Agave Nectar Health Benefits

Agave nectar or agave syrup is obtained from the agave plant, a plant that looks like a cactus, but is just as succulent as aloe vera. Hailing from Mexico, there are several hundreds of species of agave, but the nectar is mostly taken from the blue agave plant.

The blue agave plant possesses a pina (resembles the pineapple), which contains a sweet sticky sap. This sap when extracted, filtered, and heated at low temperatures, yields a nutritious, honey sweet nectar. The sweetness of this nectar has made it a popular alternative to sugar. Besides its sweet taste, agave nectar is also known for its plethora of health benefits.

Agave nectar is high in fructose, and has a low glycemic index, which means it hardly has any impact on the blood sugar levels, thereby, preventing sudden blood sugar spikes in the bloodstream. Honey has a glycemic index of 83, whereas, organic agave has a glycemic index of 27.

This is why it is deemed to be a healthier sweetener option for diabetics.

Those allergic to honey and pollen can use agave nectar to sweeten their food. Moreover, people who dislike the flavor of honey will find agave nectar to be more palatable. Vegans also opt for this nectar, because it hasn't been obtained from an animal source. It also make a good, low calorie sugar substitute, and can be used as a replacement to sugar.

For every cup of sugar, add ⅓ cup of agave nectar.

Agave nectar contains a substance called fructan, which helps reduce the body's bad cholesterol, by altering fat absorption in the intestines. It also promotes weight loss by reducing appetite, increasing satiety, and having a low impact on the blood sugar levels.

Agave nectar contains saponins, which is found to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The Aztecs used a mixture of agave nectar and salt to heal wounds. They also used it to heal skin and intestinal infections.

Although the health benefits of this nectar, have been touted by the food industry, how much of this is true is still a mystery. Agave nectar has a low glycemic index, however, this doesn't give us the incentive to consume it in excess amounts. After all, agave nectar is sweet and contains 16 calories/teaspoon.

The crux of the matter is agave is good and has positive effects on the body, however, it should not be consumed in excess. Excess of anything can be unhealthy, so, maintaining a balance is the key!

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.