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Agave plants are native to deserts in areas of Mexico and southwestern states. These plants are edible as well as nutritious. Using the nectar from the plant in various desserts is one of the most common ways of consuming agave. Excluding the nectar, all forms of agave are a great source of iron. The agave plant has several properties with health-promoting benefits. In the words of Jonny Bowden, author of "The Healthiest Meals on Earth", agave houses saponins, which bind to cholesterol and help lower overall cholesterol levels. Saponins might also help hinder the growth of cancerous tumours.
Rich in iron
A 100-gram serving of raw agave offers 1.8 milligrams of iron, and the same quantity of cooked agave supplies 3.55 milligrams. Dried agave contains 3.65 milligrams of iron per 100-gram serving, which is 46 per cent of the 8 milligrams men require daily and 20 per cent of the 18 milligrams women need daily.
High in calcium
Licalcikewise, a serving of raw or cooked agave provides approximately about 40 per cent of the 1,000 milligrams of calcium adults necessitate per day, and dried agave delivers about three-fourths of the day-to-day requirement.
Agave syrup pouring in a drink, Image Source: Pexels
Abundant in fibre
It also has insulin, a type of fibre that's also a probiotic. A serving of agave provides a generous dose of fibre. Those who suffer from irregular bowel movements and constipation can include agave for its abundant fibre content.
Low glycemic index (GI)
Although compared to agave plants, agave nectar has a lesser amount of nutrients and health benefits; like honey, it might be an ideal substitute for your regular granulated sugar. This thin syrup, like nectar, comprises calories, with 21 per teaspoon. Many researchers have shown the miraculous impact of this nectar on weight loss and glucose control.
Agave is a good source of vitamin B6, which is essential for the digestion of both proteins and carbs. It has a low glycemic load (GI). The glycemic index (GI) of table sugar is around 63, while that of honey is 58, and that of maple syrup is 54.1. However, agave syrup's glycemic index (GI) is between 10 and 27. A low glycemic index (GI) diet may be helpful for diabetics in managing their condition.
How to add agave to your diet:
Since agave nectar is sweeter than granulated sugar, a minimum quantity suffices the required sweetness in any sweet dish. You can either eat agave by roasting or cooking. Even the dried form is also consumable. If you are having it raw, simply add the stalk to your favourite salad. The flowers of this plant are also edible.
