Agave

Interesting information about agave...when you think about it any sugar that is processed is still a form of sweetener...
I do like the agave syrup for its neutral flavor and it dissolves easily.

(Berkeley Wellness)
Derived from the same cactus-like Mexican plant as tequila, agave is being added to an increasing number of foods as a “natural” sugar alternative. But is agave really healthier than regular refined sugar?

Agave syrup has only a few more calories than table sugar (20 versus 16 per teaspoon). But while table sugar (sucrose) is half fructose and half glucose, agave syrup contains up to 90% fructose, depending on how it’s processed. That’s substantially more fructose than what’s in widely used high-fructose corn syrup. In fact, agave syrup is often called a “fructose sweetener.”

Fructose doesn’t cause the spikes in blood sugar that glucose does, and so agave is marketed as “diabetic friendly.” But there are no studies to support this. In fact, some studies suggest that large amounts of fructose can promote insulin resistance (and thus increase diabetes risk), boost triglycerides (fats in the blood), lower HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and have other harmful effects on the heart, and possibly the liver, too. Consuming agave syrup just adds to your fructose load. Fruit is also high in fructose, but unlike agave syrup it contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is filling.

Other claims debunked

Agave syrup isn’t even as “natural” or raw as marketers want you to think. To turn the plant’s juice into the sweet syrup, it typically undergoes processing similar to that used to make high-fructose corn syrup from starch; some agave products may also be diluted with corn syrup. If there are any nutrient differences, they are minuscule—no sugar is a good source of nutrients. Don’t expect to reap significant antioxidant benefits from agave, either. According to one recent study, agave syrup contains “minimal antioxidant activity’’—on par with refined sugar and corn syrup.

Bottom line: You can add a little agave syrup to yogurt and cereal, if you like, or use it in coffee or tea and in baking. Because it’s sweeter than sugar, you need less, and it dissolves well. But don’t be swayed by the health claims. Agave syrup is simply another form of processed (and concentrated) sugar.