Agave has become the most recent rage among health nuts. The sweet nectar of this Mexican cactus has become the new sweetener of choice for many diabetics. However, with many sugar substitutes on the market, it is becoming more and more evident that the chemical break down of the sweeteners is so much like sugar that they still cause an influx of insulin. For diabetics, this could be a disaster, and for the general public this could me weight gain and definitely one more thing to keep people from reaching their weight loss goals.
Depending on the source and processing method used, agave syrup can, therefore, contain as little as 55% fructose, the same amount found in high-fructose corn syrup — in which case the syrup would offer no advantage to diabetic consumers trying to avoid too much glucose, Clemens says.
The syrup’s range of fructose content also means it’s not necessarily the most logical choice for consumers looking to get away from the fructose levels in high-fructose corn syrup.
Further, any benefit that agave might offer to diabetics remains pure supposition, Clemens says. To date, the scientific literature contains few studies on agave, and no clinical studies on its safety for diabetics (source).
It seems as though Americans are trying desperately to find something to satisfy their sweet tooth. Aspartame, splenda, brown rice syrup, agave; they are all the same. Maybe, what we really need to do is rid our bodies of processed foods and sugars so that we might return our bodies to a state of equilibrium. When the body is in the correct balance, there is no need to feed the craving. Remember, sugar cravings only last for 2 days, don’t waste your money on over priced sweeteners, get the toxins out of your system and live a more energetic life without the ups and downs of blood sugar spikes. You will be more balanced inside and out.
Adria Ali
(CES, PES, CPT, BS)
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