Why is agave bad

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However, this article explains why agave nectar may be worse for your health than plain sugar. What is agave? How is the nectar made? Minimally affects blood sugar levels. Dangerously high in fructose. The bottom line. Read this next. Agave Nectar vs. Honey: Which Is Healthier? It has a neutral flavor and can dissolve easily in cold liquids, like freshly brewed iced tea.

The concerns about agave revolve around its naturally high fructose content. That is a higher fructose content than even high fructose corn syrup. But a number of studies show that large quantities of pure fructose can harm your liver;however, there are no indications that small amounts are problematic. But how sustainable are these sugar substitutes?

And are some better for the environment than others? However, it is possible to understand the general environmental impacts of making various sugar substitutes and to look at the impacts of different production methods.

Agave nectar, often labeled agave syrup or simply agave, is a sugar substitute produced from the refined, filtered sap of the agave plant, a succulent native to Mexico that is also used to make tequila. It has become a very trendy sugar substitute, especially amongst paleo and vegan dieters, in part because of its relatively low glycemic index. However, health advocates are quick to point out that agave nectar processing is similar to that of high fructose corn syrup, creating a product that is almost entirely fructose with minimal nutritional value.

Agave plants bloom only once before dying, and in the past farmers let agave plants mature to this point because this is also when they yield the most nectar. Unfortunately, rising demand for tequila and agave nectar have put those farmers under enormous pressure to supply enough agave. To shorten growing cycles , farmers are killing plants before they bloom, cutting off an important nectar source for bats.

The fact that these agaves are no longer flowering and producing seeds means that farmers are increasingly reliant on clones — genetically identical offshoots — to plant the next crop. This lack of biodiversity means the plants are at much greater risk from disease, and also risks the survival of culturally significant, unique agave varieties.

Agave plantations are not always well managed , and the immense demand means that farmers face plant thieves and other risks. This has caused several crises in the industry, like skyrocketing prices and shortages , which has forced small producers out of business.

While production of some agave products like mezcal is still mostly done in the traditional way by small-scale producers , blue agave grown in Mexico is increasingly produced on large plantations in monocrops requiring the use of chemical fertilizers , herbicides and pesticides.

The most sustainable options on the market for agave are certified organic and free trade products, because these certifications ensure the products were made using no pesticides and following certain labor standards. Date sugar, a granulated form of dehydrated dates , is a good natural sweetener if you are looking for something that has gone through minimal processing. It is also lower on the glycemic index than traditional sugars, making it a better option for those watching their blood sugar levels.

Date syrup, a liquified version of whole dates , is also available. Although date palms can withstand long periods of drought under high temperatures, for commercial production they require regular watering for vigorous growth, high yield and high-quality fruit. Flood irrigation is still used in many areas, especially on older plantations.

Even in areas where growers are using more desert-friendly drip irrigation, however, dates still require a lot of water. Despite high water use, many producers use sustainable agriculture practices like natural fertilizers, cover crops and intercropping — even in industrialized production , as rising temperature and other climate issues force producers to utilize adaptive techniques.