Agave Nectar

Agave Nectar

Are Raw Sweeteners Really Raw And Healthy?

I find it quite ridiculous interesting that so many raw foodists are completely fruit-phobic and yet they have no qualms about eating tablespoon after tablespoon of refined sweeteners like agave and honey.

You would think that someone who severely limits their consumption of sweet fruit because the simple sugars "cause Candidiasis" would be even MORE careful about his or her use of concentrated sweeteners.

And now that we're on the topic, what about raw sweeteners?  Are they really raw?  Are they good for us?  Are they even that tasty?

Agave Not Really Raw?!

There's been some controversy over the past year or so about raw agave nectar.  Apparently, some manufacturers were not being completely honest about the "rawness" of their product.

For those who don't know, agave nectar comes from the agave plant (usually the Blue Agave) growing in Southern Mexico.  It is a succulent (adept at storing water) similar to Aloe Vera.

The plants are harvested, crushed and the resulting sap removed.  The sap is then heated to create the concentrated liquid known as agave nectar or syrup.

Fun little fact: Agave is actually the plant from which tequila is made!

Anyway, wanna know my first reaction to the whole agave scandal?

Ummm, DUH!

Agave nectar (even if it is not heated over 115 116 118 oh heck, whatever the temperature is these days!) is a refined product and, therefore, is NOT a raw food!

And this applies to ALL refined "raw" products, not just agave.  Dried fruit, dried nuts, even sun-dried tomatoes are not truly raw (i.e. unprocessed) by definition.

But Is It Good For You?

There are many ways one can define "good for you" or "healthy".  Some people view those foods that make them feel good as healthy, while others simply follow the current health trend (one day eggs are full of cholesterol and bad fats, the next they're rich in vitamin k and low in calories).

I classify healthy foods as those that are health promoting.  These are foods that are easy to digest, absorb, assimilate, eliminate and most importantly...delicious!

There is nothing present in agave nectar that cannot be found in fresh fruits and vegetables.  You can live your entire life without touching the stuff and be perfectly healthy.

In fact, since agave is a refined food, there is very much missing from the product.  Just as I brought up with regard to Fruit2Day a while back, processed foods have had much of the water removed and many vital nutrients along with that water.

You may hear raw agave nectar being touted as a low glycemic food, but as long-term raw foodist John Kohler mentions in this article, agave nectar has an…

"...unusually high concentration of fructose (90%) compared to the small amount of glucose (10%).  Nowhere in nature does this ratio of fructose to glucose occur naturally. One of the next closest foods that contain almost this concentration of glucose to fructose is high fructose corn syrup used in making soda(HFCS 55), which only contains 55% fructose. Even though fructose is low on the glycemic index, there are numerous problems associated with the consumption of fructose in such high concentrations as found in concentrated sweeteners:"

Kohler then goes on to list some of the various problems with consuming high concentrations of fructose, such as an increase in uric acid, blood lactic acid, and mineral loss in the body.

So is really raw agave really a health food?

No, not really.

What About Raw Honey, Sucanat, Yacon Syrup, etc…

Same deal.  None of these ingredients are truly raw and some of them, like evaporated cane juice, yacon syrup, and maple syrup, are heated above the 118 degree threshold.

And if remaining vegan for ethical reasons is your issue, then honey isn't a viable option anyway!

So Raw Sweeteners Are Evil?!

Okay, time to cut the not-really-raw sweeteners some slack.

While I continue to stand firmly behind fresh fruit as the best sweetener of all, I see no problem with including small amounts of agave, honey, what have you in some raw recipes.  They can be a great way to add sweetness and help balance out a savory meal without changing the overall taste and texture of the dish.

The key, of course, is "small amounts."  Think 2-3 spoonfuls at the max.

Personally, I rarely ever use these raw sweeteners.  I can't remember the last time I used agave and I don't eat honey.

Why?  Because I think they're yucky!  They just taste overly sweet and fake to me.

Plus, they can be pretty expensive.  Why pay for a refined product out of a bottle to sweeten your food when you have much tastier, healthier, AND cheaper ingredients on hand all the time…

SWEET FRUIT!

About the Author

For more information on the best raw vegan diet, be sure to visit www.fitonraw.com and subscribe to Swayze's newsletter Peachy Keen Ezine. By subscribing, you will also receive the free report The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet as well as the 5-week mini-course The Fool Proof Transition to Raw.

Agave Nectar $81.25 Agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a sweetener commercially produced in Mexico from several species of agave, including the Blue Agave (Agave tequilana), Salmiana Agave (Agave salmiana), Green Agave, Grey Agave, Thorny Agave, and Rainbow Agave. Agave nectar is sweeter than honey, though less viscous. Agave nectar is produced in the Mexican States of Jalisco, Michoacn, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas, according to Mexican laws pertaining to certificate of origin; most is produced in Jalisco. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 112 Publication Date: 2010/07/31 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.26 inches

Agave Nectar 17 oz $4.59 NOW? Certified Organic Amber Agave Nectar is a natural liquid sweetener extracted fromt he Agave plant. At approximately 1.4 times the sweetness of white sugar, Agave Nectar serves as an ideal way to sweeten coffee, tea, smoothies, sports drinks, and other popular beverages. Agave Nectar has an exotic taste with overtones of maple and honey, making it perfect for use on cereals, pancakes and waffles, or in recipes for baked goods and sauces. NOW? Amber Agave Nectar has a low glycemic index rating, won't solidify at room temperature, and can be used in virtually any application that calls for sugar.

Sumbody Agave Nectar Face Wash $29.6 Eliminate skin issues without the use of harsh chemicals with Sumbody Agave Nectar Face Wash. With gentle exfoliation and bacteria inhibiting Agave Nectar, your skin can be troublefree without a bump or line in sight. No need to worry about irritating alcohols or chemicals making your skin look worse....

Agave Nectar, 1-gallon, Amber Premium, Organic & Raw $69.95 Agave Amb 1gal

Agave Nectar, 1-gallon, Dark Premium (organic, raw) $69.95 Agave Dark Gal

Baking with Agave Nectar $11.99 If you haven't discovered agave nectar, you're in for a delectable surprise. This natural, low-glycemic sweetener is a revelation for diabetics, parents of young children, and anyone else who wants to cut down on refined sugar but still enjoy deep, real, satisfying sweetness.  Baking with Agave Nectar is bursting with more than 100 recipes for muffins, sweet breads, cookies, cakes, ice creams and sorbets, pies and tarts, sauces and frostings, and other special desserts. With scrumptious gluten-free, vegan, low-fat (or nonfat), and whole foods–based treats, as well as healthier (but still decadent tasting) versions of old favorites, there is truly something here for everyone. An ample glossary and resources section--with ingredients used in whole foods, vegan, and gluten-free baking--will help you make all your desserts a little (or a lot) healthier.  Once you start baking with agave nectar, you'll find endless possibilities for adding utterly delicious sweet treats to a healthy diet. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Baking with Agave Nectar (Paperback) $22.36 If you haven`t discovered agave nectar, you`re in for a delectable surprise. This natural, low-glycemic sweetener is a revelation for diabetics, parents of young children, and anyone else who wants to cut down on refined sugar but still enjoy deep, real, satisfying sweetness.  Baking with Agave Nectar is bursting with more than 100 recipes for muffins, sweet breads, cookies, cakes, ice creams and sorbets, pies and tarts, sauces and frostings, and other special desserts. With scrumptious gluten-free, vegan, low-fat (or nonfat), and whole foods–based treats, as well as healthier (but still decadent tasting) versions of old favorites, there is truly something here for everyone. An ample glossary and resources section--with ingredients used in whole foods, vegan, and gluten-free baking--will help you make all your desserts a little (or a lot) healthier.  Once you start baking with agave nectar, you`ll find endless possibilities for adding utterly delicious sweet treats to a healthy diet.

Now Foods Agave Nectar Light Certified Organic 17oz $5.29 Now Foods Agave Nectar Light Certified Organic 17oz

Agave Nectar, 16 oz, Dark Premium (organic, raw) $12.95 Agave Dark 16

Agave Nectar, 16 oz, Amber Premium (organic, raw) $12.95 Agave Amber 16

Agave Nectar, 32 oz, Amber Premium (organic, raw) $24.95 Agave Amber 32

Agave Nectar Sticks 20 count: K $5.17 Agave Nectar is a natural sweetener made from the juice of the agave cactus, a plant native to Mexico. It has a pleasent flavor and is sweeter than sugar with a similar consistency to honey. With a 72% fruit sugar content, Agave Nectar absorbs more slowly into the body decreasing the highs and lows associated with sugar. Its low glycemic index may be suitable for diabetics. Agave Nectar is also a vegan friendly honey subsitite. Simply pop opent he ends to stir natual goodness ito your tea. The perfect small gift. Makes a great stocking stuffer or a sweet addition to gift baskets. Box of 20 sticks. Kosher certified.

American Beverage Agave Nectar Drink Syrup, NOCAP. Case of 4 $86.64 Manufacturer: American Beverage. Case of 4. Customers also search for: Discount Finest Call Agave Nectar Syrup, Buy Finest Call Agave Nectar Syrup, Wholesale Finest Call Agave Nectar Syrup, 552, Drink Syrups

Stash Tea's Sticks Organic Agave Nectar 20Ct $4.69 Agave Nectar is a natural sweetner made from the juice of the Agave, a plant native to Mexico. It has a pleasant flavor and is sweeter than sugar with similar cosistency to honey. With a 72% fruit sugar content. Agave Nectar absorbs more slowly into the body decreasing the highs and lows associated with sugars. Its low glycemic index may be suitable for diabetics. Agave Nectar is also a vegan friendly honey substitute. Simply pop open the ends to stir natural goodness into your tea. 100% Natural Ingredients: Organic Agave nectar. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 stick Amount Per Serving Calories 20 Total Fat 0g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesteral 0mg Sodium 0g Carbohydrate 5g Dietary Fiber 0g Sugars 5g Protein 0g

Madhava 88127 Madhava Pure Agave Nectar#44; Raw 611.75OZ $39.46 Enjoy Madhava s Pure Agave Nectars made from 100 Pure Blue Agave Nectar. Gluten Free. Kosher. Dairy Free. Low Salt.

Madhava 88128 Madhava Pure Agave Nectar#44; Raw 623.5 OZ $58.41 Enjoy Madhava s Pure Agave Nectars made from 100 Pure Blue Agave Nectar. Gluten Free. Kosher. Dairy Free. Low Salt.

Madhava 88129 Madhava Pure Agave Nectar#44; Raw 646 OZ $101.88 Enjoy Madhava s Pure Agave Nectars made from 100 Pure Blue Agave Nectar. Gluten Free. Kosher. Dairy Free. Low Salt.

Madhava Honey 39489 Organic Vanilla Agave Nectar $43.33 MADHAVA HONEY 6x 11.75 OZ ORGANIC VANILLA AGAVE NECTAR. Madhava 100 Pure Organic Agave Nectar with Organic Vanilla Flavoring.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.)

Madhava Honey 28745 Organic Amaretto Agave Nectar $43.33 MADHAVA HONEY 6x 11.75 OZ ORGANIC AMARETTO AGAVE NECTAR. Madhava 100 Pure Organic Agave Nectar with Organic Amaretto Flavoring.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.)

Madhava Honey 28747 Organic Hazelnut Agave Nectar $43.33 MADHAVA HONEY 6x 11.75 OZ ORGANIC HAZELNUT AGAVE NECTAR. Madhava 100 Pure Organic Agave Nectar with Organic Hazelnut Flavoring.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.)

Madhava Honey 22190 Organic Amber Agave Nectar $63.23 MADHAVA HONEY 12x 11.75Z ORGANIC AMBER AGAVE NECTAR. The Amber Agave nectar has a flavor similar to maple syrup making it ideal for foods like waffles and pancakes or anywhere you might use a maple syrup. This sweetener is low glycemic and a healthy alternative to white sugar.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.)

Madhava Honey 22192 Organic Light Agave Nectar $63.23 MADHAVA HONEY 12x 11.75Z ORGANIC LIGHT AGAVE NECTAR. The Light Agave nectar is flavor neutral making it ideal for those situations where increased sweetness is desired without added flavor. This low glycemic sweetener is ideal as an all purpose sweeter great for cereals lemonade tea coffee and smoothies.:. (Note: This product description is informational only. Always check the actual product label in your possession for the most accurate ingredient information before use. For any health or dietary related matter always consult your doctor before use.)

Baking with Agave Nectar: Over 100 Recipes Using Nature's Ultimate Sweetener $15.46 Even before its health benefits were being touted on Oprah's daytime show, agave nectar was finding fans among dessert lovers seeking to reduce or eliminate processed sugar in their diets. In BAKING WITH AGAVE NECTAR, natural foods chef Ania Catalano shows how to creatively integrate this up-and-coming natural sugar substitute into every sweet tooth's repertoire through a variety of delectable recipes. From breakfast goodies (Pumpkin Muffins, Stuffed French Toast) to cookies (Chewy Double Chocolate Meringue) to desserts (Bread Pudding Souffl?(c)s with Bourbon Sauce, Pear Frangipane Tart), Catalano makes agave nectar accessible and appealing to health-conscious bakers of all levels.A comprehensive full-color cookbook for baking favorite sweets with agave nectar, including more than 80 recipes. Agave nectar is sweeter than sugar and has a low glycemic index and fewer calories, making it ideal for diabetics, weight watchers, oversugared children, and anyone looking to optimize their health.ReviewsArthritis Health Monitor excerpted two recipes from BAKING WITH AGAVE NECTAR.Sweets Without the Sugar? The Fresno Bee investigates BAKING WITH AGAVE NECTAR

FarmHouse Fresh Agave Nectar Body Oil $16 Get deepsoaking oil for luscious skin with FarmHouse Fresh Agave Nectar Body Oil. The scent is heavenly light an oat/milk scent that women and men alike adore, but its so much more than a body oil. Made with a special blend of extracts tested and proven to reduce the rate of your skins water loss one of the culprits in signs of aging. This bottle of glistening comfort even turns white in the water, so any droplets on your clothing or sheets remove clean in the wash. No staining. How brilliant...

The Real Food's Organic Blue Agave Nectar 16 fl oz $9.29 ideal way to sweeten coffee, tea, smoothies, sports drinks, and other popular beverages Description: Amber Agave Nectar is a natural liquid sweetener extracted fromt he Agave plant. At approximately 1.4 times the sweetness of white sugar, Agave Nectar serves as an ideal way to sweeten coffee, tea, smoothies, sports drinks, and other popular beverages. Agave Nectar has an exotic taste with overtones of maple and honey, making it perfect for use on cereals, pancakes and waffles, or in recipes for baked goods and sauces. Supplement Facts: Servings per Container: 0 Calories 60 *Calories from Fat 0 *Total Fat 0 g 0%Saturated Fat 0 g 0%Cholesterol 0 mg 0%Sodium 0 mg 0%Total Carbohydrates 15 g 5%Dietary Fiber 0 g *Sugars 12 g *Protein 0 g *Vitamin A 0%Vitamin C 13%Calcium 0%Iron 0%*Daily value not established. Other Ingredients: Organic blue agave (agave tequilana) nectar. Directions: Suggested Use: Substitute 1/2 cup Organic Blue Agave nectar for every cup of sugar as a sweetener in foods.

The Real Food's Organic Caramel Agave Dipping Nectar 8 fl oz $11.99 decadent creamy taste Description: Caramel Agave Gourmet Dipping Nectar contains Organic Rice milk for a decadent creamy taste. Agave nectar contains inulins, has a low glycemic index and releases energy gradually. Caramel Agave Gourmet Dipping Nectar contains no added sugar, corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, water or thickening agents. Ingredients may settle, shake before using. Supplement Facts: Ingredients: Amount per serving: % Daily Value: + Ingredients; Organic Blue Agave (Agave tequilana), Organic Rice Milk Powder, and Organic Flavors ~ Directions: Use alone or Mix 1 Tbs. with 6oz milk, coffee, cocoa, or non dairy beverage of your choice. Pour directly on ice cream or non dairy dessert. Use for dipping apples or marshmallows, can be used for cooking and baking.

Sticks,Agave Nectar 20 Ct, case of 12: HF $58.16 A natural sweetener made from the juice of the agave plant, agave nectar is sweeter than sugar so less is needed. It has a low glycemic index and is a vegan friendly honey substitute with a consistency similar to honey. Box of 20 convenient stir-stick servings. Just pop open of snip one end to stir into your tea. Try it, too, over yogurt or added to fruit smoothies.

Now Foods Certified Organic Amber Agave Nectar 17oz $5.29 Description Natural Sweetener USDA Organic NOW Certified Organic Amber Agave Nectar is a natural liquid sweetener extracted from the Agave plant. At approximately 1.4 times the sweetness of white sugar, Agave Nectar serves as an ideal way to sweeten coffee, tea, smoothies, sports drinks and other popular beverages. Agave Nectar has an exotic taste that contains overtones of maple and honey, making it perfect for use on cereals, pancakes and waffles, or in recipes for baked goods and sauces. NOW Amber Agave Nectar has a low glycemic index rating, won't solidify at room temperature, and can be used in virtually any application that calls for sugar. Supplement Facts Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon (21 g) Servings Per Container: about 23 Amount Per Serving %DV Calories 70 Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0 g 0 % Total Carbohydrate 16.5 g 6 % Sugars 16 g Protein 0 g Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium or iron. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. 2,000 Calories 2,500 Calories Total Fat Less than 65 g 80 g Sat. Fat Less than 20 g 25 g Cholesterol Less than 300 mg 300 mg Sodium Less than 2,400 mg 2,400 mg Total Carbohydrate 300 g 375 g Dietary Fiber 25 g 30 g Calories per gram: Fat 9, Carbohydrate 4, Protein 4 Other Ingredients Organic Amber Agave Nectar.100 % Pure. Contains no salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.Vegetarian/ Vegan Product.Warnings Store in a cool, dry and dark place. This product is sold by weight not volume

Nectar $9.49 Nectar

Organic Blue Agave - 6/11.75Oz Organic Blue Agave: GR $34.4 Organic Blue Agave is a mild nectar from Central Mexico is made exclusively from the renowned Blue Agave. This is a multi-purpose sweetener for beverages, fruit and general table top use. Each case consists of six, eleven and three quarter ounces packs.

Organic Blue Agave - 6/23.5Oz Organic Blue Agave: GR $47.6 Organic Blue Agave is a mild nectar from Central Mexico is made exclusively from the renowned Blue Agave. This is a multi-purpose sweetener for beverages, fruit and general table top use. Each case consists of six, twenty three and five ten ounce packs.

Organic Raw Blue Agave - 6/11.75Oz Org. Raw Blue Agave: GR $34.4 Raw Blue Agave nectar is lightly filtered and gently processed at a low temperature and is a product of Central Mexico. This nectar has a mellow, rich sweetness that is perfect for fruit and beverages. Each case consists of six, eleven and three quarter ounce packs.

Organic Raw Blue Agave - 6/23.5Oz Org. Raw Blue Agave: GR $47.6 Raw Blue Agave nectar is lightly filtered and gently processed at a low temperature and is a product of Central Mexico. This nectar has a mellow, rich sweetness that is perfect for fruit and beverages. Each case consists of six, twenty three and a half ounce packs.

The Real Food's Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Agave Nectar 16 fl oz $10.69 has a low glycemic index and releases energy gradually Description: Chocolate Agave Gourmet Dipping Nectar contains Organic blue agave and Organic Fair Trade� cocoa. Agave nectar contains inulins, has a low glycemic index and releases energy gradually. Chocolate Agave Gourmet Dipping Nectar contains no added sugar, corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, water or thickening agents. Ingredients may settle, shake before using. Supplement Facts: Ingredients: Amount per serving: % Daily Value: + Calories 60 ~ Total Fat 1g 0% Saturated Fat 0mg 0% Cholesterol 1mg 0% Sodium 7mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 14g 5% Dietary Fiber 1g 0% Sugars 10mg ~ Protein 1g 2% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 12% Calcium 0% Iron 1% Ingredients: Organic Blue Agave ( Agave tequilana), Organic Fair Trade� Cocoa Powder (Alkalized) and Natural Flavors. Directions: Suggested Use: Use alone or mix 1Tbsp with 6oz milk or non dairy beverage of your choice, pour directly on ice cream or non dairy dessert, use for dipping berries or marshmallows, can be used to cook and bake with.

Agave $49.99 Jillian David Agave - Art Print