Agave nectar is a sweetener that is growing in popularity. Like sugar and other sweeteners, it can be used on its own, in baking and in cooking. It comes in various forms and is sold in different sizes. Once, agave nectar would have been hard to find at your local supermarket. That is no longer the case. Usually, it is found in the baking aisle, but is sometimes kept in the natural or organic health foods aisle. If your supermarket does not carry it, make sure to ask the manager to stock it so that you can reap the many health benefits of using agave nectar as your sweetener of choice.
Low Glycemic Index
One of the benefits of using agave nectar as your sweetener is that it has a low glycemic index. This means that it does not cause a sudden rise or fall in blood sugar, which is especially important for people with diabetes. The glycemic value of agave nectar is 27. Compare that with sucrose, or sugar, which has a value of 92! Eating foods low on the glycemic index can help keep cravings for unhealthy foods away, which can assist in weight loss.
Inulin
Another benefit of using agave nectar as your sweetener is that it has inulin, a type of fiber with many health benefits. Some studies show that inulin can decrease the appetite and increase satisfaction from food. This means that you stay fuller for longer and therefore eat less than on a diet including sugar-rich foods. Studies also show links between inulin and lower cholesterol, as well as increased absorption of various nutrients.
Less Is More
Agave nectar is 40 percent sweeter than sugar, so you need less to get the same sweet taste you love. Less sweetener means less calories, which can help you in losing or maintaining weight. In general, when replacing 1 cup of white sugar with agave nectar, use 2/3 of a cup of agave and reduce the other liquids in your recipe by 1/4 to 1/3 cup. If you are replacing corn syrup with agave nectar, use half as much and increase the other liquids in the recipe by up to 1/3 cup. If you are putting it on your cereal or using it like granulated sugar, remember that less is more!
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