10 Health Benefits of Agave
Agave is a plant that can be found growing in the dry and hot regions of Southwestern America and Mexico. They are known for growing very slowly and also require very little water to flourish. They are a flowering plant, and some types have flowers that grow several feet into the air from the main plant.
Agave has thick, fleshy leaves and these are sometimes used in cooking. Its flowers are also sometimes eaten. It is perhaps best known in culinary circles for its nectar, which is very sweet and often used as a sugar substitute.
Agave is also thought to provide us with a number of health benefits. This article looks at 10 of these benefits.
Agave Benefit #1: Low Glycemic Index
Diabetics generally have to keep clear of sweet foods. This is because they have a high sugar content, and this can cause spikes in the level of sugar that is in their blood. They will often turn to artificial sweeteners instead, although there are some natural alternatives available.
One potential alternative is agave nectar. This substance is very sweet as it is high in fructose, a natural sugar that is often found in fruits. It is also low on the glycemic index, meaning it is not likely to cause spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it suitable for diabetics that wish to add some sweetness to their diets.
Agave Benefit #2: Healthy Digestive System
It is well known that it is important to get plenty of fiber in our diets. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system running smoothly, aiding digestion and helping to prevent complications. Fortunately, it is quite easy to include fiber in your diet, with lots of fruit and veg giving you what you need.
You will also be able to find plenty of fiber in the leaves of the agave plant. As such, the plant will help to keep the digestive system well and in good working order. The specific type of fiber that is found in agave leaves is known as inulin, which itself is a type of fructan.
Agave Benefit #3: Weight Loss
Obesity is a serious problem in many countries. It can cause a considerable decrease in a person’s overall health, leading to both short-term and long-term complications. If you are obese, it is highly recommended to get yourself to a healthy weight, although this is usually very hard to do.
When trying to lose weight, it is a good idea to look for anything that might be able to help us. One such thing can be agave because of its high fiber content. The high fiber means that it will help to keep us feeling fuller for longer. Just bear in mind, though, that the nectar is high in fructose and, therefore, high in calories.
Agave Benefit #4: Prebiotic
Our digestive systems are home to a wide selection of different bacteria. This is usually nothing to be concerned about as the vast majority of bacteria are harmless to us. In fact, some are even necessary as they help to break down our food. As such, it is important that we take care of them the best we can, and agave can help with this.
Agave is a good source of prebiotics. These are compounds and nutrients that help to keep the good bacteria populations healthy and well. This will in turn help to keep our digestive system working as effectively as possible.
Agave Benefit #5: Protects against Infections
Before the days of modern medicine, injuries and illnesses posed a far greater threat to us than they do now. We depended far more heavily on our immune system, and although it is very effective, it is not perfect. If somebody were to pick up even a small wound, there was a chance of infection and this could be very dangerous.
The people back then would often look to natural remedies, and this usually meant plants. In the Central and South America regions, the people would often look to agave to help treat wounds. The plant does have antimicrobial properties that can help to slow, or even kill, bacteria that are causing an infection.
Agave Benefit #6: Boosts Immunity
Even in the days of modern medicine, our immune systems play an essential role in keeping us safe and well. Whenever a pathogen enters into the body, it is dealt with straightaway to help prevent us from falling ill. It can be easy to take it for granted, however, but we should really do what we can to help it.
Maintaining a strong immune system generally means looking after ourselves. This means exercising, resting, and also eating the right foods. One such food is agave as it contains compounds that can help to give our immune system a welcome boost.
Agave Benefit #7: Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation of the tissues in the body can cause us all sorts of problems. It can be very painful and can also limit our ability to move when it affects our joints. It can also affect the proper functioning of organs and other body parts. What’s worse is that inflammation is also very difficult to treat, with modern medicines often having a limited impact only.
In addition to modern medication, however, there are some natural remedies that you can try, one of which is agave. Agave can help to reduce inflammation and this, in turn, can help to reduce some of the symptoms that many people put up with on a daily basis.
Agave Benefit #8: Reduces Cholesterol
A high cholesterol level is a potentially very serious problem. It can lead to a high blood pressure, which can have a serious impact on our health, while it can even block blood vessels. Blocked blood vessels can lead to fatal heart attacks so it is something that should be taken very seriously.
In addition to avoiding certain foods to keep your cholesterol levels healthy, you can also try including other foods. Agave is a good source of inulin, a type of fiber, and this has been shown to be effective at reducing the bad cholesterols in our bloodstream. This can encourage a healthy cardiovascular system and good health overall.
Agave Benefit #9: Nutrient Absorption
Our food is our only source of the nutrients that we rely on for our wellness, and even our survival. As such, it is important that we are able to absorb what we need from our food, but this is not always easy. Some medical conditions can limit the nutrients we absorb, while a limited diet can also limit which nutrients we can get.
The inulin that is found in agave, however, is able to help us absorb as much as possible from the food that we eat. This makes it suitable for people that might have an otherwise poor diet, or people that have difficulty absorbing nutrition. In doing, so, it can help ensure good health for years to come.
Agave Benefit #10: Anti-Cancer
We know that certain lifestyle habits can affect our chances of getting cancer. For example, people that smoke regularly are considerably more likely to get lung cancer than those that don’t. This does not mean that we can make ourselves completely safe, at least not yet, but we can at least move the odds in our favor.
Agave is known to have compounds that can help protect the body against cancer, so it makes sense to get some in your diet where possible. Again, it won’t make us completely safe but it can at least help to reduce the chances of cancer developing.
