Agave Health Benefits

The agave plant is endemic to Mexico and contains nectar which can be made into a sweet syrup. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener available in many health food stores. Consume agave syrup in moderation due to its high calorie content, advises Dr. Jonny Bowden in "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth." Research continues into the health benefits of agave.

Low-Glycemic Index

The glycemic index reflects how fast a particular food or drink is digested and released as glucose in the bloodstream. High-glycemic foods elevate glucose and insulin levels, causing hunger and fat storage. Low-glycemic foods do not significantly raise your levels. Agave nectar or syrup is identified as low-glycemic and safe for diabetics compared to other sweeteners such as honey, high-fructose corn syrup and maltodextrin. However, the Glycemic Research Institute states the consumption of agave can have negative affects on those suffering from blood-sugar and other metabolic issues.

Inulin and Weight Loss

Inulin, a type of fructan, is found in the agave plant. Inulin helps with weight loss by reducing cholesterol and inhibiting the absorption of fat in your intestines. Other sources of inulin include asparagus, onions, leeks, garlic, bananas, dandelion and chicory root.

Prebiotic Effect

Fructans in the agave plant have a prebiotic effect within your body. As a prebiotic, fructans stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. The presence of prebiotics, or healthy bacteria, inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Fructans and Colon Treatment

Compounds called fructans found in agave can help prevent colon diseases. Fructans are better capable of carrying drugs to the colon than conventional drug-carriers, say researchers from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. The compounds resist acids in the stomach and reach the colon intact. This helps improve the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colon cancer and ulcerative colitis.