Despite what manufacturers may lead you to believe, agave nectar is essentially just another form of sugar. Excess sugar increases inflammation in your body, regardless of the source. If you are prone to acne or rosacea, you may benefit from limiting your intake of added sugars. Understanding the chemical composition of agave nectar can help you understand its potential effects on the appearance of your skin.
Acne and Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by several dilated blood vessels near the surface of your skin. Although different factors can trigger a flare-up, rosacea is exacerbated by inflammation. Acne rosacea describes the condition where whiteheads and blackheads are also present. Rosacea commonly affects lighter-skined people, while acne affects a wide variety of people, especially teens. Genetics and stress play a strong role in these skin disorders, but sugar from agave nectar may also increase your symptoms.
About Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is touted as a superior sweetener with a lower glycemic index than sugar. This may be true, but it is important to note that agave nectar is composed of concentrated fructose molecules. Fructose has a very sweet taste and is not necessarily meant to be consumed in concentrated quantities. Commercially produced agave nectar contains more fructose than high-fructose corn syrup. Although natural agave plants contain beneficial antioxidants, a study published in January 2009, by "The Journal of the American Dietetic Association," found that agave nectar had minimal antioxidant power. Raw cane sugar was higher in antioxidants than agave nectar. Looking for sugar alternatives is a good strategy for reducing acne and rosacea, but agave nectar is not necessarily the best choice.
Carbohydrates and Inflammation
Agave nectar is a refined carbohydrate, which have been shown to increase the complications of high inflammation. In September 2010, "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" published a 13-year study on deaths attributed to inflammatory conditions. This study found an association between intake of refined carbohydrates and risk for death by inflammatory disease. Because acne and rosacea are inflammatory conditions, adding agave nectar to your diet may temporarily worsen your skin.
Good Skin Diet
For your best skin, skip the added sugars. Agave nectar, table sugar, honey and maple syrup are all refined carbs that have the potential to make rosacea and acne worse. "The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" noted the relationship between sugar intake and acne in a July 2010 review article. Some individuals are also sensitive to dairy. Anti-inflammatory foods like omega-3 fatty acids and fiber may be beneficial to your skin. Keep a food diary to determine which foods trigger bad skin symptoms.
References
- Journal of the American Dietetic Association: Total Antioxidant Content of Alternatives to Refined Sugar
- The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Carbohydrate Nutrition and Inflammatory Disease Mortality in Older Adults
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Diet and Acne
- International Rosacea Foundation: Symptoms of Rosacea
- The Huffington Post: Debunking the Blue Agave Myth
