Agave

[rawlinda_sue]

..........................

[Inca_faerie]

As for me personaly I don't touch the stuff. A lot of people will say it's ok because they've been using it for so long and don't want to give it up. Like I said in a previous post, I don't see how anyone could consider this stuff healthy since it's almost pure fructose. I'd seriouly rather eat white sugar (white death) than agave. They call corn syrup a high fructose sweetener? Agave is the queen mother of high fructose sweeteners with 70-90% fructose :eek: HFCS is about 50-60% fructose. High fructose consumption means glycation (not to mention fat gain). The more glycated your body tissues are the more free radicals they produce and the faster you age.

http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/128/9/1442

[Lady Green Jeans]

Wow, the "Raw" labelling can sure be misleading. I still have a couple bottles of this in my fridge. Have been using dates as my sweetener most times, but agave seemed more neutral. Thank you for bringing this information to our attention.

[iamacranberry]

Certain types of agave are better than others. There are those varieties which are very high glycemic, and there are those such as blue agave which are relatively low glycemic.

[Raw Angel Mom]

I know for sure that Raw agave has a lower glycemic index then Raw Honey.

The clear Raw Agave seem fine but the one that i wonder now is the blue Raw agave.

[iamacranberry]

Most things that are really sweet are going to be high glycemic....dates and bananas also fall into this category.

[RawKnitster]

I thought this article was very informative. Not only to set the record straight about agave and put those of us that want to use agave at ease, but also to show how misinformation gets around so easily.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025060.html

[kissum]

I thought this article was very informative. Not only to set the record straight about agave and put those of us that want to use agave at ease, but also to show how misinformation gets around so easily.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025060.html

Thank you! That was very enlightening!

[rawviveyourself]

I thought this article was very informative. Not only to set the record straight about agave and put those of us that want to use agave at ease, but also to show how misinformation gets around so easily.

http://www.naturalnews.com/025060.html

The problem I have with this article is that it says the initial article was a Citizen Journalist, therefore NaturalNews bears no responsibility. I totally disagee! If you are going to put something out under your name and distribute it widely, you better take editorial ownership of the content! If you don't have the confidence, then don't distribute it, ya know?

That said, for me, agave: out. Apples, bananas, dates: in.

[rawviveyourself]

Also, I had some raising, figs, and prunes to use up, so I put them all in a glass container and soaked them overnight then blended them in the vitamix with the soaking water. It was a nice sweetener -- I would take a scoop of that out of the fridge for my sweeter recipes (cookies, raw oatmeal, banana bread)

[RawKnitster]

I overstated when I stated that the article set the record straight. It's just another side of the controversy. Natural News has some good articles and some that I think are far to radical and even ridiculous. As always, we have to use our own common sense and best judgement about what works for us.

rawviveyourself, thanks for the yummy sweetener idea.

[RawKnitster]

For the record, I'm starting to wonder about me and agave. And yes, I already know the literature and numerous opinions on it. I've been buying it from a raw source which I trust to be the highest quality available. I use it in moderation, and I don't use it every day. The problem is I have been out of it for the last week and I feel like an addict without a fix. Everyday I think, OMG! :eek: I have to to get more agave. I talk myself down because it's a 30 mile round trip to this store and I don't need anything else right now. Yesterday I was in a standard grocery store and bought a bottle of raw blue agave off the shelf, probably one of the questionable brands.

Today, I'm realizing that I'm hooked on the stuff and it's not right. I don't have these anxieties when I'm out of dates or honey or maple syrup. But if I'm out of agave I miss it? :confused: I don't want to feel addicted to anything. I've always had a very addictive personality, but I thought I had broken them all, so I'm not happy this has popped up. Is it just me?

[chetsunset]

Remember, the Glycemic Index only measure blood glucose level and since Agave is mostly fructose (90-95%), this measurement is irrelevant. Fructose is highly pro aging, increases insulin resistance, contribute to diabetes, raises triglyceride levels, causes Malliard reaction, etc. I don't buy into the agave health benefit. Raw honey is a better option.

[green jeanie]

i go by what my body says.......no agave......bloated, tired, sick

i have none of that with dates, bananas, raisins.......

[missberry]

RawKnitster: I can totally empathize with you. Yesterday I decided to just pour the rest of my bottle of agave down the drain because I realized I kept going for it to put it on just about everything I was eating! Talk about addiction. I have a real bad sweet tooth anymore and an addictive personality too and for me it's usually best to go cold turkey.

[iamacranberry]

Remember, the Glycemic Index only measure blood glucose level and since Agave is mostly fructose (90-95%), this measurement is irrelevant. Fructose is highly pro aging, increases insulin resistance, contribute to diabetes, raises triglyceride levels, causes Malliard reaction, etc. I don't buy into the agave health benefit. Raw honey is a better option.

Yes, raw honey has many helpful enzymes and minerals.

[adiebabe]

More information showing moderation is the key...

http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/wholesome-sweeteners.htm

[Inca_faerie]

More information showing moderation is the key...

http://www.vegfamily.com/whole-family/wholesome-sweeteners.htm

When something is clearly unhealthy and has negative effects, the "moderation is the key" theory pretty much goes out the window. It's like saying smoking won't harm you as long as you only smoke two cigarettes a day.

[Eva]

When something is clearly unhealthy and has negative effects, the "moderation is the key" theory pretty much goes out the window. It's like saying smoking won't harm you as long as you only smoke two cigarettes a day.

I think that's the problem. It's not so clear to everyone that it is unhealthy. I have read this entire thread, several articles, and listened to my body. I am not even close to convinced that moderate amounts of agave cause ANY negative effect.

Then you have the cacao bandwagon with all of its "antioxidants" and whatever, but there are lots of people out there with actual, personal experience of how it has negatively affected them.

We're all different. We all have the right to our opinions. And no one is suggesting that we smoke a couple cigarettes a day. Thank goodness.

[Inca_faerie]

I think that's the problem. It's not so clear to everyone that it is unhealthy. I have read this entire thread, several articles, and listened to my body. I am not even close to convinced that moderate amounts of agave cause ANY negative effect.

Then you have the cacao bandwagon with all of its "antioxidants" and whatever, but there are lots of people out there with actual, personal experience of how it has negatively affected them.

We're all different. We all have the right to our opinions. And no one is suggesting that we smoke a couple cigarettes a day. Thank goodness.

I don't think you can compare a high fructose sweetener with cacao. One has no health benefits whatsoever along with a ton of proven adverse effects, the other with many proven health benefits which some people however cannot tolerate due to individual sensitivities.

If I choose to, I can believe that eating trans fats in small amounts will have no negative impact on me (the daily safe limit is 2 grams), but why would I do that? I try to only eat food that will have an actual benefit to my body not something that is not directly harmful in small amounts (and even that is debatable). If someone is trying to eat healthy, why would one choose to include utter rubbish such as a high fructose sweetener in their diet? That makes absolutely no sense to me.

[Eva]

I don't think you can compare a high fructose sweetener with cacao. One has no health benefits whatsoever along with a ton of proven adverse effects, the other with many proven health benefits which some people however cannot tolerate due to individual sensitivities.

If I choose to, I can believe that eating trans fats in small amounts will have no negative impact on me (the daily safe limit is 2 grams), but why would I do that? I try to only eat food that will have an actual benefit to my body not something that is not directly harmful in small amounts (and even that is debatable). If someone is trying to eat healthy, why would one choose to include utter rubbish such as a high fructose sweetener in their diet? That makes absolutely no sense to me.

I wouldn't even consider putting xylitol or cane sugar in my body. We all have our own opinions and sensitivities, I suppose.

Just like cigarettes, no one is suggesting eating trans fats here, either.

[adiebabe]

When something is clearly unhealthy and has negative effects, the "moderation is the key" theory pretty much goes out the window. It's like saying smoking won't harm you as long as you only smoke two cigarettes a day.

Except that if you had read the article you'd have seen it referred to all forms of sugar whether it is fructose or glucose based. It was not an article simply on agave. All sugar has it's detractors and issues....and it's moderation that it recommended. So by rights, that would include agave, honey and pretty much any other form of sweetener.

According to your logic then, no one should ever sweeten their tea, have sweetened pudding, cakes, etc. No candy on the holidays, no gum, no lozenges...

[Inca_faerie]

I wouldn't even consider putting xylitol or cane sugar in my body. We all have our own opinions and sensitivities, I suppose.

Just like cigarettes, no one is suggesting eating trans fats here, either.

After researching the effects of cane sugar, xylitol and agave, I would happily choose the former two anyday over agave.

Regarding the cigarettes and trans fats, I was using those as an example.



Except that if you had read the article you'd have seen it referred to all forms of sugar whether it is fructose or glucose based. It was not an article simply on agave. All sugar has it's detractors and issues....and it's moderation that it recommended. So by rights, that would include agave, honey and pretty much any other form of sweetener.

According to your logic then, no one should ever sweeten their tea, have sweetened pudding, cakes, etc. No candy on the holidays, no gum, no lozenges...


I did read the article. Of course all forms of sugar have negative effects to some extent, some more than others as would be the case with high fructose sweeteners and if you've done any research on the subject of high fructose sweeteners, you'd know that.

I no longer eat cake, pudding, candy, certainly not gum (aspartame) etc. and have no desire to. I sweeten my tea with honey.

I don't really care what "people" do. What bothers me is that agave is marketed as a health food. It's not. And if anyone actually botherd to research it they'd find out why.

[chetsunset]

After researching the effects of cane sugar, xylitol and agave, I would happily choose the former two anyday over agave.



Xylitol actually has some health benefits and is good for dental health. I only use toothpaste with xylitol in it.

I haven't heard anyone mention lo han kuo here. It's one of my favorite plant derived natural sweetener. It's considered a "longevity fruit" in china.

It goes well with tea. tastes similiar to brown sugar but does not have any or very low calorie, approx 1 cal per gram. low
glycemic index, does not raise blood sugar.


The people of the Orient call this the “longevity fruit” because it is a moist (lung/skin), cooling, calming, relaxing herb that balances the excess yang (heat) and stress that result from the tension associated with life’s problems. It has been used for thousands of years for moistening the lungs and skin, helping sore throats, healing coughs, purifying the blood, and regulating the digestive tract. It helps in eliminating constipation.

[adiebabe]

After researching the effects of cane sugar, xylitol and agave, I would happily choose the former two anyday over agave.

I did read the article. Of course all forms of sugar have negative effects to some extent, some more than others as would be the case with high fructose sweeteners and if you've done any research on the subject of high fructose sweeteners, you'd know that.



I have done my research...and that's exactly the point; For every sweetener out there, I have been able to find detractors and 'evidence' that it is harmful in one way or another...even fruit (depending on where you search for information) is to be avoided in excess amounts due to it's high fructose content! So again, whichever sweetener people use, it's moderation that's recommended. That includes xylitol, agave, fruit, honey, etc.

As for Agave, it's not as simple and cut and dry as some would make it, good or bad. It does not increase blood sugar or insulin secretion. Yes, it is higher in fructose content, however it is also an excellent source of natural inulin, which lowers triglycerides significantly. Inulin also increase 'friendly' bacteria growth and deters the harmful bacteria. There are both pros and cons...and we're back to 'moderation'...no matter what sweetener you choose.

[rubyhair]

chetsunset - i haven't heard of lo han kuo. what form does it come in and can i find it in a health food store?

[rawstrength]

I am not an agave fan. It tastes terrible to me. I have tried several different brands/colors, but to no avail. I don't mind eating agave if its taste is disguised in recipes that others make, but I don't buy nor use it myself. I trust my tastebuds on this one :) .
Now, raw honey, that is a delicious sweetener. I could eat a whole jarful with a spoon i n one day if I wasn't careful. I agree that all sugary things should be eaten in moderation - think about how much sweetness there is in the natural, wild foods you would find in the woods (besides honey). Not very much.

I just have to share; I bought the most delicious raw wild honey from a local bee keeper today. He is the same bee keeper who is going to help us keep some bee hives at my college this spring. He is a wonderful guy and does not mistreat his bees nor feed them high fructose corn syrup. If you use honey, be careful about where you get it from, because there are some ethical concerns.

My aunt and uncle in Greece keep bees and sometimes they will mail us some raw honey. Grecian honey is uncomparable. Especially the thyme honey.

[chetsunset]

chetsunset - i haven't heard of lo han kuo. what form does it come in and can i find it in a health food store?

I buy lo han kuo in asian markets in the tea section. it's very cheap, comes in powder and it's pure extract of the lo han fruit. You can find online but it may be mixed with other stuff. check here http://www.iherb.com/Search.aspx?kw=lo%20han

[Inca_faerie]

I have done my research...and that's exactly the point; For every sweetener out there, I have been able to find detractors and 'evidence' that it is harmful in one way or another...even fruit (depending on where you search for information) is to be avoided in excess amounts due to it's high fructose content! So again, whichever sweetener people use, it's moderation that's recommended. That includes xylitol, agave, fruit, honey, etc.

As for Agave, it's not as simple and cut and dry as some would make it, good or bad. It does not increase blood sugar or insulin secretion. Yes, it is higher in fructose content, however it is also an excellent source of natural inulin, which lowers triglycerides significantly. Inulin also increase 'friendly' bacteria growth and deters the harmful bacteria. There are both pros and cons...and we're back to 'moderation'...no matter what sweetener you choose.

Comparing fruit to a high fructose sweetener based on the arguement that "fructose is fructose" loses a lot of it's merit since fruit contains polyphenols which compensate for possible negative effects of fructose, while agave does not.

Regarding evidence in relation to harmful effects of sweeteners, besides aspartame, high fructose sweeteners by far outweigh any others in terms of evidence of harmful effects.

The inulin content in agave varies and for the most part is neglegable at best in comparison to the exceedingly high fructose contents in agave and does not attenuate high fructose side effects such as glycation induced skin damage and free radical production.

[RawKnitster]

I bought a bottle of true blue agave today. My raw pantry isn't complete without it. I will use it in moderation and only in recipes. I also bought a jar of Really Raw honey, totally unheated and unstrained with pollen, propolis, honeycomb, and live enzymes. I have to agree with Rawstrength about the virtues of honey. YUMMILICIOUS! :)

[RawSun]

I'm completely not addicted to agave. I use it in recipes occasionally. I can go without easily. It's dates and raisins that I can't control myself around (feeling compelled to eat all within my sight). I'd much rather keep agave in the house and not feel the need to consume it the way I do dried organic fruit.