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Agave Is SO Sweet!
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This week, The Weekly Beet reports on a seriously spikey plant that contains some pretty incredible health benefits. Mary Kent pours on a bit of Agave Syrup, adding a natural way to sweeten up your life!
 Beyond the hard, prickly leaves of a Mexican, succulent cactus known as the Agave Tequilana, and better known as the Blue Agave, lies a sweetness so pure that any sugar addict could easily become hooked! Luckily, with a sweetness this good, recent studies prove that the affects of this liquid gold on the Glycemic Index are so low that any diabetic can even take the plunge! Though the Blue Agave plant isn't just the only color and type that this tasty syrup is made from. There's a variety of Agaves with names like Salmiana, Green, Grey, Thorny, and even Rainbow! In each variety, the juice, which is also the exact same juice used to make your favorite Tequila, is taken from the core of the plant, which remains after all the leaves have been cut away. The juice then undergoes a process of filtering and heating so that it can form carbohydrates and turn into sugar. The main carbohydrate of Agave is a complex one (which we should all be eating instead of simples) called inulin. The juice is then concentrated, forming a syrupy-like liquid similar to honey, but less sweet and alot thinner in substance. The end result is a healthy, sugar alternative that we should all add to our diet!
There's alot of good stuff inside that core of the Agave (pronounced Ah-gah-vay by the way) plant! Here's why we're raging over the nectar:
- Agave contains essential minerals such as Iron, Calcium, Potassium & Magnesium.
- Agave is the lowest sweetener on the Glycemic Index. Click here to view
.
- 1/3 cup of Agave Syrup replaces 1 cup of sugar in any sweet recipe
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- Agave is low in calories so it's a great sweetener to use for weight loss.
- Agave contains fructose, a natural form of sugar, which will keep you only eating only a little.
- Agave helps with sugar cravings.
- Agave heals the digestive track in particular those suffering from Crohn's and Colitis.
 There are so many foods that are craving a naturally sweet kick! These days you'll find Agave in many packaged energy bars and even chocolate sauce. But, here's a list of our favorites that you can add Agave to. Pour or drizzle Agave on:
- Oatmeal
- Granola
- Yoghurt
- Tea
- Coffee
- Waffles & Pancakes
- Ice Cream
- Smoothies or Protein Shakes
- Beans, Cornbread, & Soup
- Salad, veggies, and even Fish
There's nothing really new about Agave, as the Native Americans have used the plant for food, drink, and even clothing for thousands of years. But, luckily, a few companies have perfected the art of Agave making and have even added a twist with yummy flavors! Our two favorite brands are Madhava and Agasweet. Madhava's Agave comes in Amber (tasting similar to Maple Syrup) and Light, and flavors such as Amaretto, Hazelnut, Cappuccino, and Irish Creme. Agasweet is pretty sweet as well! It also has an extensive variety of flavors. Choose from Vanilla, Lavender, Cinnamon, Peppermint, Tangerine, Almond, or Lemon. Click here read more and to buy!
Spike your life with Agave Syrup, not Tequila! You'll be grateful that you did. Don't miss a Beet. Stay tuned for next week.
Love,
Mary Kent
PS. MK is wearing top by Petit Bateau.
PPS. Click here to receive a discount on Gaia's own Flower Essences.
PPPS. Check out Jen Groover, CEO of Jen Groover
Productions, on Ladies Who Launch.
PPPPS. Check out Oskri Organics. Our favorite!
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