Agave

Agave is a plant discovered in parts of the us, along with mexico, main and south america, the mediterranean, and india. The leaves and roots of agave are utilized to make medicine.

Agave has been taken by mouth for irregularity, cancer, male-pattern baldness, and numerous other conditions, but there is no good scientific proof to support these uses. Agave can cause serious inflammation and allergies when applied to the skin. [2]

The origins of agave

” agavos” is the greek word from which agave is obtained. It equates to renowned. Many different theories connect agave to the new world. Nevertheless, the most popular theory is that the spanish were the first to bring it with them.

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

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

The expedition of agave

Obviously, when this plant was found, people began try out it. A thousand years back, pulque was the very first alcohol made from the agave plant. It was a fermented drink and milky in texture. At that time, many individuals used the pulque in their religious events.

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

When the tehuacan caverns were being checked out, there were remains of roasted agaves all over. When scientists analyzed 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]

Typically grown species

The most typically grown species include agave americana, agave angustifolia, blue agave (agave tequilana) and agave attenuata.

Agave americana

One of the most familiar species is agave americana, a local of tropical america. Typical names include century plant, maguey (in mexico), or american aloe (it is not, nevertheless, closely related to the genus aloe). The name “century plant” describes the long period of time the plant takes to flower, although the number of years prior to blooming happens depends upon the vitality of the person, the richness of the soil and the climate; throughout these years the plant is storing in its fleshy leaves the nutrition required for the effort of blooming.

Agave americana, century plant, was introduced into europe about the middle of the 16th century and is now commonly cultivated for its handsome look; in the variegated types the leaf has a white or yellow limited or main stripe from base to apex. As the leaves unfold from the center of the rosette the impression of the marginal spinal columns is extremely conspicuous on the still erect younger leaves. The tequ plants are typically grown in tubs and put out in the summer months, but in the winter require protection from frost. They develop really gradually and die after flowering, but are quickly propagated by the offsets from the base of the stem.

Agave attenuata

1. Attenuata hails main mexico and is uncommon in its natural habitat. Unlike many species of agave, a. Attenuata has a curved flower spike from which it derives among its many typical names – the foxtail agave.
2. Attenuata is also commonly grown as a garden plant. Unlike many agaves, a. Attenuata has no teeth or terminal spinal columns making it a perfect plant for areas adjacent to paths. Like all agaves, a. Attenuata is a succulent and needs little water or upkeep when established. [4]

Agave ranges

Following are a few of the agave ranges and it consists of:.

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

The attenuata range also known as 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 look because of its white, graphic markings and curling filaments. Known by numerous other typical names such as santa cruz striped agave, little flower century plant, and small-flower agave, the flowers of are pollinated by bees such as bumblebees. Valued in cultivation, it has also gotten the royal horticultural society’s award of garden merit.

Agave tequilana azul this range of agave is an important economic item of jalisco, mexico, because of its role as the base ingredient of tequila, a popular distilled drink.

Agave victoria-reginae notorious for its streaks of white on sculptured geometrical leaves, much like the attenuate range, even the victoria reginae is used as a decorative plant. [5]

Description

The century plant (agave americana l.) Is a perennial succulent herb, up to 10 m high when flowering. It is native to mexico and to the southern usa, and its has been introduced in all warm areas worldwide as an ornemental. Like other agaves, agave americana has long been used by the populations of main and south america for a large variety of functions, including handicrafts, food, ethnomedicine and livestock feeding.

Morphology

Agave americana is a polymorphic species, with numerous subspecies and varieties, and it hybridates with other agave species such as agave salmania (gentry, 1982). The plant forms a massive rosette of 20-40 succulent leaves, growing from a brief and thick stem close to the ground. The rosette can be as large as 5 m in diameter. The leaves are 15-25 cm wide and 1-2 m long, smooth and difficult, nearly stiff, with a deep rain gutter that often triggers them to recurve at the pointer. They have serrated edges, and straight or curved thorns, and a large, sharp apical thorn. The leaf margin is undulate with dark brown teeth that turn grey with age. The leaves of cultivated kinds are frequently grey to grey-blue with horizontal stripes on the back, but there are dark green types and variegated ones with various 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 thick clusters of green-yellow flowers on the upper half to 3rd of the stalk. Agave americana is rhizomatous and freely produces basal shoots (suckers). [6]

How it works?

The main bioactive substances in the agave plant are steroidal sapogenins (generally hecogenin and tigogenin), as well as inulin.

Scientific studies have shown that hecogenin possesses potent gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory impacts.

Furthermore, hecogenin has also been shown to act as an arbitrator of atp-sensitive potassium channel (k atp channel), which is directly associated with the metabolic process of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. While additional research study is needed, this pharmacological action exposes that agave really has hypoglycemic properties.

On the other side, tigogenin has essential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory homes, and it is instrumental for the demulcent, anti-ulcer activities of agave leaves and juice. This saponin substance has also been shown to prevent cholesterol absorption, which may be useful for improving fat metabolism.

Agave leaves include considerable quantities of inulin, which is a non-digestible type of sugar (a fructan) with prebiotic activity. Inulin, likewise included in other herbs, like yacon and chicory, does not get soaked up in the blood. Instead, it remains and ferments in the lower part of the gut, where it improves the growth of excellent germs. There is proof that the consumption of inulin might enhance glucose metabolism and body weight along with lower fat mass advancement. [7]

Agave plant advantages

It’s an architectural plant

Apart from being a snazzy succulent, these 11 incredible agave plant advantages, and utilizes, make it a very preferable plant.

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

It’s a low maintenance plant

Agave is a low upkeep plant, and you can even grow it indoors near a window that gets some sunshine. When grown outdoors, this drought-tolerant succulent does not ask for much water and attention.

Great for your bones

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

Recover wounds

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

Lower cholesterol levels

Agave consists of saponins, which assist in lowering cholesterol levels in the body. Low cholesterol levels in the body minimize the threat of heart disease. Additionally, saponins likewise avoid the development of cancerous growths.

Agave in your kitchen

Agave stalks and flowers are edible. You can include them to your salad or consume raw or roasted. However, take a look at usda certified organic ranges prior to usage and ensure what you’re eating is not treated with pesticides.

Usage as a substitute for sugar and honey

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

Enhance hairs

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

Use in preparation of alcohol

Conventional 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 an alcoholic beverage as well.

A multipurpose plant

The leaves of agave americana and agave sislana are used in making paper and weaving mats. You can likewise utilize the sharp suggestion 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, known as saponins, acts as a cleaner. It develops soap in the water– just cut leaves or roots and boil them for saponin infused water.

Renews your skin

The agave nectar consists of glycolic acid and essential antioxidants. It absorbs in the skin quickly and makes it look more youthful and less oily. It likewise works on managing acne and decreases the swelling of the skin as well. [8]

Agave nectar nutrition realities

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 comparable with table sugar, corn syrup, molasses, or sugar in any other guise.

Agave nectar is mostly fructose: fructose has a lower glycemic index than glucose, but consuming big amounts of fructose can have unfavorable results, as it can increase triglycerides. Triglycerides are a.

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

Unlike glucose, fructose is nearly totally metabolized in the liver in a procedure referred to as fructolysis. Throughout fructolysis, fructose is converted by the liver into:.

• Glucose, to be utilized for energy (about half of fructose becomes glucose)
• Lactic acid, likewise for energy (about 25%)
• Glycogen, the saved form of glucose (15% to 20%)
• Triglycerides, a kind of fat related to an increased risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease3 (5% to 10%)

Fats

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

In addition, added sugars are a source of extra calories. These can cause weight gain, which is an independent threat aspect for diabetes and heart disease.

Protein

Agave nectar has a negligible quantity of protein (less than 0.01 grams).

Minerals and vitamins

As a plant-based product, agave syrup does consist of small amounts of some vitamins (such as vitamin c and several b vitamins) and minerals (including potassium, calcium, and selenium). However the serving size is so small that the nectar supplies little gain from these micronutrients. [9]

Medicinal use of agave

The sap of agaves has long been utilized in central america as a binding representative for different powders utilized as poultices on wounds. The sap can likewise be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc. The sap is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic and laxative. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to contusions. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice and dysentery. The sap has disinfectant homes and can be taken internally to check the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Water in which agave fiber has actually been soaked for a day can be used as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair. Steroid drug precursors are obtained 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 harvested for usage as needed, they can likewise be dried for later use. The dried leaves and roots save well.

Other uses of the herb

The plant includes saponins. An extract of the leaves is utilized as a soap. The roots are utilized according to another report. It is most likely that the root is the very best source of the saponins that are used to make a soap. Slice up the leaves or the roots into small pieces and then simmer them in water to draw out the saponins. Do not over boil or you will begin to break down the saponins. There is a report that the plant has insecticidal residential or commercial properties, but further details are not offered. A very strong fiber acquired from the leaves is utilized for making rope, coarse materials etc. A paper can also be made from the leaves. The thorns on the leaves are utilized as pins and needles. The dried blooming stems are utilized as a water resistant thatch and as a razor strop. The plants are utilized in land-reclamation plans 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 steps to add agave to your garden.

• Make space in your garden. Dig a hole that is roughly two times as wide as the plant’s initial container. The hole should not be much deeper than the container since 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. As soon as gotten rid of from its container, gently loosen the brand-new plant’s root system before lowering it into the hole. Fill in 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 5 days for the very first month.

How to look after your agave plant

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

1. Plant or place your agave in a warm area. Agave plants are intolerant to frost and require an environment with low humidity. If the air is too damp, agave plants are most likely to experience crown rot and perish. Normally, agave plants can not survive any farther north than usda hardiness zone 9.
2. Mix your potting soil with coarse sand. Plant your agave in well-draining soil. Include coarse sand to improve drainage and secure your plant from root rot. Do not fertilize your agave plant– it can result in premature flowering, which will trigger your agave to perish.
3. Offer ample light for your agave plant. While many agave plants will grow in light shade, these plants usually do best in an area that receives complete sun.
4. Water your agave plant moderately. When developing a new agave in your garden or pot, it is essential to water it around every 5 days for the first month. As it grows, your outdoor agave will only require watering if its environment goes through a prolonged drought duration. Water indoor agaves when the soil is completely 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. Remove affected agave plants to prevent these pests from spreading to other agave plants in your garden. [11]

Advantages of agave

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

Agave consists of phytonutrients

The juice of an agave plant consists of phytonutrients that may have an antioxidant effect. Though these nutrients are found in percentages, they are present in agave making a healthier option to table sugar.

Agave is actually sweet

If you are a fan of sweets, then you most likely utilize your reasonable share of sweeteners. While adding sweetener to your early morning coffee, everyday smoothies and even oatmeal may not seem like much, the calories and hazardous effects of table sugar can add up quickly. Due to the fact that agave syrup is almost twice as sweet as sugar, you can utilize much less of it to attain the very same terrific sweet taste you yearn for in your drinks and food. Plus, by utilizing less sugar, you’ll also take in fewer calories and carbohydrates.

Agave is allergy-friendly

If you experience plant-based allergies, then you’re in luck. Agave is a low-allergy food, and really few individuals ever experience a reaction when taking in agave. Because of this, agave syrup is an exceptional sweetener to serve when developing meals for those who struggle with food allergic reactions, such as peanut allergic reaction or gluten intolerance. Utilize it as a sweetener in your preferred baked products or topping on a mouthwatering stack of gluten 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 also vegan! This makes it an outstanding choice for those who are trying to find completely plant-based options to table sugars.

Agave has an attractive taste

One of the indisputable benefits of agave nectar is its scrumptious taste. Unlike other natural sweeteners, agave does not have a bitter aftertaste or alter the flavor of your meal. Rather, agave has a really neutral taste, that makes it the ideal addition to both sweet and savory meals. This neutrality also permits agave to work better in than more potent syrups like maple syrup or honey in specific recipes. [12]

How is the nectar made?

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

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

That stated, the start of its production process is the same. The plant is first cut and pushed to extract the sugary sap.

While this sap is high in sugar, it likewise contains healthy fiber like fructans, which are connected to useful effects on metabolic process and insulin.

Nevertheless, 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 is similar to how other unhealthy sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup are made– destroys all of the health-promoting homes of the agave plant.

Summary

The agave sweetener offered today is made by treating agave sugars with heat and enzymes, which damages all of its potentially advantageous health effects. The end item is an extremely improved, unhealthy syrup. [13]

Ways to use it?

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

Just how much to utilize?

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

Risk elements of agave

Fructose makes up almost 90% of the composition of agave syrup and in excess amounts, this may trigger a couple of health complications. Some research study states that excess usage of fructose may impact your metabolism and increase the threat of diabetes and heart diseases.

Another research study likewise suggests that prolonged usage of fructose might increase ldl cholesterol levels that are connected to an increased threat of cardiovascular disease.

Having found out the prospective benefits and risks of agave syrup, let us look at how this syrup is made and compares versus honey in regards to nutrition and advantages. [15]

10 agave truths you didn’t understand

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

Lots of people understand agave syrup as the dash of sweet taste in their morning coffee or their trusted sugar substitute for baked items or other recipes. However less people understand how agave is grown or what its particular health advantages are. So let’s enter it! Here are some agave truths you may not know.

One sweet succulent.

Easter lilies and agave syrup? The relationship is closer than you think! Lots of people assume the agave plant is a kind of cactus, however it’s really a succulent that belongs to the lily family.

Security in the sky.

Agave plants are shaped like sea urchins, with hundreds of soft spines radiating out from a solid center. However when they flower, they send a long stalk directly, with yellow flowers that bloom on the end of it. Sending its most vulnerable parts into the air (as much as 20 feet!) Safeguards 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 unusual pollinator.

The mexican long-nosed bat is the agave plant’s biggest pollinator. The bats use their long muzzles to feed on the agave’s nectar like a hummingbird makes with smaller flowers. When they sweep between plants, they transfer pollen that collects on their fur as they feed.

Long-lasting reward.

In order to achieve the high fructose levels that premium agave syrup requires, the agave plants need to grow unblemished for six to 8 years. Once they’ve reached maturity, they can be collected for processing.

An unique harvest.

During collecting, a highly competent mexican professional called a jimador strips the agave ends the plant utilizing a coa, a long tool with a really sharp round knife at the end.

Quick and effective.

An expert 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 big part of the plant is gathered by hand as soon as a jimador has actually stripped the leaves.

Natural and sustainable.

Agave is non-gmo and is cultivated by replanting little suckers, or tendrils, that the agave plant produces around its second year of development. These are collected and re-planted using sustainable farming techniques.

Better effects on your body and the earth.

Agave is low on the glycemic index, which implies it does not raise blood sugar levels as considerably as high fructose corn syrup or walking stick sugar. It’s grown organically and is also gluten-free and vegan!

A sweeter option.

Agave is 1.5 times sweeter than sugar. So, while it has the same caloric worth as sugar, you can use less and conserve calories. Long-term, this residential or commercial property 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 local farmers. Their love for the land and its people is the driving inspiration behind our high-quality agave syrup and agave inulin items. Discover them on amazon, or call us for private label or bulk purchases. [16]

Dosing

The appropriate dosage of agave depends upon a number of factors such as the user’s age, health, and numerous other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific info to figure out an appropriate range of dosages for agave. Remember that natural products are not constantly necessarily safe and dosages can be essential. Make sure to follow appropriate instructions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or doctor or other health care specialist before using.

Unique precautions and warnings

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: taking agave by mouth during pregnancy is most likely hazardous. There is some proof that agave may stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. Also, pulque, an agave beverage, is risky to utilize during pregnancy due to the fact that it consists of alcohol. Drinking pulque during pregnancy has been linked with smaller sized baby size and reduced mental performance throughout the first 6 months of life.

Agave is perhaps risky to use while breast-feeding. Consuming pulque while breast-feeding has been related to slower weight gain and reduced growth by 5 years of age. [17]

Conclusion

Agave can assist prevent and decrease the effects of heart problem and diabetes, and keep your blood glucose under control. However the natural sweetener isn’t a healthy option, despite the fact that it has fewer side effects than traditional sugar. The high fructose levels in agave may be harmful to your liver’s health and have an influence 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