There are many reasons to like agave. First, it tastes great with no bitter aftertaste like some artificial sweeteners or even natural sweeteners. Also, it takes less to sweeten as it is sweeter than sugar. It is promoted as a healthy alternative to the side effects of artificial sweeteners. But, agave is too good to be true.
To its credit, agave is derived from nature. It may look like a cactus, but it is actually included with the lily and amaryllis.
Similar to the processing of maple syrup, agave sap is removed, filtered, and heated, rendering hydrolyzed (chemically processed) high fructose insulin syrup. Many of the nutrients are destroyed in this processing, leaving behind a lifeless, fractured substance. The body responds to the intake of agave in much the same way it responds to the consumption of table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. In fact, it is just as addictive.
There is already too much dependence in the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) on fructose contributing to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
- Mineral loss
- Weight gain
It should be known that very few studies have been documented on the use of agave. Diabetics should be cautious as agave is not a low glycemic substance and its safety for consumption by diabetics has not been studied.
Agave quality controls are minimal at best. Agave syrup is often combined with corn syrup, and more toxic agave plants are used when there is a shortage of more favorable blue agave.
For more research, visit: http://www.mercola.com
THREE CHEERS FOR: MAINE COAST SEA VEGETABLES
With the radioactive concerns after the disaster in Japan, more Americans became conscious of the need to add beneficial iodine, which eliminates these compounds from the body, to the diet. Along with iodine, sea vegetables contain rich minerals and trace elements so needed in the American diet.
A good source is Maine Coast Sea Vegetables of Franklin, Maine, a company that supplies dulse, kelp, Irish moss, sea lettuce, and kombu. The company performs rigid testing to be sure the end product is free from herbicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and contaminates lake bacteria and PCB’s.
GIVE ME FIVE
Five fatigue fighters:
- D-Ribose
- Multivitamins
- Lemon oil
- Regular sleep routine
- Vitamin B
