What sweetener or sugar should one use? Options include sugar, honey, Equal, Sugar in the Raw, Sweet'N Low, Stevia, Truvia, Splenda, and the list goes on. Adding to the options is agave syrup, or agave nectar as it is also referred to. The availability of sweeteners is not small and making a healthy decision is important.
Agave syrup is a natural, liquid sweetener derived from a cactus plant. It is similar in color and form to honey, but not as viscous. Agave syrup has approximately 60 calories per serving, which is higher than an equal-sized serving of sugar, however less agave is needed because it is so much sweeter. Replacing sugar with agave syrup can be used in the sweetening of tea or coffee, creating cocktails, marinades or baking.
Agave Syrup Health Facts
What does agave syrup offer besides being sweeter than sugar? Promoting calcium absorption, lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of particular cancers are all benefits to using agave syrup according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of The Stevia Cookbook as reported by Michele Thompson, a health and wellness expert and editor with SheKnows.com. Inulin, a type of fiber found in agave syrup, is responsible for these benefits. Dr. Sahelian explains agave syrup has fructans and saponins. Saponins “have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability.”
Agave syrup is also low-glycemic, which is beneficial to those suffering hypoglycemia as agave won’t disrupt blood sugar levels like standard sugar does. Hypoglycemic and diabetic individuals, as well as anyone facing a diet change, should consult their primary care physician for specialized sugar replacement recommendations as there is still a controversy over agave syrup. Being informed and having an educated conversation with one’s physician is a healthy choice.
When not using agave syrup, what does sugar provide? Not much in the promotion of good health. From an August 2009 article at Just-Food.com, professor of nutrition at the University of Vermont, Rachel Johnson states, “Sugar has no nutritional value other than to provide calories.” Also, a high sugar diet has been linked to high blood pressure and obesity according to a report by the American Heart Association.
What to Expect When Using Agave Syrup
Being one and half times sweeter than standard sugar, agave syrup can be used more sparingly. Thompson recommends that when baking with agave syrup, reduce the temperature by twenty-five degrees from what the recipe instructs as it will change the consistency of the batter.
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