Agave Nectar Glycemic Index

Glycemic index (GI) is used to refer to a method that is employed to measure the relative effect of foods on the blood sugar levels of the body. For instance, those foods whose carbohydrates get converted into sugar at a relatively faster rate, are regarded as high glycemic index foods. Such foods are more likely to cause a surge in blood sugar levels. The glycemic index of foods are measured relative to the standard value of glucose and white bread, which is 100. So foods whose GI is higher than 100, are known to have a significant impact on the blood sugar levels. While, those whose GI rate below 100, do not affect the sugar levels by an appreciable degree.

What Foods are Low in Glycemic Index?

So what kinds of foods are known to have a low GI? As you can understand from the above explanation, foods which contain few or no carbohydrates would be the ones whose GI would be low or approximately zero. To put in a different way, the lesser starches and sugars that can be easily digested, a food item contains, the lower is its GI.

GI of Agave Nectar

Agave nectar, also known as agave syrup, is a natural sweetener that is sweeter than honey. It is derived from the agave plant, which is used to make tequila. The popularity of agave is not only because of its sweetness, but for its benefits in weight loss to wound healing. Moreover, it has a low GI, which benefits people who are on a restricted diet, especially those with diabetes.

GI of Agave Nectar = 27.

Agave Nectar Nutrients	Amount
Calories	60
Total Carbohydrates (By Difference)	16 g (5%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Sugar	15 g
Total Fat	0 g
Sodium	0 mg
Protein	0 g

Health Benefits

• 1.4-1.6 times sweeter than sugar, but with a low GI.
• Agave nectar is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune booster in nature. All these properties come from one ingredient of the nectar known as saponins.
• Another health benefit is its richness in insulin; a kind of fiber. It helps in keeping the person feel fuller for a longer time thus, helping in weight control. In addition to this, insulin helps in reducing risks of cancer and lowering cholesterol levels. It also enhances nutrient absorption by the body.

The low GI value of the product is what makes it one healthy alternative to sugar, which is a common offender for aggravating or giving rise to various medical disorders; diabetes being one of the common ones. So the next time you go for grocery shopping, opt out sugar and get the agave nectar.