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. This can be especially confusing when it comes to the seemingly similar choices, like agave and honey. Is one healthier than the other, or is it just personal preference?
“Agave syrup requires processing before you can consume,” says registered dietitian Ella Davar, R.D., CDN. To make it, fluid is extracted from the blue agave plant, filtered, heated, and reduced to a syrup consistency, she explains.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 teaspoon of agave syrup or nectar contains 21.4 calories, 5.27 grams of carbohydrates, and 4.69 grams of sugar. The amount of sugar is indicative of the glycaemic index (GI), Davar explains. GI measures…