Agave sweetener - the new sugar

I just stumbled on some info about Agave nectar as a sweetener. Unlike Aspartame and all the other crap, this is natural. Actually made from the Agave cactus (Same as tequila) and is quite abit sweeter than refined sugar. Here is some info I dug up.


Only recently has Agave come into use as a sweetener, north of Mexico. It has a low glycemic index level and is a delicious and safe alternative to table sugar. To learn about the Glycemic Index Level CLICK HERE. Unlike the crystalline form of fructose, which is refined primarily from corn, Agave Nectar is sweet in its natural form and is therefore much easier for the body to process and use.





This nectar does not contain processing chemicals. Even better, because it is sweeter than table sugar, less is needed in your recipes and meals.

It can be most useful for people who are diabetic, have insulin resistance (Type II, non-insulin dependant) or are simply watching their carbohydrate intake.



What is the Glycemic Index?
Not all carbohydrate foods are created equal, in fact they behave quite differently in our bodies. The glycemic index or (GI) describes this difference by ranking carbohydrates according to their effect on our blood glucose levels. Choosing low GI carbs - the ones that produce only small fluctuations in our blood glucose and insulin levels - is the secret to long-term health reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes and is the key to sustainable weight loss.

Glycemic Rating of SUGARS (G.I)

Agave Nectar 27
Safe For Diabetics <55
Honey 83
High fructose corn syrup 89
Sucrose 92
Glucose 137
Glucose tablets 146
Maltodextrin 150
Maltose 150

What are the Benefits of the Glycemic Index?


Eating a lot of high GI foods can be detrimental to your health because it pushes your body to extremes. This is especially true if you are overweight and sedentary. Switching to eating mainly low GI carbs that slowly trickle glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals.

Low GI diets help people lose and control weight
Low GI diets increase the body's sensitivity to insulin
Low GI carbs improve diabetes control
Low GI carbs reduce the risk of heart disease
Low GI carbs reduce blood cholesterol levels
Low GI carbs can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS
Low GI carbs reduce hunger and keep you fuller for longer
Low GI carbs prolong physical endurance
High GI carbs help re-fuel carbohydrate stores after exercise


How to Switch to a Low GI Diet?

You don't need to count numbers or do any sort of mental arithmetic to make sure you are eating a healthy, low GI diet.

The basic technique for eating the low GI way is simply a "this for that" approach - ie, swapping high GI carbs for low GI carbs.

Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran
Use breads with wholegrains, stone-ground flour, sour dough
Reduce refined sugars and artificial sweeteners
Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables
Use Basmati or Doongara rice
Enjoy pasta, noodles, etc Eat plenty of salad vegetables with a vinaigrette dressing