Thread: Agave: good or bad?

I am so confused by all the debate about agave. Supposedly it had a super low glycemic load but some reports say it's worse than high fructose corn syrup. Help! I don't like the aftertaste of Splenda and really thought agave was a safe sweetener to use.

What do you guys know about it?

Originally Posted by libaki

Agave syrup is not much different from other fructose syrups. It is a form of sugar and would be way too high in carbs and defeat the purpose of a low-carb way of eating.

Have you tried the herb stevia?

Yes, and I don't like the aftertaste. It reminds me of the aftertaste of Splenda, which I don't like either. I've been using half agave and half Splenda in recipes to cut the aftertaste of the Splenda and it's been tasting fine. I can't stand full Splenda. It's oversweet.

Anyone tried Swerve?

btw, my friend who's been on Atkins for 8 years swears by agave. I'm guessing she has old information, but she told me to ignore the carbs; it's the GL that matters and agave's GL is extremely low.

Originally Posted by libaki

Agave syrup is not much different from other fructose syrups. It is a form of sugar and would be way too high in carbs and defeat the purpose of a low-carb way of eating.

Have you tried the herb stevia?

Wondering which brand of stevia you like? I have tried SteviaPlus and it has an aftertaste to me.

Wow. This is great. I'm convinced! I've sent it to my Atkins friend who really believes agave is a safe ingredient, glycemic-wise.

Thanks so much!

Wouldn't agave be a safer ingredient than the AS splenda from what I have heard about splenda I don't dare use it... I do use stevia , but in baked goods I like agave. But don't use it often.
Linda