"And again, individuals with carbohydrate metabolism imbalances, including diabetes, should monitor their blood sugar closely when consuming honey.". Extracted from the nectar process of bees, honey can be used for a large variety of things. Compared to honey, agave syrup has a lower GI, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. “Since raw honey does contain immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties I would have to say that the better choice is honey,” says Keri Gans, RDN, nutrition consultant and author of The Small Change Diet . This can be especially confusing when it comes to the seemingly similar choices, like agave and honey. Moreover, 82% of sugar is fructose, and only 18% is glucose. If you’ve decided to stop using sugar and are looking to find healthier alternatives, you may be considering to choose between agave or honey. Main Difference – Agave vs Honey ... Agave syrup is sweeter and less viscous than honey, but it is rich in fructose. Honey is the major source of food for the bees. Stevia vs. Agave There are many reasons to avoid consuming large amounts of sugar; even candy-loving children can list them, from tooth decay to obesity. But agave mixes well in liquids such as teas or smoothies. According to the University of Sydney, agave nectar has a Glycemic Index of 19. iStock. Homemade raw energy balls/bars sweetened with dates and/or honey. Compared to honey, agave syrup has a lower GI, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthier. “Honey has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments ranging from the common cold to burns,” says registered dietitian Titilayo Ayanwola, MPH, R.D., L.D. A syrup derived from the agave plant (yup, the same one that’s used to make tequila). Chopped apple, walnuts, cinnamon, honey drizzle heated in the microwave for ~30 seconds. Agave syrup works well as a topping for cereal, pancakes or bread. According to the USDA, agave nectar is mainly sugars. Aside from not having a decidedly strong flavor, agave is a syrup and therefore incredibly convenient for beverages, whether that’s tea, lemonade, flavored water, or cocktails. According to the USDA, 1 teaspoon of honey contains 21.3 calories, 5.77 grams of carbohydrates, and 5.75 grams of sugar. That said, both are still a form of added sugar, culinary and integrative dietitian Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, L.D., says. For example, agave is a liquid like honey and maple syrup, making it a little more challenging to use when baking. What is Honey. It is 1.4 to 1.6 times sweeter than sugar and is ideally substituted for sugar or honey in different cuisines. She earned a B.A. GI measures how much a carbohydrate-rich food will raise blood sugar levels. When pitting agave vs. honey, dietitians don’t hesitate to hand it to honey. For example, if a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of simple syrup, use 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon of agave nectar. She has... https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/agave-vs-honey, In order to save this article, you will need to, honey have proven antibacterial properties. Enroll today to join our upcoming live office hours. "Agave syrup requires processing before you can consume," registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN, tells mbg. In simple syrup recipes, reduce the agave nectar measurement by one-half to one-quarter. Compared to honey, agave syrup has a lower GI, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's healthier. The bigger picture allows us to take into account the fact that agave syrup is a highly processed food, whereas honey is raw and naturally occurring in nature,” Davar says. Agave syrups are sold in light, amber, dark, and raw varieties. Agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup? Although both will still be a sticky product to work with, agave is a bit more of a strain than honey. Abby Moore is an Editorial Assistant at mindbodygreen. Agave vs. maple syrup: agave nectar and maple syrup, both have a thick fluid-like consistency that is sweet. The type of sugar in agave doesn't help, either. I cut sugar DRAMATICALLY in recipes because I don’t like oversweet treats, and use dates, honey or maple syrup in place of sugar as often as I can. “The amount of sugar is indicative of the glycaemic index (GI),” Davar explains. People with diabetes should avoid all added sweeteners, as well as sugar-rich, … Furthermore, a teaspoon of agave nectar contains 21.4 calories and approximately 4.7 grams of sugars. Agave syrup is a little thinner than honey or molasses, so it mixes well in liquids like iced tea. This low glycemic index has made agave a favorite among many diabetics. Unlike honey, agave isn’t created by bugs. Agave syrup is a vegan alternative to honey. "The bigger picture allows us to take into account the fact that agave syrup is a highly processed food, whereas honey is raw and naturally occurring in nature," Davar says. Agave nectar. According to the USDA, 1 teaspoon of honey contains 21.3 calories, 5.77 grams of carbohydrates, and 5.75 grams of sugar. Its antioxidant properties can support a healthy immune system, and different varieties of honey have proven antibacterial properties. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. 3. Though it has a higher glycemic index and sugar content than agave, honey is less processed and has more health benefits. Want your passion for wellness to change the world? What Research & Experts Say, I'm A Functional MD & Here's How To Stay Healthy Over The Holidays. Agave syrup has either a dark or light amber colour and it's slightly thinner in consistency than honey. Abby Moore is an Editorial Assistant at mindbodygreen. It can also be used in place of honey in dessert recipes, although the difference in viscosity should be considered. Nutrition of Pure Maple Syrup vs Honey. We Investigated, We Removed The Word “Infertility” From Our Site — Let Us Explain Why, What Are Those Bumps On Your Forehead? Agave syrup has a very sweet but mild flavor. HONEY: WHAT IS IT? This can be especially confusing when it comes to the seemingly similar choices, like agave and honey. We’re going to compare how much of the three alternative sweeteners it takes to taste as sweet as adding exactly 1 oz of Simple Syrup. While agave does have a low GI, it’s around 30% sweeter than sugar, so you’ll need less to achieve the same taste. The light varieties of nectar can have a more neutral flavor than honey, making them less likely to interfere with or mask delicately flavored foods. 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This is especially important for people with diabetes, she says, since foods with a high GI can trigger a spike in blood sugar. Both agave and honey contain glucose and fructose. Fragmented Sleep Linked to Atherosclerosis and Inflammation. At a time when many people are opting for more natural sweeteners, it can be hard to tell which are healthy and which are just masquerading as a better-for-you option. You've seen agave syrup in your grocery store or in products sweetened with its nectar. It's about 1.5 times sweeter than sugar and comes from the same plant that's used to make tequila. “And again, individuals with carbohydrate metabolism imbalances, including diabetes, should monitor their blood sugar closely when consuming honey.”. 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