Agave Nectar - Tasty and Low-Carb

Photo: flickr

Agave (ah-GAH-vay) nectar, also called agave syrup, is a great alternative to refined sugar which is highly processed product. The brown, thick liquid looks and tastes a lot like honey, although it is a bit sweeter. Agave is a great addition to a healthy diet because it is an all natural sweeter that ranks lower on the glycemic index (GI) than many other natural sweetners. Foods with a low GI raise blood sugar more slowly than foods with higher a GI which helps you to feel fuller, have more energy, and reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Agave is commercially produced in Mexico and can be found in supermarkets like SuperTarget, SuperWalmart, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's - ranging in price from ~$2.50 to $5.00 a bottle. Agave nectars are available in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. In most stores, there is little to no difference in price between the two types.

Agave is a good general purpose sweetner and can be substitued for sugar in coffee, tea, cereal, oatmeal and other foods. It is also a good alternative for vegans who seek to avoid honey. Agave is 1.4 to 1.6 times sweeter than table sugar, so add a little to your food or drink, then taste for your desired sweetness.