==The benefits of Agave are==
Agave nectar (more accurately called agave syrup) is a sweetener commercially produced from several species of agave, including Agave tequilana (blue agave) and Agave salmiana. Agave syrup is sweeter than honey and tends to be less viscous. Most agave syrup comes from Mexico and South Africa. The juice made from the agave plant contains estrogen-like isoflavonoid, alkaloids, coumarin and vitamins B1, B2, C, D and K, and provitamin A.* Traditionally, it was used internally to treat ulcers, stomach inflammation, tuberculosis, jaundice and other liver diseases, syphilis, and menstrual problems. Additionally it is used as a treatment for high fever by inducing sweat.* Skin : Agave americana has antiseptic, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, which explains its uses externally as a medicinal herb to treat burns, bruises, minor cuts, injuries and skin irritation caused by insect bites.
* Lower Glycemic Load : Agave nectar is harvested from the agave plant, a spiny-looking desert succulent that resembles cactus or aloe. Glycemic load refers to how much glucose is released into the bloodstream after a food is eaten, a result of how quickly the carbohydrate in the food is converted into glucose. A high-glycemic-load food causes a much faster release of glucose than a low-glycemic-load food. Organic Lifestyle Magazine estimates that the glycemic load of agave nectar is about 15 to 30, compared to 75 for corn syrup, 80 for refined table sugar, and 87 for high-fructose corn syrup. The lower glycemic load of agave nectar allows for sweetening without blood sugar spikes that would in turn stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin is related to storage of excess glucose as fat. In addition, a spike in blood glucose is followed by a drop, which stimulates hunger. (See precautions for diabetics !)
*Sweeter Than Sugar : Although at first glance this characteristic of agave nectar might not sound healthy, the benefit of its intensified sweetness is that less of the sweetener must be used for the same result. Depending on the type of agave plant used, the processing method and resulting fructose content, estimates range from 1/4 cup to 3/4 cup of agave nectar needed to achieve the same sweetness as 1 cup of sugar. Although agave nectar contains about the same amount of calories for the same amount of other sweeteners, being able to use less of it decreases the calorie content of foods made with the sweetener.
* Agave americana was used as an herbal remedy for weak digestion, intestinal gas, and constipation. The juice has antibacterial properties and can be used internally to control the growth of decay bacteria in the stomach and intestines.
* Although agave seems like a laxative, the herb can also be used as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery.
* This medicinal herb is the source for hecogenin, a compound used in the production of many steroidal drugs.
* Contains [[Inulin]] prebiotic.
[[Category:Treatments]]