Page 48 - Summer2008

Agave: Nectar of the Gods?

By Rami Nagel

gave nectar was rst introduced to the U.S. mar-

ket in Anaheim, California, at the 1995 Natural

AProducts Expo West, the nation’s largest natural,

organic and healthy products trade show. Marketeers have
touted this tempting sweetener from Mexico for its low
glycemic index and it soon became a favorite found in

raw food circles and among enthusiasts of healthier foods.

Agave nectar is often an ingredient in newer “health
foods” including energy bars and organic ice creams.
Advertisements for agave stress such attractive features

as acceptability for vegan and raw food diets, grown in

nutrient-rich soils, all natural, 100 percent organic, fair
traded, sustainably harvested, and even kosher.
In researching agave nectar, I have found that many of these adver-

tised claims are true, but even so, the fundamental question remains, “Is
it good for us to eat?” Although possibly higher in minerals than most

rened sweeteners, it is not likely healthy for regular use due to its high
fructose level.
46 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2008