What Are the Benefits of Agave Nectar?
Agave nectar has become a popular sweetener among health-conscious people. Agave nectar is derived from the blue agave plant, which grows primarily in Mexico. There are many health benefits to using agave nectar in place of sugar.
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History
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The agave plant grows wild from the American Southwest to South America. It is a common misconception that agave are related to cacti. In fact, they are more closely related to lilies.
Ancient Uses
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Agave nectar is thought to have been first used by the Aztecs in Central America as a sweetener and to treat skin wounds. It was mixed with salt and applied to the wound.
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Modern Medicinal Uses
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Agave has been shown to be effective against intestinal bacteria and skin infections from pus-producing bacteria, though there is no proven safe or effective dose.
The Nectar
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Agave nectar is a complex sugar, derived from pressing juice from the core of the agave plant. The juice is then filtered and heated until it reaches a thick consistency, like honey.
Use for Diabetics
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Agave nectar is a complex sugar and is a great replacement for refined sugar in foods for diabetics due to its low glycemic index. A glycemic index is the rate at which a food raises the blood sugar level.
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