Healthy substitute for sugar? Agave syrup can really do that

Healthy substitute for sugar? Agave syrup can really do that


Referreport

Vegans in particular appreciate it as a honey substitute: agave syrup is obtained from the plant of the same name and therefore contains no animal products. But the natural sweetener is also becoming increasingly popular in omnivorous diets because it is said to be healthier than refined sugar.

  • That’s how it will be Agave syrup manufactured
  • Diet miracle: Agave syrup offers these advantages
  • Myth: Agave syrup really does healthier as sugar?

He is one of them Food trends of the hour: agave syrup. His reputation as a healthier alternative to conventional household sugar. A clever marketing ploy or an underestimated superfood? We investigated the question:

This is how agave syrup is made

Agave syrup is the perfect natural sweetening alternative for vegans because, unlike honey, it is whole without animal ingredients is produced.

The name already gives it away: Agave syrup is made from the plant of the same name agavewon. This mainly grows in warm and dry regions, such as Mexico. To obtain agave syrup, the core of the agave is first crushed and juiced. The juice obtained from the kernel is then boiled down until a thick syrup arises. Agave syrup is therefore a purely natural product without the addition of artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

Tip: The darker the liquid, the stronger the agave syrup tastes! The taste of light agave syrup is largely neutraldark agave syrup, on the other hand, brings something bitter caramel note with yourself.

Diet miracle: Agave syrup offers these benefits

For people who want a… low-carbohydrate diet (“low carb”) agave syrup can be a real game changer: With 76 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams is the thick juice Significantly lower in carbohydrates than usual table sugar (For comparison: white sugar contains around 99.8 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams).

These are the nutritional values ​​of agave syrup per 100 grams:

  • Calories: 304 kilocalories (kcal)
  • Protein: 0.1 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 76 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams

But that’s not the only advantage of agave syrup: its… low glycemic index It allows the blood sugar level to rise more slowly and thus ensures a longer feeling of satiety. And: Since there is no significant low after the blood sugar level drops, this is also the case Prevented cravings.

The golden syrup also offers benefits for our well-being: it contains agave syrup, among other things Fructans and Saponinsthe anti-inflammatory work and so ours Support immune system. Here you will find a recipe on how to prepare a delicious porridge with the sweetness of agave syrup

Myth: Agave syrup is really healthier than sugar?

Because of his high fructose content is agave syrup something sweeter than regular sugar. But that is exactly what can lead to problems: fructose increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or increased blood lipid levels. In addition, fructose is converted into fat during the digestion process in the liver. Conversely, this means that agave syrup can be very harmful to the liver – similar to alcohol – and can lead to fatty liver disease if consumed in excess.

View organic agave syrup from Immenhof in a practical squeeze bottle on Amazon

Sugar alternatives such as agave syrup offer advantages over refined sugar no health benefitsexplains therefore Prof. Dr. Hans Hauner from the Technical University of Munich. For this reason, as with household sugar, it is important to remember moderate consumption to pay attention. The German Nutrition Society recommends that adults no more than about 50 grams of sugar (this also includes naturally occurring sugar such as in agave syrup).

To answer the question: Agave syrup is indeed not healthierbut no more harmful than normal sugar. As is often the case: the quantity makes the poison. Against occasional sweetening with agave syrup but says nothing.

Are you interested in nutrition and its health effects on your body? Then you can find other similar articles here:

  • Eating pistachios: This is what happens to your body when you eat the fruit every day
  • Drinking beer every day: at what level does it become dangerous to your health?
  • Cashews: This is what happens to your body when you eat them regularly
  • Eating kiwi every day: This is what happens to your body
  • Eating sausage every day: This is what happens to your body
  • Drinking Cola: This is what happens to your body after just a single glass
  • Frozen pizza, canned ravioli, etc.: This is what happens to your body when you often eat ready-made meals

View Spiegel bestsellers at Thalia: Turn 100 – Healthier, younger and more efficient with 60 vegan and gluten-free recipes

Article contains affiliate links

Source: German