Have you heard of hibiscus tea? Of the benefits of olive oil? The miraculous power of pepper in food? How can ginger be good for your health? Of the properties of amaranth? Questions like this are common in the world of healthy eating. From time to time science makes a new discovery and gives a particular food a previously unknown value. So, who is more attuned to this type of food invades the health food stores in search of the newest darling of health. Now the agave nectar is the ball of the moment.
What is agave?
The agave, or blue agave, is a type of cactus originating in Mexico, slightly similar to our aloe vera. Its pinecone is used in the production of tequila, and although this is a property that already convinces some people of how useful the plant is, its leaves are used for an even better purpose: to replace both sugar and sweetener in food. It turns out that the agave leaf produces a kind of sap that is easily extracted and has a high sweetening power. All this with a considerable reduction in the number of calories. The texture is very similar to honey, except that the color is slightly lighter.
Is he really healthier?
Although there are no conclusive studies on the benefits of replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners with nectar or agave extract, the results found so far show that it is indeed a good alternative for human health. What makes it more beneficial is that this type of substance is rich in fructose, unlike sugar, which is rich in sucrose. Fructose is less harmful to health than sucrose and, according to some research, can also help with weight loss as it is processed more slowly by the body.
What is already known for certain is that agave nectar is about three times sweeter than sugar, which makes it much less used in food preparation. Another scientifically proven property is the relief of inflammation and the strengthening of the immune system.
Where to find agave extract or nectar?
Usually the product is available at health food stores and can also be found at pharmacies specializing in natural treatments. Some supermarkets also have agave nectar, usually on the shelf for natural food products.
Can anyone consume agave nectar?
Like any sweetener, the agave product should not be consumed by people with diabetes prior to consulting with a nutritionist and a trusted physician. Fructose may not be as harmful as sucrose but, for all intents and purposes, the same care should be taken with the consumption of any other sweetener.
When inserting a new food into your diet or starting a new diet, always seek to consult a nutritionist. Each organism reacts in a different way to the various substances contained in food, so it is necessary to investigate so that there are no reactions? whether allergic or even more serious, such as rejections, for example.
"Proven Health Benefits of Agave Nectar" (April 2024)
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