Foods with Benefits: Agave Nectar

• it's a syrup similar in colour and consistency of maple syrup
• it's a low GI sweetener, and also safe for some diabetics
• it's a natural alternative sweetener to sugar, honey, syrup & maple syrup
• known to have anti-bacterial properties - especially for the intestine, but also when applied topically
• sweeter than sugar - can replace 1 cup of sugar with 1/3 cup agave nectar
• it contains inulin which may have cancer preventing and other beneficial properties for the intestines and colon (it's said though that, if you have an over-abundance of bad bacteria in your gut, you may be sensitive to inulin and you may exibit, among other symptoms, a number of stomach problems)

While it is generally considered a healthier alternative to sugar, there is still some debate about the benefits (or lack thereof) of agave nectar, mostly due to the fact that there are companies who sell substandard non-organic agave nectar which is not at all good for your health (because their product goes through an extensive chemical refining process which converts the natural structure of the syrup into man-made chemical fructose)...so it's best to only buy 100% organic agave nectar from a trusted source.