I learned about Agave nectar when I attended the Conscious Gourmet cooking seminar this past April. I am sure I walked past it a million times in many health food stores, but I usually consume honey or brown sugar to sweeten things and have not had the need to use anything else…
At the seminar we discussed refined sugars and all the potential health conditions it’s associated with, such as:
Candida Depression Crohn’s Disease/Colitis Ulcers Hypertension Gallstones Kidney-stones Even, Cancer
So based on this information, why not use and consume a more natural and non-processed form of sweetener?
Agave nectar is made from the same plant Tequila is made. Cool, huh? So because it’s a plant-based sweetener, it’s also vegan. Another cool thing about agave nectar is it has a very low glycemic index. This means that when you consume it, it will barely increase the glucose levels in your blood, therefore not increasing the production of insulin nor activating the fat storage system. Hey, I learned this from my sister who is a diabetic from the age of 15 and an endocrinologist.
Just to give you an idea of the glycemic index of different foods:
Corn Flakes 119 White Bread 112 Rice 83 Honey 83 Apple 54 Peas 32 Agave nectar 27
Agave nectar then is great for those people who are diabetic, are watching their carbohydrate intake or blood glucose levels or even watching their weight. You can see how my friend Kathleen lost about 45lbs. this last year and agave nectar is one of the few sweeteners she now uses.
And don’t underestimate its sweetness. Agave nectar is sweeter than table sugar, but it’s not processed or contains any chemicals. Actually, you should use about ¼ to 1/3 less amount of agave than you would sugar or honey. You use it the same way you would use honey – to sweeten beverages, desserts, hot cereals, smoothies, yogurts, etc. I even use it to sweeten my Spinach Crepes recipe.
Check out agave nectar the next time you go to your local health food store. Try it, you’ll not be disappointed…
KarmaFree Cooking 
