The Benefits of Agave Nectar
February 2009
Do you love honey in your tea or on cornbread? Do you love maple syrup on pancakes? I've only recently discovered Agave Nectar, a healthier alternative to sugar, maple syrup and honey.
Agaves are large spikey plants that resemble a cactus or yucca plant that produces a nectar used to sweeten food and drinks. It is very similar to honey and in Mexico, it is known as aguamiel, or "honey water."
Consider using Agave Syrup for these reasons:
- Agave has a low glycemic index (11-30) far less than honey (65-85)
- It has a long shelf live, unlike honey which solidifies and crystalizes in the bottle
- It's thinner than honey, easy to pour and measure and dissolves quickly
- It's much less expensive than pure maple syrup
Glycemic Index:
Agave nectar has a low-glycemic index compared to other sweeteners. The primary sugar in agave nectar is a complex form of fructose called inulin, which gives it a much lower glycemic index than honey. When consumed, it won't cause a sharp rise or fall in blood sugar which triggers the body's fat storage mechanisms. And it tastes good!
Blue Agave is the preferred species for producing nectar. The premium nectars are produced from 100% Weber Blue Agave. There are two types: a light and a dark. The lighter syrups undergo less heating and a more thorough filtration to produce a more mildly flavored product that is neutral enough to be used in many culinary applications. The darker syrups are filtered less, and the solids left in the syrup make for a stronger nectar with a flavor sometimes compared to maple syrup. In the grocery store, look for Raw Blue Agave Nectar.
Like many natural sweeteners, you can seamlessly substitute light agave nectar for sugar in most recipes.
- Use about 1/3 cup of light agave nectar for every one cup of sugar called for in recipes.
- Reduce the liquid ingredients in recipes by one-third, since agave nectar is liquid and sugar is dry.
- Reduce your oven temperature by 25 degrees.
If you'd like some assistance getting sugar habits under control and your eating habits back on track, try a complimentary 30-minute coaching session and see first hand how setting goals and having a plan with accountability will help you be successful.
847-971-3643 / andrea@hgcoaching.com
