By Thom Seehafer
Agave nectar is a natural
alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, plus it is vegan. This
honey-like sap comes from the leaves of the blue agave, a succulent plant
widely grown in Mexico. Agave nectar is most easily substituted for liquid sugars, since it is already in liquid
form and the difference in moisture will usually be negligible. Because of its
lower glycemic index, it makes an excellent substitute for many natural and
refined liquid sugars, including:
Honey Maple Syrup Brown Rice
Syrup
Corn Syrup
Because agave nectar has a high
concentration of fructose -- a form of sugar that has a low effect on blood
sugar levels -- this sweetener has a low GI value. Honey falls
between 65-85 on the glycemic index while agave comes in between 11-30. Because it is so light, it will less likely raise the
blood sugar and will not trigger the storing of fat in the body. With its thin, light consistency, agave
nectar can serve as a topping for fruit salads, pancakes or ice cream. This
sweetener may also replace sugar in baked recipes. Substitute 2/3 cup agave nectar for each
cup of granulated white or brown sugar.
Because of its neutral flavor, it will work well with other foods and
not MASK delicate flavors.
In addition to its versatility as a sweetening agent, agave nectar may provide certain health benefits. However, this syrup is still high in calories and may contribute to weight gain or tooth decay if consumed in large amounts. But then again, who is going to be drinking cups of pure agave?
In addition to its versatility as a sweetening agent, agave nectar may provide certain health benefits. However, this syrup is still high in calories and may contribute to weight gain or tooth decay if consumed in large amounts. But then again, who is going to be drinking cups of pure agave?
Agave has a better shelf life than
honey and will not crystallize if left for periods of time in the cupboard. It
pours easier, dissolves easier and measures easier, and yes, can even be used in cold
drinks such as iced tea.
One
of the better brands to purchase is Madhava Agave Nectar. Madhava
offers extremely high-quality, all-natural, 100% organic agave nectar, made by
minimal processing. There are no chemicals used in the production of Madhava’s
agave nectar from agave salmiana, and it is not cooked.
Although
there are no known side effects of agave, like honey, it is still NOT
recommended to be served to children younger than one year old. Honey may sometimes have a bacteria
that can cause botulism. While this bacteria is harmless to
anyone over the age of one year, it can produce toxins in an infant’s immature
intestinal tract, causing sickness, hospitalization, and in rare cases, death.
Agave syrup is not known to cause botulism in babies.
Agave and honey are two natural
sweeteners, with varying fructose content and glycemic index, but with a
similar total carbohydrate and sugar content. Although they may be less
processed and refined compared to table sugar, agave and honey are sugars and,
like any sugar, they do not provide you with substantial nutrition. What is
boils down to is this: Use these and all sweeteners sparingly, especially if
you are trying to lose weight.
Thom Seehafer is part-owner of Body Solutions Rx, a company dedicated to helping people release excess weight in a short amount of time with the use of Hcg.
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