Medicinal benefits of blue agave

No, this post is not an invitation to drink tequila. 😄

What is agave syrup?

There are many different species of agaves, but the blue agave (agave tequilana) contains more therapeutic properties.

This succulent plant is native to Mexico, where it is cultivated on a large scale.

The Mesoamericans were already consuming agave sap before the arrival of the conquistadors. They either used it as is, or fermented it into a low-alcohol beverage called pulque. The Spaniards added cooking and distillation to create tequila.

Agave syrup is produced by heating the sap contained in the heart of the plant.

The result is a sweet liquid similar to maple syrup.

Composition

Blue agave sap contains :

• Fructose.
• Glucose.
• Calcium.
• Flavonoids.
• Potassium.
• Fructans.
• Magnesium.
• Iron.

Syrup manufacturing processes break down fructans to varying degrees. This is why not all agave syrups are equal from a therapeutic point of view. The clue is to look at the composition: it is recommended to have at least 3 g of fiber per 100 grams.

It’s also important to listen to my felt sense when choosing a food.

How to take it?

The sweet juice from blue agave can be drunk, or applied to the skin.

Agave syrup (heated sap) is mainly used as a sweetener to replace cane sugar:

• Its glycemic index is lower.
• Its sweetening power is higher, thus requires less quantity.

It can also replace honey for vegans.

However, excessive fructose consumption has adverse health effects.

Note that tequila’s medicinal benefits are non-existent. 😄

Benefits

Blue agave is particularly prized by the skin.

Medicinal properties

Agave sap has traditionally been used for the following properties:

• Energizing.
• Antioxidant.
• Antibacterial.
• Emollient.
• Immunostimulant.
• Prebiotic.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Digestive.

For which diseases?

Replacing refined sugar with agave syrup has shown promising effects for the following diseases:

• Wounds.
• Colon cancer.
• Obesity.
• Bloating.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Joint pain.
• Constipation.
• Diabetes.
• Urticaria.
• Eczema.

Emotions

While this plant has medicinal benefits, it alone cannot heal.

Behind most pathologies lie emotional wounds.

I’m discovering how to deal with my emotions.

Conclusion

What are the medicinal benefits of blue agave?

It has antioxidant effects that are appreciated by the cells.

Agave syrups are an interesting alternative to cane sugar.