Agave nectar, also called agave syrup, is a sweetener often recommended for people with diabetes.
The resulting liquid is processed with enzymes derived from a mold calledAspergillus niger.
Agave is also fermented to make tequila.
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However, this assessment isn’t as cut-and-dried as it may seem.
They diverge in terms oftypeof sugar and where each ranks of the glycemic index.
It is these two factors that make agave nectar a questionable alternative to sugar.
It is relatively low on the glycemic index.
Agave contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, and fruit.
Agave’s ranking of 20 to 30 certainly places it in the category of low glycemic foods.
However, there is some controversy regarding the usefulness of the GI for controlling blood sugar.
This is because the index doesn’t account for portion sizes of foods.
This means you need less agave to get the same result.
Every person metabolizes food differently.
Agave has a low glycemic index, which may make it easier on your blood sugar than other sweeteners.
However, it contains more fructose, which may affect some peoples blood sugar more than others.
The only way to know how agave affects you is to test your blood sugar after using it.
In baking, you’re able to substitute agave for honey at a 1-to-1 ratio.
But nutritionally, honey and agave are different.
Honey contains more vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients than agave.
Honey also has a lower fructose ratio, making it easier on blood sugar than agave.
Cleveland Clinic.Substitutes for sugar: what to try and what to limit.
