Agave

I see agave syrup everywhere being sold as a so-called healthy sweetener. Agave syrup (made from the agave cactus) is sold as a natural alternative to sugar, and many people buy it, believing that it is healthy because it is not sugar.

Agave is no more ‘natural’ than sugar or other syrups, as it undergoes considerable processing. It is often recommended for diabetics as, chemically-speaking, it is mostly fructose, whereas sugar also contains glucose, which diabetics must avoid.

Unfortunately, consuming a lot of fructose tends to speed up the rate at which you accumulate body fat, especially the ‘visceral’ fat which is linked with heart disease[1]. So it seems Agave syrup is not that healthy after all.

[1] Bantle JP, Raatz SK, Thomas W, Georgopoulos A (2000). Effects of dietary fructose on plasma lipids in healthy subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 72, 1128-1134.

Among other things, my new E-book ‘Linda’s Flat Stomach Secrets’ advises on a much healthier natural sweetener. You can get by clicking here.

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3. Carbohydrates
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