Lately there has been some buzz swirling around agave nectar and whether the sweet cactus-nectar is good for our bodies or not. I want to help my readers be aware of the increasing number of fraudulent, poor-quality “agave” products being sold in common supermarkets around the country.
The following article will educate you on fraudulent high-fructose agave nectar and its negative health consequences, as well as the benefits of using true organic agave nectar as a sweetener.
The Downside of High-Fructose Agave Nectar
Recent claims regarding agave nectar urge us to be aware of the type of agave we are purchasing. Many brands sold in the supermarket, claiming to be organic, are nothing more than refined fructose. Common forms of retail-refined agave syrup sold in supermarkets do not tell consumers what has been done to the syrup in the laboratory.
While the label may claim that the agave is “organic and all-natural,” the label does not explain that the syrup has gone through an extensive process of chemical refining which changes the enzymatic structure of the syrup, converting it into a man-made chemical fructose.
Herein lies the main concern surrounding the nectar that many well-known nutritionists are recommending as a healthier sugar-substitute. There is a direct link between man-made chemical fructose and deadly degenerative diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
Critics also note that once consumed, refined fructose is turned into triglyceride, which is essentially stored as body fat. And while high fructose agave syrup does not cause the extreme spikes in blood sugar levels like common white sugar, it does have possible associations to a spectrum of health-depleting conditions such as:
- Depletion of the body’s minerals
- Inflammation of the liver
- Hardening of the arteries
- Tendency towards insulin resistance, a predecessor to diabetes
- Heart disease
- Weight gain, and even obesity
- Toxic effects is pregnant women
Of course, these conditions can vary in different people, so be sure to do the proper research on the type of agave nectar you are using.
In a recent article on NaturalNews.com, author Rami Nagel, states that fake forms of refined-fructose agave.
The Upside: Agave Nectar is Not Made Equally
Natural agave has been harvested traditionally in Mexico for hundreds of years. Ranking fairly low on the glycemic load scale, a small amount of the nectar provides a larger amount of sweetness than common sugar, and thus, a little goes a long way.
The agave plant also contains saponins and fructans, phytochemicals associated with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting capabilities. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1996; 52:175-7).
One of these fructans is known as inulin, a natural plant sweetener with an extremely low impact on blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The ancient Aztecs even used the nectar as a healing salve for wounds. What is more, compounds derived from blue agave have been studied for their potential utility for treating colon diseases like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Agave also holds high amounts of protein-building amino acids and alkaloids (Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2007; 62:133-8). Research indicates that minimally-processed agave does provide nutrients to the human body, and may even prevent chronic disease (Nutr Rev 2004; 62: 439-42).
It is also important to mention that not all agave products are created equal, and the dangerous high-fructose content cited by critics is not typical in all agave products. Roger Clemens, a professor at USC, has stated that: “Depending on how the syrup is processed, it may or may not contain more fructose.”
My Favorite Brand of Agave Nectar
What is important to determine when purchasing agave nectar is whether the sweetener comes from a trusted source. My personal favorite, that I use quite frequently, is Madhava Agave Nectar.
Madhava offers extremely high-quality, all-natural, 100% organic agave nectar, made by minimal processing. There are no chemicals used in the production of Madhava’s agave nectar from agave salmiana, and it is not cooked. Madhava agave is produced using only low temperatures during the evaporation of excess water from the juice. Used in moderate amounts, this low-glycemic sweetener is an excellent choice over white sugar and artificial sweeteners.
When choosing agave nectar be sure to contact the company to make sure they are not using chemicals in the processing techniques. Also, I recommend that you make sure it is organic.
December 10th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
There isn’t any good agave, organic, pure, in glass, or otherwise. You’re selling BS and you’ll lose your readers one by one or in droves if you claim such nonsense when you’re selling the stuff. Read Primal Body, Primal Mind by Nora Gedgaudas, a woman so knowledgeable she’s often referred to as, “The Goddess.” You’ll never know as much as she, and neither does anyone else so don’t worry but do access her vast knowledge, I kneel at her altar every day and learn. Nora can save the world along with, Elaine Ingham, Sally Fallon Morel, Natasha Campbell McBride, Kaayla Daniel, a reincarnated Rachel Carson but not a politician among the group, the latter are useless and just get in the way.
[Reply to this comment]
newnew replied on January 8th, 2012:
super wow. we are just discussing food. you went way off the ranch here.
[Reply to this comment]
November 11th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Thank you for the information to share with patients. Controversial products out there for sure! This post was so helpful!
[Reply to this comment]
August 10th, 2011 at 8:41 pm
I accidentally stumbled upon on this article as i was researching sugar alternatives. It’s very informative article indeed BUT i have to agree with Gary and Awh Nuts that don’t take everything on face value, do your research especially if you are diabetic. Fructose in any quantity could potentially have impact on the blood glucose levels. I have a lot of diabetic people on my moms side so i have already cut down on my sugar intake.
[Reply to this comment]
May 10th, 2011 at 10:20 am
I trust so little of this.. and the reason is that although the statistics about high-fructose is true, those facts can get mixed into any advertising spin where the truth about sugar is relative. Unless you have a lab and a degree or have a close friend who does that you can trust explicitly you are at the mercy of those who enlist your trust through statistics that really you cannot verify. I tiny bit more trust is garnered when the last paragraph is not: but *our* agave is bla bla bla..
The truth to arm yourself with is not which process or which product, but know the facts about sugar – facts that have been hidden for years behind industrial strength lobbies. The internet is a great source of information that has the ability to slowly tear down the places where truth hides. But as well the internet is also a place where new hiding places are fast forming. Read carefully and do not be gullible.
GK
[Reply to this comment]
May 9th, 2011 at 5:04 am
You Agave eaters are all being mislead. Low-glycemic only means low glucose. This stuff is full of fructose which is metabolized into fat once it’s in your body. It actually causes conditions like diabetes. The only healthy way to consume fructose is with copious amounts of fiber, (like in the form of a whole apple) and not in its extracted form. I urge you to listen to this before you go out and buy a bottle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM
[Reply to this comment]
Awh Nuts replied on May 9th, 2011:
Want it in writing? Read this article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/agave-this-sweetener-is-f_b_537936.html
[Reply to this comment]
April 22nd, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Thank you for a balanced article on agave nectar.
I am just curious, how did you select Mudhava as your favorite brand? They have a good product, but it is not made from the Blue Weber agave plant, and therefore is not the highest quality agave nectar available. It also is not the lowest glycemic index available.
[Reply to this comment]
March 13th, 2011 at 1:30 am
Far too many high fructose products being consumed today. This is of particular concern when it is contained in a supposedly “healthy” food.
[Reply to this comment]
February 4th, 2011 at 7:18 am
I am a regular user of Madhava Agave Nectado and enjoy great benefit. I agree agree with the author that Madhava Agave Nectar is a high-quality, all-natural, 100% organic agave nectar, made by minimal processing. I have reasons to believe that there is no trace of chemicals used in the product. I therefore strongly recommend the product.
[Reply to this comment]
November 17th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Ummm, Agave isn’t a cactus. It is actually related to the lilly like Aloe.
[Reply to this comment]
October 7th, 2010 at 4:22 am
I am interested in importing and distributing agave nectar for commercial purpose
[Reply to this comment]
jose luis replied on February 24th, 2011:
I can put you in direct contact with the ceo of this company
[Reply to this comment]
August 13th, 2010 at 6:18 am
Here are a few recent scientific refgerences on the topic in a brief, informative atricle.
http://www.timeforwellness.org/blog-view/is-agave-syrup-really-a-health-food-142
Enjoy,
[Reply to this comment]
March 30th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Do your research and only take opinions from those not recommending or selling a product. If you did a google search using the words “agave research” you will find that this product is as or more harmful in creating insulin resistance than chemically produced fructose. Check out this link: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/30/beware-of-the-agave-nectar-health-food-fraud.aspx
The Glycemic Research institute halted Agave clinical trials due to the severe reaction from their diabetic patience.
[Reply to this comment]
brian replied on March 31st, 2010:
HAHAHA! You say “only take opinions from those not recommending or selling a product.”
And in the beginning of the article you link, it says this “Rather I *RECOMMEND* flavored stevia products like English Toffee or French Vanilla. You can also use xylitol in small amounts or glucose which is sold as dextrose and can easily be purchased on Amazon for $1 per pound. ”
So, it’s ok for Dr. Mercola, someones opinion that I highly respect, to recommend a product, but not this site? That doesn’t make any sense.
And he also presents zero credible evidence that Agave is worse than HFCS. Just opinion-based.
[Reply to this comment]
Jennifer replied on June 16th, 2011:
Did he specify a product!?!
[Reply to this comment]
February 12th, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Hey! Here’s a link to a written interview given by the president of the Madhava Agave Company, VERY insightful and almost a rebutle to the Rami Nagel article. I really liked it, and it made me feel safe about using my beloved agave nectar again
http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-article/madhava-s-craig-gerbore-responds-to-agave-nectar-controversy-here/584480
[Reply to this comment]
TINA M BRANCO replied on January 24th, 2012:
i read the interview,, and am grateful to you for posting the link,,
Tina
[Reply to this comment]
February 11th, 2010 at 8:12 am
I like using agave instead of honey in teas and baked goods, but the last line about contacting the company to get information about their processing gave me a little bit of a stomach cramp. I wish there was less homework involved!
[Reply to this comment]
truth seeker replied on August 19th, 2011:
Contacting the company should be the first line. The last line are several studies,opinions of chemists etc…You can easily avoid much of that by using kinethesiology to see if it is something right specifically for YOU!!
[Reply to this comment]
February 5th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
So many products I love now (mostly chocolate) use Agave Nectar to sweeten them instead of sugar or HFCS. I am wondering now if I need to find out who their supplier is to see if it really is in fact raw, organic and minimally processed. Its a shame it isn’t regulated very well.
[Reply to this comment]
February 5th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Agave Nectar is in so many of my favorite products now (raw chocolate especially). I’m wondering if I am going to have to start checking with these companies to find out who supplies their Agave to see if it really is raw and minimally processed. Somebody always has to ruin it for the rest of us!
[Reply to this comment]
Jennifer replied on June 16th, 2011:
Agave isn’t raw.
[Reply to this comment]
February 4th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
It doesn’t seem that temperature has much to do with it. They use GMO enzymes to break down the starchy center of the plant into it’s component fructose molecules. They can call this stuff raw and organic, but it is not a real food. Sorry guys, none of the stuff you find on the market is a real food. They are not tapping the cactus and letting the nectar drip out. They are breaking down starch with enzymes, just like they do with HFCS.
A sugar addict is a sugar addict, wants any excuse to get that fix…
[Reply to this comment]
truth seeker replied on August 19th, 2011:
I have not extensively researched, but my initial thoughts are the same. The further from the actual source the more refinement and processing……..
[Reply to this comment]
January 9th, 2010 at 11:07 am
I didn’t realize that there was such a difference…I buy Madhava and love it and am thankful that it’s one of the best. This really does illustrate the importance of reading labels but also the importance of verifying claims printed on the labels. Thank you.
[Reply to this comment]
January 7th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Thank you so much for this article! I’ve become exhausted having to defend agave to critics who read Nagel’s article and take it no further.
[Reply to this comment]
December 15th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Does anyone know if the Wholesome Sweeteners brand is OK – I have the Organic Raw Blue Agave. The back of the bottle says it is produced at a low temperature (118 degrees F) – is that low enough? How do I find out? I love it and read another article that the bad kind can lead to obesity and was mortified!
[Reply to this comment]
December 10th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I’m really glad to see such an informative article on Agave! I work at a health food store and the Agave controversy caused our store manager to start contacting all of our Agave product companies to get the low-down scoop.
Thanks for sharing such a great article. I’m going to let everyone who asks me about Agave nectar know about your article!
[Reply to this comment]
November 25th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Suzanne Specialities has a wonderful Agave, it’s organic and it’s in glass bottle instead of plastic.
[Reply to this comment]
November 17th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Great news! I love agave syrup. I use it in my coffee. It works great in my homemade salad dressings.
[Reply to this comment]
Jack replied on March 15th, 2011:
Me too! I also love using it in my coffee.
[Reply to this comment]
November 16th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I love Madhava Agave Nectar, one of my co-workers bought one from Whole Foods. I didn’t know GHC has started carrying this product. It’s really great with coffee!
[Reply to this comment]