Agave Syrup: Nutrition, Health Benefits, And Side Effects

What Is Agave Syrup?

Agave syrup is made from the agave plant, the same plant that is used to make tequila. It is made by heating the extracts of the agave plant or by using a process called hydrolysis. This syrup has a golden brown color and has a similar consistency as that of honey. Since this is a plant-based sweetener, it is considered to be vegan-friendly.

But what is it that really makes it a healthy sugar substitute? Let us explore some agave syrup nutritional facts to find out.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values of agave syrup per 100g (1)

From this table, you can see that agave contains some essential minerals like potassium, seleniumⁱ  X An important trace mineral needed for proper body functioning and health. It prevents cell damage and infections, improves reproductive and thyroid functioning, and helps create DNA. , and folate that may be beneficial for your health. Find out how exactly these might be beneficial for you, in the next section.

The Health Benefits Of Agave Syrup

There is limited research on the health benefits of consuming agave syrup. Some of its potential health benefits are as follows.

• Has A Low Glycemic Index

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Research suggests that agave syrup is considered to have a low glycemic index as 90% of it is made up of fructoseⁱ  XIt is the sweetest naturally-obtained carb, commonly found in many fruits and hence known as ‘fruit sugar’. It is also found in sugar beets, sugar cane, and vegetables. (2). Fructose in moderation is considered safe and unlike glucose, it does not cause severe spikes in blood sugar levels (3). A study on mice fed with agave nectar revealed that they had lower chances of gaining weight and also had lower blood sugar and insulin levels (4). Given the limited number of studies, the low glycemic level of agave nectar is debatable and requires further research.

• Might Help During Pregnancy

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Agave contains trace amounts of folate which is associated with improving the health of the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Studies suggest that consuming folate during pregnancy helps in the proper growth and development of the fetus. It may reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) that affect that fetus (5).

• May Help With Mental Health Issues

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Studies suggest that folate and folic acid may benefit people with mental health issues like depression and dementia. An increase in the intake of food rich in vitamin B6 and folic acid might be able to help with some of these issues (6), (7), (8).

There is limited information available on the health benefits of agave syrup as studies are still being conducted.

Although agave is a plant-based natural sweetener, it does have a few potential side effects. Let us understand some of these side effects in the next section.

Risk Factors Of Agave

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Fructose makes up nearly 90% of the composition of agave syrup and in excess amounts, this may cause a few health complications. Some research states that excess consumption of fructose may affect your metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (9).

Another study also suggests that prolonged consumption of fructose may increase LDL cholesterol levels that are linked to an increased risk of heart diseases (10).

Having learned the potential benefits and risks of agave syrup, let us look at how this syrup is made and matches up against honey in terms of nutrition and benefits.

How Are Agave Nectar And Honey Made?

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Making agave syrup is a complicated process that requires industrial-grade equipment to process and refine the final product.

The steps to make agave syrup are as follows:

1. Ripe agave plants are harvested and their leaves are chopped to extract the juice.
2. This juice is then filtered and heated. During this process, it breaks down and releases fructose.
3. The end product obtained is agave syrup.

Agave syrup can be made either by heating up the agave juice or by hydrolysis.

Honey on the other hand is made by bees who harvest nectar from a variety of flowers.

1. Bees harvest nectar from flowers using an organ called a nectary.
2. Inside the bee’s stomach, the nectar is broken down into simple sugars that don’t crystalize.
3. It returns to its hive and deposits this in the hexagonal cells of the hive and covers it with a waxy substance called beeswax.
4. They reduce the moisture content in the nectar by fluttering their wings. Once the moisture reduces to about  20%, it gets converted to honey.

If you had to pick between honey and agave syrup, or agave syrup and table sugar as a substitute sweetener, which one should you pick? Keep reading to find out the answer to this question.

Honey Vs. Agave Syrup

In terms of calories per 100g, both honey and agave syrup are quite similar. However, honey contains higher levels of potassium and no fat when compared to agave syrup. Besides these nutrients, honey has proven health benefits that make it a better alternative to agave syrup.

Traditionally, honey has been used in numerous home remedies to treat wounds, gastrointestinal issues, and ulcers. It is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve cold and flu symptoms (12).

Next up, let us find out if and how agave nectar is better than table sugar.

Agave Nectar Vs. Table Sugar

From the table, it is quite evident that agave syrup is clearly better than table sugar. Apart from a high calorie and carbohydrate content, table sugar does not have any useful micro and macronutrients like that in agave syrup.

In conclusion, agave syrup is made from agave plants that are commonly grown in South America. There are limited studies to suggest that some of the nutrients like folate present in agave syrup have potential health benefits. Since the majority of this syrup is made up of fructose, consuming this in large quantities and for prolonged durations may have health issues. If you are looking at a healthy alternative for sugar, you may consider agave syrup. However, in comparison to honey, agave nectar would be an inferior choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is healthier – honey or agave?

Honey is healthier than agave syrup due to its high antioxidant levels.

Is agave good for weight loss?

No. Agave is higher in calories and fructose than honey, which is why it is not good for weight loss.

Sources

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Dr. Somi IgbenePhD, MSc (Human Nutrition), ANutr

   

Somi is a biomedical scientist, a registered nutritionist (ANutr), and a nutritional therapist. She helps her clients reverse prediabetes, lower Alc, maintain a healthy weight, and develop healthy eating habits for life. Somi is passionate about promoting health and wellness in the African community and has a keen interest in type 2 diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and weight management.  ...more

Varsha PatnaikHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Varsha holds a master's degree in biotechnology from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, and is a certified diet and nutrition coach with two years of experience. She combines her scientific knowledge and her passion for writing to produce research-backed content in the health and wellness domain. Her writing focuses on the health and nutritional benefits of various ingredients and diets and how...more