You may have heard the recent rumors circulating about Agave Syrup/Nectar, which after being considered as a wonderfully healthy sweetener, has now become the villain of the internet. Certain experts are saying that it’s no better for you than table sugar or high-fructose corn syrup and that we’ve been hoodwinked into thinking otherwise. Here’s my take: first off, sugar is sugar, whichever way you want to swing it. If you have a sweet tooth, unless you get into Stevia, which isn’t very satisfying, you’re going to be consuming calories with very little nutritional content (actually some Agave syrup contains very small amounts of minerals). So if you’re a diabetic or on a weight-loss diet and looking for a way to have your cake and eat it too – Agave mightn’t be the miracle sweetener you were hoping for. Agave, however, is a great alternative to table sugar, as it is 3 times sweeter and so you don’t need to use so much. Unlike sugar, whose sucrose breaks down into 50% sucrose and 50% fructose, Agave can contain up to 90% fructose, which doesn’t cause your blood sugar to spike in the same way that table sugar does.
For the most part, you need to be really discerning about the brand of Agave that you buy. Much like Extra Virgin Oil, which can be horribly adulterated with cheap hazelnut oil, inexpensive Agave can be mixed with high fructose corn syrup – so be sure that the brand you buy is the real thing – easier said than done, so here’s what I suggest you look for: First, you want to buy Agave Syrup that is “raw”, which means that it’s been processed at a lower temperature, thus keeping intact it’s mineral content, secondly – making sure its “organic” should be an indicator of a better quality syrup. I like the Colorado company, Madhava, which sells at Wholefoods and many health food stores Nationwide.
Either way, eat your sweet treats, but in moderation. My philosophy is NOT to deny myself the things I love – in moderation and with ample daily exercise, I really can have my cake and eat it too.
I LOVE Agave nectar! I subsitute nearly all my sugar with it. Here’s a little tip for the cocktail hour: 2 oz bourbon or rum + tablespoon agave nectar + soda water + lemon. It’s super refreshing, without the guilt (or nearly as many calories) as cola!
I prefer raw honey, and I buy it locally. It costs a bit more, but it is raw so any nutrients it has are still pretty much intact. I just prefer the taste of honey to agave, and since I only use it in tea, I don’t feel too bad about its sugar content.
I am forwarding this article to everyone on my list who has been confused about whether or not to use agave nectar. It has practically been deemed a poison! Thanks for the clarification, and yes, a bit of exercise and some sweet desserts goes together nicely. No denying!