Dec, 2019
Organic Agave Nectar and A Low Glycemic Index

Get all the sweetness you crave, without the sugar crash.

Madhava organic agave nectar has a low glycemic index, doesn’t spike your blood sugar and is 1.4 times sweeter than sugar.

Whether you’re a diabetic looking for a low-glycemic sweetener or just hoping to complement a healthy diet, agave is a sure bet for both taste and keeping blood sugar in check. Truly all natural and chemical-free, Madhava Organic Agave Nectar is vegan, gluten-free, Kosher and 1.4 times sweeter than sugar, meaning you use less and consume fewer calories.

Okay, agave. So how does it taste? Some compare the taste of agave syrup to honey, with a rich sweetness that’s stronger than sugar. However, unlike artificial sweeteners, there is no bitter aftertaste.

Sweeten Up, Without the Crash Agave nectar has a low glycemic index of 17, and an also low glycemic load of 2.56. Compare that to table sugar’s glycemic index of 63 and glycemic load of 6, and it’s easy to see why agave is such a great alternative. One tablespoon of agave contains about the same amount of fructose found in a large apple or one cup of grapes, so it equates more to the natural sugars found in healthy foods. High fructose corn syrup and refined sugar, on the other hand, pack a much larger load, which spikes blood sugar sharply and sets you up for a big crash.

Glycemic index and glycemic load–What are they?

  • Glycemic index is the measurement of how much a food will increase blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose (which is measured as 100). So, agave’s glycemic index of 17 means that blood sugar is only increased 17 percent, as opposed to 63 percent with table sugar.
  • Glycemic load is the combination of the glycemic index and the carbohydrate count in a food. If the ratio of the glycemic index to carb count is high, the glycemic load is also high. Ideally, a healthy diet should stick to a total glycemic load of 100 or less each day.

 

Glycemic Index Levels and Common Foods

    • Low (55 or less): Most fruits, vegetables, beans and minimally-processed grains, pasta, low-fat dairy and nuts.
    • Moderate (56-69): Potatoes (white and sweet), corn, white rice, couscous, some breakfast cereals.
    • High (70 or higher): White bread, rice cakes, most crackers, bagels, cakes, doughnuts, croissants, waffles, most packaged breakfast cereals.

Curious about a food? The University of Sydney has a huge database of foods and their glycemic index ratings.

A higher glycemic index has been linked to weight gain and increased risk of certain cancers (pancreatic, colorectal, prostate, and breast), as well as cardiovascular disease, which is why it’s important to everyone (not just diabetics) to lower their overall sugar intake.

Organically grown, naturally pure. Madhava’s organic agave nectar is organically grown and sustainably farmed in the beautiful Sierra Madres region of Mexico. We strategically partner with farmers who uphold the same core values that we do, and practice environmentally friendly farming methods that respect the land as well as the integrity of the crop.

Our process is simple. Agave juice is pressed from the heart of the plant and filtered to remove any plant debris. The juice is then heated until it evaporates, thickening the texture and concentrating the sweetness. Additional filtering may occur to achieve different flavor profiles. No chemicals or enzymes are ever used in the production of Madhava Agave Nectar.

Hold the lead and arsenic, please.

Did you know that some occurrence of lead is present in 50 percent of products in the agave subcategory? And some occurrence of arsenic in 40 percent? Not Madhava. Our testing with the Clean Label Project has repeatedly found no incidents of lead or arsenic in Madhava products. When we say we’re committed to purity, we mean it.

Through our partnership with the Clean Label Project, we know that our agave nectar is as close to straight from heart of the plant as we can bottle it. All of our sweeteners are regularly tested for over 400 contaminants and toxins, and we’re proud to say that they sail through testing without a hitch. We’ve been awarded for Purity, Pesticide Free and Antioxidant Superiority–distinctions you’ll see right on our labels. We’re also USDA certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified.

We trust that you’ll love our Madhava Agave Nectar as much as we do. Find out more about all three Madhava Agave Nectars.