Organic manufacturers use low heat and no chemicals. Agave syrup has either a dark or light amber colour and it's slightly thinner in consistency than honey. It contains 60 calories per tablespoon — versus 48 for table sugar — but because it is about 1. Nutritionally, agave syrup is similar to high-fructose corn syrup. Depending on processing, it can contain anywhere from 55 to 97 per cent fructose. High-fructose corn syrup, by comparison, consists of 55 per cent fructose; the rest is glucose.
Its fructose content results in a sweetener with a glycemic index much lower than plain sugar The fact that agave syrup doesn't spike your blood sugar and insulin has led many manufacturers to market it as "diabetic friendly.
Yet, according to many experts, agave's high fructose concentration makes it an unhealthy sweetener. That's because research has linked high- fructose sweeteners to obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides blood fats , metabolic syndrome and fatty liver.
According to a review of animal studies, high levels of fructose consumption might influence metabolic problems. This means that fructose may contribute to weight gain, unhealthy levels of fat around the waist, and oxidative stress. A study cautions that fructose might promote the development of high blood pressure , insulin resistance , and other cardiovascular risk factors.
However, the study cautions that this relationship only applies when people base 20 percent or more of caloric intake on foods that contain fructose. This suggests that fructose-based sweeteners may be acceptable in moderation but also that people with diabetes should generally avoid them.
Lifestyle and dietary changes are effective methods for managing diabetes. Even though giving up or drastically reducing sugar intake might require discipline, it offers many health benefits, especially for those closely controlling blood glucose.
Those looking to eat a sweet treat should choose their sweeteners carefully. Since artificial sweeteners contain no, or few, calories , doctors once thought that they might be a safe alternative to traditional sugar.
More recent research goes against this recommendation. A study found that artificial sweeteners alter the bacteria that live in the gut, triggering insulin resistance. While honey and maple syrup may be safer natural alternatives for people with diabetes, both still break down in the body and increase blood sugar. Whole fruits are ideal for adding sweetness to foods, as they provide sugars alongside fiber, antioxidants , and other nutrients that can benefit health. Try mixing fresh or dried berries into oatmeal, add unsweetened applesauce to plain Greek yogurt, or blending frozen bananas with cocoa powder to replace ice cream.
Learn more about whether honey is safe for diabetes here. While it is less harmful and more natural, people who are closely managing blood glucose should avoid agave. The high fructose content can reduce insulin sensitivity and may worsen liver health.
Agave is also a higher-calorie sweetener than table sugar. People with diabetes should avoid adding sweeteners to food and use fruit as an alternatives for extra sweetness. Sugary drinks are a known cause of obesity and blood glucose problems, such as diabetes. Are diet sodas a safe option with diabetes? Sugar has been associated with obesity and diabetes, among other conditions. But while some health experts believe cutting it from our diet is the way…. Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from a plant.
But although all-natural agave sweetener may be healthier for you than regular sugar, most of the agave you can buy in stores is highly processed. Therefore, it's not atypical that a bottle of agave has more high fructose corn syrup in it than any other commercial sweetener—including high fructose corn syrup itself. And even if you find a minimally processed variety, it still counts as an added sugar.
So if you don find yourself swapping out other sugars for agave, be mindful that consuming too much added sugar can result in adverse health effects, including obesity and diabetes. Everything in moderation! Related: The Truth About Sugar. Look for USDA-certified organic products. The syrup is seeded with crystals after it has cooled. The resultant sugar crystals get separated from the liquid in a centrifuge.
The end result is white table sugar. Share this comparison:. If you read this far, you should follow us:. Diffen LLC, n. Agave vs. Comparison chart Differences — Similarities —. Follow Share Cite Authors. Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Agave vs Sugar. Comments: Agave vs Sugar. Related Comparisons. Contribute to Diffen Edit or create new comparisons in your area of expertise. Log in ». Terms of use Privacy policy.
Lower glycemic index than sugar, more fructose than high fructose corn syrup, can lead to insulin resistance.
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