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Agave: ancient, exotic, natural. From the southern Mexican highlands we present to you International Organics' Raw Organic Agave Nectar. 100% USDA certified organic and a raw food, our Energave Agave is grown and harvested the same way it has for millenia: naturally, depending only on the earth and hard work to provide its goodness. Agave nectar is quickly gaining notoriety among health-conscious consumers for it's incredible properties as a sweetener. 3 times sweeter than honey and with a very low glycemic index, Agave nectar is the perfect substitute for fructose corn syrup sweeteners, syrup and molasses, and sugar. Our Raw Organic Energave Agave Nectar is wonderful as a sweetener in your teas and coffees, desserts, and baking. It works wonderfully in chilled drinks, dissolving instantly unlike honey or sugars.
Health Benefits of Agave Nectar
The agave plant was revered by the ancient Aztecs as a gift from the Gods, and for good reason. Agave has been a staple of traditional homeopathic medicine for a multitude of ailments, many of which modern medicine has validated. A mixture of agave nectar and salt has was used to cure wounds and skin infections in ancient Mexico and today has been proven to stop pus-producing wounds, including dangerous staph infections. In today's diet, agave nectar is seen as a healthy, raw alternative to sugar, corn syrups, and artificial sweeteners. Because agave is almost 100% fructose, it has a low glycemic index, meaning it has lower impact on our blood sugar levels. This means that its chemical composition gives us the same sweet flavor without the unpleasant "sugar rush" that is associated with normal sugar or artificial corn syrup. Many diabetics have found agave to be a safe alternative to conventional sweeteners for exactly this reason. One of the most exciting new findings about agave is the discovery that it contains fructans, a polymer of fructose molecules commonly found in asparagus, artichokes, leeks, green beans, and other vegetables. New research indicates that fructans might reduce the absorption of fat and cholesterol in the intestine. Inulin, the type of fructan found in agave, could actually help weight loss for these reasons. Agave is a great alternative for health-conscious eaters, dieters, diabetics, and discriminating cooks looking for raw, pure ingredients. Origins of AgaveAgave has been cultivated for its many uses for thousands of years in the high, sandy soils of Jalisco state in Mexico. Agave can also be found in the southwestern U.S. and parts of South America. The Aztecs used the agave plant's nectar as a natural sweetener, the use we are most familiar with, in addition to a number of other uses. The agave's stems were used to make pens, nails and needles, as well as string to sew and make weavings. This beautiful plant was exported to Europe and Asia during the 18th century as a delightful ornamental plant, and can nowadays be found lining the streets in communities from Arizona to India. The agave is commonly is seen in 4 varieties: Agave americana, Agave angustifolia, Blue agave (also used to make tequila), and Agave attenuata. Agave in NatureThe Agave plant thrives in its harsh desert climate, due to natural adaptations to conserve water and withstand the perpetual sun of the Mexican highlands. Nearly every part of the agave plant has been made useful. People have found uses for the agave's flowers, stems, roots, and spines. Here are a few of the most common uses: |
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