“This can better manage blood sugar and prevent rapid spikes,” she explains. You've seen agave syrup in your grocery store or in products sweetened with its nectar. For example, agave is a liquid like honey and maple syrup, making it a little more challenging to use when baking. Almost all of us are aware of the harmful effects of sugar on our bodies. Want your passion for wellness to change the world? Agave syrup is a vegan alternative to honey. Moreover, 82% of sugar is fructose, and only 18% is glucose. To make it, fluid is extracted from the blue agave plant, filtered, heated, and reduced to a syrup consistency, she explains. Agave syrup has either a dark or light amber colour and it's slightly thinner in consistency than honey. At a time when many people are opting for more natural sweeteners, it can be hard to tell which are healthy and which are just masquerading as a better-for-you option. Agave syrup (or agave nectar) has a similar taste and texture to honey so it is a reasonable decision to compare these two alternatives against each other. People with diabetes should avoid all added sweeteners, as well as sugar-rich, … According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 teaspoon of agave syrup or nectar contains 21.4 calories, 5.27 grams of carbohydrates, and 4.69 grams of sugar. "Agave is basically a highly refined, unhealthy syrup." If you’ve decided to stop using sugar and are looking to find healthier alternatives, you may be considering to choose between agave or honey. Agave syrup has a very sweet but mild flavor. PIN ME! “When opting for honey, my general recommendation is to combine it with some protein, fat, or a high fibre food for slower glucose absorption,” Davar says. The media has hyped up agave because of its low glycemic index (GI of 17) compared with regular sugar (GI of 68) or even honey (GI between 60-74 depending on variety). honey, is 58. Agave syrup is produced from the sap of the agave, a succulent plant related to cactus. Since it dissolves quickly, it is effective as a sweetener for cold beverages and desserts. Is one healthier than the other, or is it personal preference? All are high in sugars… Agave nectar nutrition facts. However, according to the American Diabetes Association agave should be treated just like any sweetener (like sugar, corn syrup or honey) and be consumed in limited amounts. Both agave and honey contain glucose and fructose. However, they both are different in many ways. The bigger picture allows us to take into account the fact that agave syrup is a highly processed food, whereas honey is raw and naturally occurring in nature,” Davar says. A registered dietitian explains the difference of agave vs. honey, including which one is the healthier choice and how they compare to table sugar. For example, if a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of simple syrup, use 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon of agave nectar. Natural Health Magazine | Natural Therapy Magazine – The Art of Healing. Any baked good that I make at home. Agave syrups are sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. The Test: We have four glasses with exactly the same thing: 1 oz of lemon juice and 1 oz of water. This is especially important for people with diabetes, she says, since foods with a high GI can trigger a spike in blood sugar. Agave syrup is a little thinner than honey or molasses, so it mixes well in liquids like iced tea. This can better manage blood sugar and prevent rapid spikes, she explains. Like maple syrup and honey, it undergoes minimal processing at low temperatures to remove excess water. Both agave and honey are versatile and, depending on flavour preference, can be a substitute for white table sugar to sweeten tea, yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. According to the USDA, 1 teaspoon of honey contains 21.3 calories, 5.77 grams of carbohydrates, and 5.75 grams of sugar. Main Difference – Agave vs Honey ... Agave syrup is sweeter and less viscous than honey, but it is rich in fructose. According to the USDA, 1 teaspoon of honey contains 21.3 calories, 5.77 grams of carbohydrates, and 5.75 grams of sugar. Here's Everything You Need To Know, Why EFT Is The Versatile Energy Healing Technique We'll All Need In 2021, How Long Does It Take To Fall In Love? A syrup derived from the agave plant (yup, the same one that’s used to make tequila). Contrary to what some believe, there are few similarities between pure maple syrup and honey… It has little in common with the traditional sweetener made historically by people in Mexico. “And again, individuals with carbohydrate metabolism imbalances, including diabetes, should monitor their blood sugar closely when consuming honey.”. What is Honey. We’re going to compare how much of the three alternative sweeteners it takes to taste as sweet as adding exactly 1 oz of Simple Syrup. Anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet should opt for agave, but overall, honey is the healthier option. To make it, fluid is extracted from the blue agave plant, filtered, heated, and reduced to a syrup consistency, she explains. Amber agave syrup with medium-intensity caramel flavor is used in dishes and drinks with stronger flavors, where one could otherwise use sugar. Simple Syrup vs. Honey, Agave Nectar & Maple Syrup. Fragmented Sleep Linked to Atherosclerosis and Inflammation. This can be especially confusing when it comes to the seemingly similar choices, like agave and honey. Image by It’s about as sweet as honey, but with a slightly thinner consistency. Registered dietitians have some thoughts about the similarities and differences between agave and honey. Honey is naturally made in nature by bees and harvested from the honeycomb. Although both will still be a sticky product to work with, agave is a bit more of a strain than honey. She has... https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/agave-vs-honey, In order to save this article, you will need to, honey have proven antibacterial properties. Nutrition of Pure Maple Syrup vs Honey. "And again, individuals with carbohydrate metabolism imbalances, including diabetes, should monitor their blood sugar closely when consuming honey.". These blue agaves are large, spiky, round plants that resemble a combination between a pineapple and an aloe vera plant. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 teaspoon of agave syrup or nectar contains 21.4 calories, 5.27 grams of carbohydrates, and 4.69 grams of sugar. Continue reading to discover the differences between honey vs. agave and their potential health benefits. How Agave and Honey Are Made. That said, both are still a form of added sugar, culinary and integrative dietitian Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, L.D., says. This low glycemic index has made agave a favorite among many diabetics. Refined sugar can make some foods both tasty and dangerous to health. Be on the lookout for a welcome email in your inbox! When using agave nectar instead of honey, no adjustment has to be made. This is especially important for people with diabetes, she says, since foods with a high GI can trigger a spike in blood sugar. Your article and new folder have been saved! She earned a B.A. Its antioxidant properties can support a healthy immune system, and different varieties of honey have proven antibacterial properties. Agave nectar. Honey is liquid nectar produced by honeybees (honeybees make the most common of honey that gets used for everyday). On today's episode of Live Lean TV, I'm sharing which is the healthiest natural sweetener: maple syrup vs honey vs agave nectar. Honey vs Agave: Short Introduction. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. 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