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Loading...The Great Agave Nectar Debate
- Megan, selected from Green Options
- January 31, 2010
- 9:04 am
- 117 comments
By Becky Striepe, Green Options
When I went vegan years ago, agave nectar was one of the first things on my shopping list. It’s commonly used as a vegan substitute for honey – you can substitute it in recipes that call for honey one-to-one. It’s also been touted as a healthy natural sweetener that doesn’t affect blood sugar levels in the same way as conventional sugar.
The report says that:
agave “nectar” and HFCS “are indeed made the same way, using a highly chemical process with genetically modified enzymes. They are also using caustic acids, clarifiers, filtration chemicals and so forth in the conversion of agave starches.” The result is a high level of highly refined fructose in the remaining syrup, along with some remaining inulin.
They also debunk the claims about its effects on blood sugar levels. They’re saying that fructose content has a point of diminishing returns and that agave nectar goes way beyond that point. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about this. An article from Natural News seems to support those claims about fructose, but then the LA times spoke to Roger Clemens, a professor at USC and spokesman for the Institute of Food Technologists about fructose in agave nectar. From what he said, it sounds like the amount of fructose can vary a lot depending on how it’s processed.
Read more: Food, Health, agave nectar, agave nectar criticism, blood sugar levels
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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117 comments
+ add your ownThis is one of the best article I have found about agave nectar. It is great that the author chose to take on both sides of the story and not just dwell on one side. Indeed, all agave are not equal. Aside from coming from differing species of the agave plant, they also have various processing procedures and content. I usually use xagave as my preferred brand as it is low in fructose organic, and raw.
good to know
Samo domaci med
I use local honey often.
I agree with Carlotta. I'm going to use more local honey. In fact my husband has been looking into starting a hive of our own. May very well be a good idea.
Tequila!!!
why honey, or agave?? I use nothing. i also drink plain silk soy milk. if i need to use a sweetener i use stevia.
local honey may be best
Adds to the confusion... but thanks for some direction to go.
I hasten to add, veganism is still the healthiest course one can take, regardless of almost any less-than-ideal replacements.
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