Agave

Agave is a plant found in parts of the us, in addition to mexico, central and south america, the mediterranean, and india. The leaves and roots of agave are utilized to make medication.

Agave has actually been taken by mouth for constipation, cancer, male-pattern baldness, and lots of other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Agave can trigger severe irritation and allergic reactions when applied to the skin. [2]

The origins of agave

” agavos” is the greek word from which agave is derived. It equates to illustrious. Several theories attach agave to the new world. However, the most popular theory is that the spanish were the very first to bring it with them.

However, long before the spanish people made their way to mexico, it was currently considered a spiritual plant by the nahuatl. The agave plant was an important part of the faith of the mexican individuals. The aztec goddess, mayheul, is the one that represented the agave as a symbol of health, fertility, long life, and dancing.

The main residents of west mexico, the nahuatl, worshipped the agave plant due to the fact that it represented the power of the goddess mayheul. Greek mythology also informs us that agave was the goddess of desire.

The exploration of agave

Obviously, when this plant was discovered, individuals began experimenting with it. A thousand years earlier, pulque was the very first liquor made from the agave plant. It was a fermented drink and milky in texture. At that time, many people used the pulque in their religious events.

As the spanish inhabitants began exploring the agave plant more, they used the pulque to make tequila and mezcal. Nevertheless, if we take a look at the aztecs, they used the agave for many things. They used it in the production of vinegar, syrup, white wine, and sugar.

When the tehuacan caves were being checked out, there were remains of roasted agaves all over. When scientists examined it, they found that the agaves dated back to 6,500 b.c. And they were an essential food source for many individuals at the time. [3]

Commonly grown types

The most frequently grown species consist of agave americana, agave angustifolia, blue agave (agave tequilana) and agave attenuata.

Agave americana

Among the most familiar species is agave americana, a native of tropical america. Typical names consist of century plant, maguey (in mexico), or american aloe (it is not, however, closely related to the genus aloe). The name “century plant” refers to the long period of time the plant requires to flower, although the variety of years prior to flowering happens depends upon the vitality of the individual, the richness of the soil and the environment; throughout these years the plant is keeping in its fleshy leaves the nutrition needed for the effort of flowering.

Agave americana, century plant, was presented into europe about the middle of the 16th century and is now widely cultivated for its handsome look; in the variegated types the leaf has a white or yellow marginal or main stripe from base to pinnacle. As the leaves unfold from the center of the rosette the impression of the minimal spines is really conspicuous on the still put up more youthful leaves. The tequ plants are usually grown in tubs and put out in the summer season, however in the winter season need defense from frost. They mature really slowly and pass away after flowering, however are quickly propagated by the offsets from the base of the stem.

Agave attenuata

1. Attenuata is a native of main mexico and is unusual in its natural habitat. Unlike many species of agave, a. Attenuata has a curved flower spike from which it obtains among its numerous typical names – the foxtail agave.
2. Attenuata is likewise frequently grown as a garden plant. Unlike lots of agaves, a. Attenuata has no teeth or terminal spines making it an ideal plant for areas adjacent to paths. Like all agaves, a. Attenuata is a succulent and needs little water or upkeep as soon as developed. [4]

Agave varieties

Following are some of the agave varieties and it consists of:.

• Agave attenuate
• Agave parviflora
• Agave tequila azul
• Agave victoria-reginae

The attenuata range likewise called the lions tail is belonging to the plateau of the state of jalisco. They are a decorative plant in gardens.

The leaves of agave parviflora include a hairy appearance because of its white, graphic markings and curling filaments. Known by several other typical names such as santa cruz striped agave, small flower century plant, and small-flower agave, the flowers of are pollinated by bees such as bumblebees. Valued in growing, it has actually likewise acquired the royal horticultural society’s award of garden benefit.

Agave tequilana azul this range of agave is a crucial financial product of jalisco, mexico, because of its role as the base active ingredient of tequila, a popular distilled beverage.

Agave victoria-reginae infamous for its streaks of white on sculptured geometrical leaves, much like the attenuate range, even the victoria reginae is utilized as an ornamental plant. [5]

Description

The century plant (agave americana l.) Is a seasonal succulent herb, as much as 10 m tall when flowering. It is native to mexico and to the southern usa, and its has been introduced in all warm areas all over the world as an ornemental. Like other agaves, agave americana has actually long been utilized by the populations of main and south america for a big variety of functions, consisting of handicrafts, food, ethnomedicine and animals feeding.

Morphology

Agave americana is a polymorphic types, with numerous subspecies and varieties, and it hybridates with other agave types such as agave salmania (gentry, 1982). The plant forms a massive rosette of 20-40 succulent leaves, growing from a short and thick stem close to the ground. The rosette can be as wide as 5 m in diameter. The leaves are 15-25 cm large and 1-2 m long, smooth and difficult, almost rigid, with a deep gutter that typically causes them to recurve at the pointer. They have serrated edges, and straight or curved thorns, and a big, sharp apical thorn. The leaf margin is swell with dark brown teeth that turn grey with age. The leaves of cultivated forms are often grey to grey-blue with horizontal stripes on the back, but there are dark green kinds and variegated ones with numerous and inconstant colour.

Patterns (yellow or white stripes, pink edges and so on). The inflorescence is a candelabra-like panicle that can rise to 10 meters. It has 15-35 branches with dense clusters of green-yellow flowers on the upper half to third of the stalk. Agave americana is rhizomatous and easily produces basal shoots (suckers). [6]

How it works?

The main bioactive compounds in the agave plant are steroidal sapogenins (mainly hecogenin and tigogenin), in addition to inulin.

Scientific studies have actually revealed that hecogenin has powerful gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory impacts.

Furthermore, hecogenin has actually also been revealed to function as an arbitrator of atp-sensitive potassium channel (k atp channel), which is directly involved in the metabolism of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. While additional research study is necessary, this medicinal action exposes that agave truly has hypoglycemic properties.

On the other side, tigogenin has important antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory homes, and it is partly responsible for the demulcent, anti-ulcer activities of agave leaves and juice. This saponin compound has actually also been revealed to inhibit cholesterol absorption, which may work for improving fat metabolism.

Agave leaves include considerable amounts of inulin, which is a non-digestible kind of sugar (a fructan) with prebiotic activity. Inulin, also contained in other herbs, like yacon and chicory, does not get soaked up in the blood. Instead, it stays and ferments in the lower part of the gut, where it improves the development of excellent bacteria. There is proof that the usage of inulin might improve glucose metabolism and body weight along with decrease fat mass advancement. [7]

Agave plant benefits

It’s an architectural plant

Apart from being a showy succulent, these 11 remarkable agave plant advantages, and uses, make it a very preferable plant.

Agave plants can be an excellent centerpiece of any outside landscape. You can easily grow them in pots and have them inside your home. These desert plants are surely one of the best architectural plants with the power to enhance the curb appeal of any home!

It’s a low upkeep plant

Agave is a low upkeep plant, and you can even grow it inside your home near a window that receives some sunshine. When grown outdoors, this drought-tolerant succulent doesn’t request much water and attention.

Helpful for your bones

Likewise, according to a research study, mice were treated with agave tequilana for 8 weeks, and it improved their bone health.

Heal injuries

One of the reasons that agave americana is likewise referred to as american aloe is due to its topical applications– one research study concluded that using agave extract on minor injuries and burns helps in recovering them. The extract was collected from agave leaves utilizing the percolation technique.

Minimize cholesterol levels

Agave includes saponins, which assist in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Low cholesterol levels in the body lower the threat of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, saponins also prevent the development of malignant tumors.

Agave in your kitchen area

Agave stalks and flowers are edible. You can add them to your salad or take in raw or roasted. Nevertheless, check out usda licensed natural ranges before usage and make certain what you’re eating is not treated with pesticides.

Use as a substitute for sugar and honey

You can utilize agave syrup as an alternative for regular sugar. It’s 1.5 times sweeter than table sugar. If you are a vegan, then try it in the location of honey.

Strengthen hairs

Agave can also be utilized to hydrate hair. Mix one tablespoon of agave nectar with any hair mask or include it to your conditioner. It’ll supply shine and strength to your hair and prevent loss of hair and deal with split ends too.

Use in preparation of alcohol

Standard alcoholic drinks like tequila and mescal from agave tequilana, agave angustifolia, and agave salmiana. The sweet juice from the flower stalk is likewise used to make pulque, which is a liquor too.

A multipurpose plant

The leaves of agave americana and agave sislana are utilized in making paper and weaving mats. You can also utilize the sharp pointer of agave americana as a needle.

Apart from this, you can also attempt agave for the preparation of soap. The compound in the agave plant, called saponins, serves as a cleaner. It produces lather in the water– simply cut leaves or roots and boil them for saponin instilled water.

Revitalizes your skin

The agave nectar includes glycolic acid and required antioxidants. It absorbs in the skin rapidly and makes it look more youthful and less oily. It likewise works on controlling acne and minimizes the swelling of the skin too. [8]

Agave nectar nutrition facts

The following nutrition facts are provided by the usda for 1 teaspoon (6.9 g) of agave syrup.

• Calories: 21
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 5.3 g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 4.7 g
• Protein: 0g

Carbs

A teaspoon of agave nectar has about 5 grams of carbs and a total of 20 calories. That is similar with table sugar, corn syrup, molasses, or sugar in any other guise.

Agave nectar is mainly fructose: fructose has a lower glycemic index than glucose, but taking in large amounts of fructose can have unfavorable effects, as it can increase triglycerides. Triglycerides are a.

Type of fat in the blood. Raised triglyceride levels can result in hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high levels are linked to weight problems, diabetes, and heart disease.

Unlike glucose, fructose is almost entirely metabolized in the liver in a process called fructolysis. Throughout fructolysis, fructose is converted by the liver into:.

• Glucose, to be used for energy (about half of fructose becomes glucose)
• Lactic acid, likewise for energy (about 25%)
• Glycogen, the stored kind of glucose (15% to 20%)
• Triglycerides, a kind of fat connected with an increased danger of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease3 (5% to 10%)

Fats

Agave nectar contains just a trace amount of fat, however a part of the fructose it contains is converted into triglycerides. Using large quantities of any calorie sweetener, such as agave nectar is not advisable, specifically if you have pre-existing cardiovascular condition, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance.

In addition, sugarcoated give additional calories. These can cause weight gain, which is an independent threat aspect for diabetes and heart disease.

Protein

Agave nectar has a minimal amount of protein (less than 0.01 grams).

Vitamins and minerals

As a plant-based product, agave syrup does contain percentages of some vitamins (such as vitamin c and several b vitamins) and minerals (consisting of potassium, calcium, and selenium). But the serving size is so little that the nectar supplies little take advantage of these micronutrients. [9]

Medical use of agave

The sap of agaves has actually long been utilized in main america as a binding agent for numerous powders utilized as plasters on injuries. The sap can also be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc. The sap is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative. An infusion of the sliced leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to swellings. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice and dysentery. The sap has disinfectant residential or commercial properties and can be taken internally to inspect the development of putrefactive germs in the stomach and intestinal tracts. Water in which agave fiber has actually been soaked for a day can be utilized as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair. Steroid drug precursors are acquired from the leaves. A gum from the root and leaf is used in the treatment of toothache. The root is diaphoretic and diuretic. It is used in the treatment of syphilis. All parts of the plant can be collected for usage as required, they can also be dried for later usage. The dried leaves and roots store well.

Other uses of the herb

The plant includes saponins. An extract of the leaves is used as a soap. The roots are used according to another report. It is likely that the root is the best source of the saponins that are utilized to make a soap. Slice up the leaves or the roots into little pieces and then simmer them in water to extract the saponins. Do not over boil or you will start to break down the saponins. There is a report that the plant has insecticidal residential or commercial properties, however even more details are not given. A really strong fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making rope, coarse fabrics and so on. A paper can likewise be made from the leaves. The thorns on the leaves are used as pins and needles. The dried blooming stems are utilized as a waterproof thatch and as a razor strop. The plants are used in land-reclamation schemes in dry areas of the world. [10]

How to plant agave plants outdoors?

Spring or early fall are the best times to plant agaves outdoors. Follow these actions to include agave to your garden.

• Make area in your garden. Dig a hole that is approximately two times as wide as the plant’s initial container. The hole ought to not be deeper than the container considering that these succulent plants generally have shallow root systems.
• Plant in well-draining cactus soil. Put a layer of cactus soil into the bottom of the hole. When eliminated from its container, carefully loosen up the new plant’s root system prior to decreasing it into the hole. Fill out the sides with more cactus soil.
• Water the agave plant to promote the roots. When the plant remains in place, gently water the roots, and continue to water the plant around every five days for the first month.

How to look after your agave plant

Gardeners favor agave plants for their ease of care. In the suitable environment, your agave plant will need really little upkeep as it fully grown.

1. Plant or place your agave in a warm area. Agave plants are intolerant to frost and require a climate with low humidity. If the air is too humid, agave plants are likely to experience crown rot and perish. Normally, agave plants can not endure any farther north than usda strength zone 9.
2. Mix your potting soil with coarse sand. Plant your agave in well-draining soil. Include coarse sand to improve drain and protect your plant from root rot. Do not fertilize your agave plant– it can lead to early flowering, which will trigger your agave to die.
3. Offer ample light for your agave plant. While most agave plants will grow in light shade, these plants usually do finest in a space that gets complete sun.
4. Water your agave plant sparingly. When establishing a new agave in your garden or pot, it is vital to water it approximately every 5 days for the very first month. As it develops, your outside agave will just need watering if its environment goes through a prolonged dry spell period. Water indoor agaves when the soil is entirely dry.
5. Secure your agave plant from insects. The agave snout weevil is understood to burrow into the center of agave plants to lay eggs. Get rid of affected agave plants to prevent these pests from infecting other agave plants in your garden. [11]

Advantages of agave

That being stated, there are numerous benefits of agave, particularly when utilized as a natural sweetener option. Here are a few of our favorites:.

Agave includes phytonutrients

The juice of an agave plant contains phytonutrients that might have an antioxidant effect. Though these nutrients are discovered in percentages, they are present in agave making a much healthier alternative to table sugar.

Agave is truly sweet

If you are a fan of sugary foods, then you likely use your reasonable share of sweeteners. While including sweetener to your morning coffee, day-to-day healthy smoothies and even oatmeal may not seem like much, the calories and damaging impacts of table sugar can accumulate quickly. Due to the fact that agave syrup is nearly twice as sweet as sugar, you can use much less of it to accomplish the same great sweet taste you long for in your drinks and food. Plus, by utilizing less sugar, you’ll likewise take in less calories and carbs.

Agave is allergy-friendly

If you experience plant-based allergies, then you’re in luck. Agave is a low-allergy food, and very few people ever experience a reaction when taking in agave. Because of this, agave syrup is an excellent sweetener to serve when producing meals for those who struggle with food allergies, such as peanut allergy or gluten intolerance. Use it as a sweetener in your favorite baked items or topping on a mouthwatering stack of gluten totally free pancakes. Agave nectar is a sweetener that nearly everyone can enjoy.

Unlike honey, agave is vegan

Aside from being gluten complimentary and allergy friendly, agave syrup is likewise vegan! This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for completely plant-based options to table sugars.

Agave has an appealing taste

One of the undeniable advantages of agave nectar is its scrumptious taste. Unlike other natural sweeteners, agave does not have a bitter aftertaste or change the taste of your meal. Rather, agave has an extremely neutral taste, which makes it the best addition to both sweet and savory dishes. This neutrality likewise permits agave to work better in than more powerful syrups like maple syrup or honey in specific recipes. [12]

How is the nectar made?

The sweetener commonly sold as agave nectar would be more properly identified as agave syrup.

It has bit in common with the conventional sweetener made historically by people in mexico.

That said, the start of its production procedure is the same. The plant is first cut and pressed to draw out the sugary sap.

While this sap is high in sugar, it also consists of healthy fiber like fructans, which are linked to helpful impacts on metabolic process and insulin.

However, when processed into a syrup, the fructans are extracted and broken down into fructose by exposing the sap to heat and/or enzymes. This procedure– which resembles how other unhealthy sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup are made– damages all of the health-promoting properties of the agave plant.

Summary

The agave sweetener sold today is made by treating agave sugars with heat and enzymes, which damages all of its possibly useful health results. The end product is an extremely refined, unhealthy syrup. [13]

Ways to use it?

• Agave nectar liquifies quickly, so is a good sweetener for cold beverages, such as iced tea or cocktails.
• Use as a sweetener in place of sugar or honey in hot beverages, baking or other cooking.
• Use dark agave nectar right out of the bottle as a topping for pancakes and french toast.

How much to utilize?

• Agave is more calorie dense than sugar but about 40% sweeter, so begin by utilizing about half as much agave as you would sugar.
• For one cup of white sugar, usage 1/3 to 2/3 of a cup of agave and decrease other liquids by 1/4 to 1/3 cup.
• Replace honey or maple syrup with equal amounts of agave syrup. [14]

Threat aspects of agave

Fructose comprises nearly 90% of the structure of agave syrup and in excess amounts, this might trigger a few health complications. Some research study specifies that excess intake of fructose may impact your metabolic process and increase the danger of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Another research study likewise recommends that prolonged consumption of fructose might increase ldl cholesterol levels that are linked to an increased danger of heart problem.

Having actually learned the possible advantages and dangers of agave syrup, let us take a look at how this syrup is made and compares against honey in terms of nutrition and advantages. [15]

10 agave realities you didn’t understand

Agave syrup is a popular natural sweetener with everybody from industrial food manufacturers to mommies trying to find sugar options.

Lots of people know agave syrup as the dash of sweetness in their early morning coffee or their reputable sugar alternative to baked products or other dishes. But less individuals understand how agave is grown or what its specific health benefits are. So let’s enter it! Here are some agave facts you might not know.

One sweet succulent.

Easter lilies and agave syrup? The relationship is closer than you think! Many individuals presume the agave plant is a type of cactus, but it’s in fact a succulent that’s related to the lily family.

Safety in the sky.

Agave plants are formed like sea urchins, with numerous soft spines radiating out from a strong center. However when they flower, they send out a long stalk straight up, with yellow flowers that bloom on the end of it. Sending its most susceptible parts into the air (approximately 20 feet!) Protects the agave plants by keeping its reproductive parts up and out of the way of animals that may want to take a bite out of it.

An uncommon pollinator.

The mexican long-nosed bat is the agave plant’s most significant pollinator. The bats utilize their long muzzles to feed upon the agave’s nectar like a hummingbird makes with smaller flowers. When they flit between plants, they move pollen that collects on their fur as they feed.

Long-term payoff.

In order to achieve the high fructose levels that premium agave syrup needs, the agave plants require to grow untouched for six to 8 years. Once they have actually reached maturity, they can be harvested for processing.

An unique harvest.

During collecting, a highly proficient mexican professional called a jimador strips the agave leaves off the plant using a coa, a long tool with a really sharp round knife at the end.

Quick and effective.

A professional jimador can process up to 100 pinãs a day.

Getting to the heart of it.

The pinã, or heart, of the agave plant weighs about one hundred pounds upon harvest. This large part of the plant is gathered by hand as soon as a jimador has actually removed the leaves.

Natural and sustainable.

Agave is non-gmo and is cultivated by replanting small suckers, or tendrils, that the agave plant produces around its second year of growth. These are gathered and re-planted utilizing sustainable farming approaches.

Better impacts on your body and the earth.

Agave is short on the glycemic index, which indicates it does not raise blood glucose levels as dramatically as high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar. It’s grown naturally and is likewise gluten-free and vegan!

A sweeter option.

Agave is 1.5 times sweeter than sugar. So, while it has the exact same calorie worth as sugar, you can utilize less and save calories. Long-lasting, this home can help with weight control.

Is agave the organic sweetener you’ve been searching for? Our premium organic blue agave syrup is fair trade accredited and produced in mexico in our farmer-owned factory.

When you buy from the tierra group, you’re supporting regional farmers. Their love for the land and its individuals is the driving motivation behind our high-quality agave syrup and agave inulin items. Discover them on amazon, or contact us for personal label or bulk purchases. [16]

Dosing

The proper dosage of agave depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and numerous other conditions. At this time there is inadequate scientific info to identify a proper series of doses for agave. Keep in mind that natural items are not always necessarily safe and does can be crucial. Be sure to follow relevant instructions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other health care expert before using.

Special preventative measures and warnings

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: taking agave by mouth during pregnancy is most likely hazardous. There is some evidence that agave may stimulate the uterus and trigger contractions. Likewise, pulque, an agave beverage, is unsafe to use during pregnancy since it contains alcohol. Drinking pulque during pregnancy has actually been related to smaller infant size and lowered mental efficiency during the first 6 months of life.

Agave is perhaps hazardous to use while breast-feeding. Drinking pulque while breast-feeding has been linked with slower weight gain and minimized development by 5 years of age. [17]

Conclusion

Agave can help avoid and lower the impacts of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and keep your blood sugar under control. But the natural sweetener isn’t a healthy option, even though it has fewer adverse effects than traditional sugar. The high fructose levels in agave might be hazardous to your liver’s health and have an effect on your weight. [18]

Recommendations

1. Https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agave
2. Https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1450/agave
3. Https://www.agavalestequila.com/a-brief-history-of-the-agave-plant
4. Https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/agave#commonly_grown_species
5. Https://www.fruitsinfo.com/agave-plant.php#agave-varieties
6. Https://www.feedipedia.org/node/192
7. Https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/agave
8. Https://balconygardenweb.com/amazing-agave-plant-benefits/
9. Https://www.verywellfit.com/agave-nectar-is-it-helpful-in-a-low-carb-diet-2241847
10. Http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/a/agave-americana=agave.php
11. Https://www.masterclass.com/articles/agave-plant-guide
12. Https://www.bobsredmill.com/blog/healthy-living/health-benefits-of-agave-a-beginners-guide/
13. Https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/agave-nectar-is-even-worse-than-sugar#production
14. Https://www.taste.com.au/healthy/articles/how-to-use-agave-nectar-syrup/980ayemc
15. Https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/agave-syrup/#risk-factors-of-agave
16. Https://thetierragroup.com/10-agave-facts-didnt-know/
17. Https://www.rxlist.com/agave/supplements.htm
18. Https://www.medicinenet.com/is_agave_healthy_or_bad_for_you/article.htm