desserts or as a sweet topping for pancakes and waffles. Compare to table sugar (50%) and fructose corn-syrup (55%), agave nectar has a higher percentage of fructose content. Keep in mind, though, that the glycemic index is just one factor to consider when evaluating the potential effects of certain sweeteners on health. This honey-like sap comes from the leaves of the blue agave, a succulent plant widely grown in Mexico. This means that it breaks down more slowly, producing a more gradual effect on blood sugar. Agave Plant: Types, Sources, Uses & Benefits, Types of Planter Pots: Indoor and Outdoor. Agave, in common with ginseng, also contains saponins, compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect. So is agave better than sugar or honey, or are the purported health benefits of agave little more than hype? Unlike sugar, agave nectar is made primarily of fructose. What’s more, increased consumption of fructose has also been linked to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as increased belly fat and weight gain, all of which can have detrimental effects on health long term. The agave plant is indigenous to Mexico and comes in many varieties. The following are the topmost benefits of using agave nectar: When comparing agave nectar vs. sugar, the biggest difference lies in their chemical composition. Agave nectar and turmeric are the only ingredients that you will need for this mask. Honey will work if thatâs what you have on hand. Now, due to the increasing awareness of agave nectar's many beneficial properties, it is becoming the preferred sweetener of health conscious consumers, doctors, and natural foods cooks... as well as the preferred ingredient in many skin care ⦠This is because blue agave nectar contains high amounts of fructose rather than glucose. In fact, although agave sweetener may not spike blood sugar levels as much as table sugar, there are some other real concerns associated with agave nectar that should be taken into account. Meanwhile, light syrup is much more mild and is better suited for delicate dishes. Itâs contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, but when agave is processed into syrup, most of these properties are lost. As previously mentioned, one of the biggest agave nectar benefits is that it has minimal effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. Interestingly enough, agave actually contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup. According to ancient Mexican folk medicine, the agave plant was believed to hold powerful medicinal properties that could help heal a variety of different ailments. Agave nectar is also not suitable for those following a Paleo, low-carb or keto diet. The Aztecs used a mixture of agave nectar and salt as a dressing for wounds and a balm for skin infections, and agave’s use as a folk remedy persists today. Some claim that there are also agave nectar health benefits for skin as well, and it’s often added to face masks and cosmetics due to its purported skin-soothing properties. Especially in the last century, the western diet has become increasingly dominated by refined sweeteners such as granulated sugar and corn syrup. The tradition of adding salt to the nectar has been found to further boost its anti-microbial property. Agave is made up of about 85 percent fructose, while honey is made up of about half glucose and half fructose. Agave Nectar has been used for centuries as a flavoring, though native populations have also been aware of its health benefits and used it medicinally. Unlike processed sugars, agave syrup has a low glycemic index. With proper storage, unopened agave nectar can last for well over a year. Folate, which is also present in agave, helps develop your baby's nervous system. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. As a, result, the production of insulin goes smoother, ensuring that your body. has other health benefits. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Honey is better than agave nectar because it is: higher in antioxidants. In addition to the health benefits, it has numerous other benefits too. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at how this “natural sweetener” can impact your health. Agave nectar has also been proven effective against enteric (intestinal) bacteria. I use agave nectar instead of using honey for many reasons but mainly because its vegan. Agave Nectar Health Benefits. Its sweetness comes primarily from a complex form of fructose called inulin. Even in non-diabetics, chronic high blood sugar and insulin levels are associated with Metabolic Syndrome, a disease linked with insulin resistance, type II diabetes, and abdominal weight gain. Agave nectar (or syrup) is made from the agave plant and is commonly used by people with diabetes and others that are interested in health and nutrition as an alternative sweetener. Foods that raise blood sugar quickly trigger the release of the hormone insulin. They are often used by those looking to improve their health and decrease blood sugar levels. Benefits of agave nectar; Many people use agave nectar for centuries, and there are multiple health benefits associated with it that no one can ignore. The plant is known by its scientific name as Agave tequiliana. The ancient Aztecs prized the agave as a gift from the gods and used the liquid from its core to flavor foods and drinks. However, despite being even more dense in calories, agave manufacturers market directly to diabetics because it is supposedly lower on the glycemic index. Agave nectar comes from inside the blue agave plant compared to the honey that comes from bees (SAVE THE BEES). The main difference between agave nectar vs. honey is that they each contain different types of sugar in varying ratios. The primary benefits of using this plant and its nectar include the following: Boosting the immune system; Increasing bone mineral density; Helping to regulate blood sugar; Consuming too much of this nectar could actually have more negative effects than the same amount of high-fructose corn syrup. Agave nectar is a natural alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. Agave nectar was traditionally used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The agave plant itself does have some proven health benefits. lower in fructose-content. But, Blue agave boasts of a considerably low glycemic index (gi), making it a, favorable option for those who are dealing with obesity, diabetes, thyroid, clearly a long way down from the gi of regular, glycemic index refers to the ratio for measuring the capacity of, carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar levels. First of all, agave syrup is high in fructose, a type of sweetener that can be incredibly damaging to health. 25 Acidic Foods to Avoid and Healthier Alternatives, Detox Your Liver: Try My 6-Step Liver Cleanse, 17 Great Probiotic Foods for Better Gut Health. Agave syrup is often marketed as a better alternative to refined sugar because it’s mostly comprised of fructose, which doesn’t increase short-term blood sugar levels to the same extent as glucose. Revitalizes Your Skin The agave nectar contains glycolic acid and necessary antioxidants. Native to deserts in areas of Mexico and southwestern states such as Arizona and New Mexico, agave plants are edible and nutritious. 20 Coconut Oil Benefits for Your Brain, Heart, Joints + More! Ways to use agave. Therefore, it’s best to limit consumption of agave nectar and opt for other natural sweeteners, such as raw honey, dates or stevia, as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet. Fructose does not spike blood sugar levels to the same extent as regular sugar. Allaboutagave.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. While this may not sound like much, it can really start to stack up fast and can cause your calorie and carbohydrate intake to skyrocket. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. It’s also very high in fructose, which has been associated with a number of negative health effects, including insulin resistance, fatty. allaboutagave.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Meanwhile, stevia sweetener is derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a type of plant native to Brazil and Paraguay. If you are dealing with a combination of skin concerns, agave nectar is an absolute godsend for you. Additionally, although it may not spike short-term blood sugar and insulin levels, it can contribute to long-term alterations in blood sugar as well as insulin resistance. It absorbs in the skin quickly and makes it look younger and less oily. Agave nectar is believed to provide a skin-soothing effect. But lately, the health glow has faded. It’s contains about 85 percent fructose, which is a type of simple sugar found in many types of plants. The Aztecs used a mixture of agave nectar and salt as a dressing for wounds and a balm for skin infections, and agaveâs use as a folk remedy persists today. The alkaline diet has been in the limelight recently, with everyone from ... Caralluma fimbriata has been consumed in Indian cultures for thousands of years. With its thin, light consistency, agave nectar can serve as a ⦠At this point, we all know that sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are bad for us, but when it comes to the products on the shelves of natural health food stores, things can get a little fuzzy. A modern medical study has confirmed agaveâs remedial properties. That is why most natural health experts agree that agave syrup isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Agave plant benefits and side effects - The leaves of agave are also used as rope. Its not new news that agave nectar (agave syrup) may be a better alternative to sugar. While a single tablespoon contains almost the same amount of honey calories as a tablespoon of agave nectar, the high content of fructose does impact other aspects of health. Ancient Healing. Here are a few DIY agave nectar face mask recipes that you can try out to reap the benefits of this wonder ingredient. Glycemic load is a measure of how much certain food can affect blood sugar levels. Agave nectar applied to the skin has been found effective against pyogenic (pus producing) bacteria such as Staph aureus. Agave is best known for its beneficial effects on skin health. I will discuss agave nectar's health benefits, and talk about the different ⦠This avoids the insulin rush caused by rapid increases in blood sugar levels. Associated ailments include insulin resistance and type II diabetes, abdominal weight gain and obesity, problems with blood lipids (raised triglycerides and cholesterol), and high blood pressure. However, it’s important to select green leaf stevia sugar over other forms, as this is the least processed form of stevia extract that retains the maximum amount of health-promoting properties. There are no major health benefits attributed to agave nectar, so honey gets all the brownie points. Like what is said above, agave syrup is made using the extracts of agave plant. The tradition of adding salt to the nectar has been found to further boost its anti-microbial property. Some chemicals in agave can reduce swelling (inflammation), cause the uterus to ⦠Blue agave is said to carry a gi of 11, clearly a long way down from the gi of regular agave, which is 39. Jan 18, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by Jennifer Snyder. Agave nectar, honey and stevia are a few of the most popular natural sweeteners on the market today. Fructose is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables. The biggest marketed benefit of agave nectar is that is has very little effects on blood sugar and insulin levels. The problem with these substances is their high glycemic index and glycemic load – both measures of the relative impact that foods have on our blood sugar. Agave nectar can actually help to lower your blood glucose levels, which protects against diabetes. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! For thousands of years, its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties have been used to treat burns, wounds and insect bites. For thousands of years, its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties have been used to treat burns, wounds and insect bites. Agave syrup is low on the glycemic index, but contains more calories than sugar. Here are a few of the best agave nectar substitute options to consider: Agave nectar is produced from Agave americana or Agave tequiliana, which is the same blue agave plant cultivated for the production of tequila. If the gi is low, food could be digested properly and all the nutrients absorbed slowly but surely. Vitamin K and folate in agave ⦠However, there are plenty of other alternatives to agave nectar that are healthier than white sugar and associated with far fewer adverse health effects. While heavily processed agave nectar brings little to the table in terms of nutrition, raw honey is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to several impressive health benefits. Discover (and save!) It’s available at most grocery stores and can be found in the baking aisle near other sweeteners, such as honey and syrup. Agave nectar has long been touted as a more nutritious sweetener. Agave nectar is a delicious natural sweetener that can be used moderately – by dieters, some diabetics, and health-conscious cooks – to replace high-glycemic and refined sugars. Excessive releases of insulin and, more specifically, chronically high blood sugar and insulin levels are linked to Metabolic Syndrome (also called Syndrome X), which is a complex of health disorders. Today, the blue agave is perhaps most popular as an ingredient in baking goods—it is the star of the show in healthy sweetening alternatives. The agave plant has some amazing health benefits. Agave nectar is not recommended for those with fructan intolerance. Another substance present in agave syrup is insulin. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Otherwise, what are the health benefits of the blue agave syrup? Agave nectar has a fructose content of about 75 to 90 percent. However, when it comes down to it, there aren’t too many differences between the three. Blue agave boasts of a considerably low glycemic index (gi), making it a favorable option for those who are dealing with obesity, diabetes, thyroid disorder, and/or heart disease. If the gi is low, food could, be digested properly and all the nutrients absorbed slowly but surely. The leaves of agave are pointed at the front. However, research shows that the truth about agave syrup may not be as sweet as it seems. your own Pins on Pinterest Agave can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions when applied to the skin. Not quite. Agave has also been used topically to soothe skin, reduce irritation and treat toothaches. receives all the energy the food you ate offers. This is a type of fiber and is associated with increasing satiety (the feeling of fullness) and causing a decrease in appetite. Well first, ... Agave Nectar vs. Sugar vs. High-Fructose Corn Syrup, How to Use (Plus Healthier Agave Substitutes). Agave and honey are both trendy natural sugars reputed for health benefits. This agave nectar is both organically grown and sustainably sourced, so itâs a great eco-conscious choice. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) It should be sealed and stored at room temperature to maximize its shelf life. But why is it a good idea to use agave nectar as an alternative to sugar? Agave nectar has been portrayed by some people in the blogging community as a terrible sweetener that is as bad if not worse than high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). For this reason, it’s important to keep intake in moderation to avoid adverse effects on health. The two most popular agave variants used in the making of the nectar are the Agave Americana as well as A. Tequila. For these individuals, limiting consumption of fructan-rich foods, such as artichokes, onions, leeks, nectarines, bananas, lentils and agave nectar, is recommended to reduce side effects. The glycemic index refers to the ratio for measuring the capacity of carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar levels. Recent claims regarding agave nectar urge us to be aware of the type of agave we are purchasing. In its natural form, extracts from the agave plant contain strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Check price at Amazon Bluava 100% Pure Blue Agave is an excellent choice if you are looking for a small batch artisanal agave nectar.