Agave

Agave is a plant found 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 many other conditions, however there is no good scientific proof to support these uses. Agave can trigger extreme irritation and allergies when applied to the skin. [2]

The origins of agave

” agavos” is the greek word from which agave is derived. It translates to remarkable. Many different theories attach agave to the new world. Nevertheless, the most popular theory is that the spanish were the first to bring it with them.

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

The primary residents of west mexico, the nahuatl, worshipped the agave plant because it represented the power of the goddess mayheul. Greek folklore also tells us that agave was the goddess of desire.

The expedition of agave

Of course, when this plant was discovered, people began explore it. A thousand years ago, pulque was the first alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant. It was a fermented drink and milky in texture. At that time, lots of people used the pulque in their religious ceremonies.

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

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

Frequently grown types

The most commonly grown types include agave americana, agave angustifolia, blue agave (agave tequilana) and agave attenuata.

Agave americana

Among the most familiar species is agave americana, a local of tropical america. Common names consist of century plant, maguey (in mexico), or american aloe (it is not, however, carefully related to the genus aloe). The name “century plant” refers to the very long time the plant requires to flower, although the number of years prior to blooming occurs depends upon the vitality of the individual, the richness of the soil and the environment; throughout these years the plant is storing in its fleshy leaves the nutrition required for the effort of flowering.

Agave americana, century plant, was introduced into europe about the middle of the 16th century and is now extensively cultivated for its handsome appearance; in the variegated forms the leaf has a white or yellow limited or main stripe from base to peak. As the leaves unfold from the center of the rosette the impression of the minimal spinal columns is really conspicuous on the still set up younger leaves. The tequ plants are generally grown in tubs and put out in the summer months, but in the winter require protection from frost. They develop very gradually and pass away 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 a lot of types of agave, a. Attenuata has a curved flower spike from which it derives among its numerous typical names – the foxtail agave.
2. Attenuata is likewise frequently grown as a garden plant. Unlike numerous agaves, a. Attenuata has no teeth or terminal spinal columns making it a perfect plant for locations adjacent to walkways. 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 referred to as the lions tail is native 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 a number of 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 cultivation, it has also acquired the royal horticultural society’s award of garden benefit.

Agave tequilana azul this range of agave is a crucial financial item of jalisco, mexico, because of its function as the base component of tequila, a popular distilled beverage.

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

Description

The century plant (agave americana l.) Is a perennial succulent herb, approximately 10 m high when flowering. It is belonging to mexico and to the southern U.S.A., 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 central and south america for a large variety of functions, including handicrafts, food, ethnomedicine and livestock feeding.

Morphology

Agave americana is a polymorphic types, with many subspecies and varieties, and it hybridates with other agave types such as agave salmania (gentry, 1982). The plant forms a huge 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 broad and 1-2 m long, smooth and tough, almost rigid, with a deep gutter that often causes them to recurve at the idea. 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 types are often grey to grey-blue with horizontal stripes on the back, however 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 reach up 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), along with inulin.

Scientific research studies have actually revealed that hecogenin has potent gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory results.

Moreover, hecogenin has likewise been shown to act as an arbitrator of atp-sensitive potassium channel (k atp channel), which is straight associated with the metabolism of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. While additional research is required, this pharmacological action reveals that agave genuinely possesses hypoglycemic properties.

On the other side, tigogenin has important antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory residential or commercial properties, and it is partly responsible for the demulcent, anti-ulcer activities of agave leaves and juice. This saponin compound has actually likewise been shown to hinder cholesterol absorption, which might be useful for improving fat metabolism.

Agave leaves consist of substantial quantities 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 boosts the development of excellent germs. There is evidence that the usage of inulin may enhance glucose metabolism and body weight in addition to decrease fat mass advancement. [7]

Agave plant advantages

It’s an architectural plant

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

Agave plants can be a fantastic centerpiece of any outdoor landscape. You can quickly grow them in pots and have them inside. These desert plants are undoubtedly one of the very best architectural plants with the power to improve the curb appeal of any house!

It’s a low maintenance plant

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

Great for your bones

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

Heal wounds

Among the reasons that agave americana is likewise known as american aloe is due to its topical applications– one study concluded that using agave extract on small wounds and burns assists in healing them. The extract was gathered from agave leaves utilizing the percolation technique.

Minimize cholesterol levels

Agave consists of saponins, which help in decreasing cholesterol levels in the body. Low cholesterol levels in the body reduce the danger of heart disease. In addition, saponins also prevent the growth of malignant growths.

Agave in your kitchen

Agave stalks and flowers are edible. You can add them to your salad or consume raw or roasted. However, take a look at usda certified organic ranges before intake and ensure what you’re consuming 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.

Reinforce hairs

Agave can likewise 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 deal with split ends too.

Use in preparation of alcohol

Traditional alcohols like tequila and mescal from agave tequilana, agave angustifolia, and agave salmiana. The sweet juice from the flower stalk is likewise utilized to make pulque, which is an alcohol as well.

A multipurpose plant

The leaves of agave americana and agave sislana are utilized in making paper and weaving mats. You can also use 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, called saponins, serves as a cleaner. It creates lather in the water– simply cut leaves or roots and boil them for saponin infused water.

Revitalizes your skin

The agave nectar includes glycolic acid and required antioxidants. It soaks up in the skin rapidly and makes it look younger and less oily. It also deals with controlling acne and minimizes the swelling of the skin as well. [8]

Agave nectar nutrition truths

The following nutrition realities are offered 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

Carbohydrates

A teaspoon of agave nectar has about 5 grams of carbs and a total of 20 calories. That is equivalent 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, however taking in big amounts of fructose can have negative impacts, as it can increase triglycerides. Triglycerides are a.

Type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglyceride levels can lead to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and high levels are linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Unlike glucose, fructose is almost completely metabolized in the liver in a procedure referred to as fructolysis. During fructolysis, fructose is transformed 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 kept form of glucose (15% to 20%)
• Triglycerides, a kind of fat associated with an increased risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease3 (5% to 10%)

Fats

Agave nectar contains just a trace quantity of fat, however a portion of the fructose it includes is converted into triglycerides. Using large amounts of any caloric sweetener, such as agave nectar is not a good idea, particularly if you have pre-existing cardiovascular condition, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance.

In addition, added sugars give extra calories. These can cause weight gain, which is an independent risk element for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Protein

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

Minerals and vitamins

As a plant-based item, agave syrup does contain percentages of some vitamins (such as vitamin c and a number of b vitamins) and minerals (consisting of 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 actually long been used in main america as a binding agent for numerous powders used as plasters on injuries. The sap can likewise be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc. The sap is antibacterial, 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 residential or commercial properties and can be taken internally to examine the growth of putrefactive germs in the stomach and intestines. Water in which agave fiber has 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 utilized 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 use as required, they can likewise be dried for later usage. The dried leaves and roots save well.

Other uses of the herb

The plant consists of saponins. An extract of the leaves is used as a soap. The roots are used according to another report. It is most likely that the root is the best source of the saponins that are utilized to make a soap. Chop up the leaves or the roots into little pieces and after that simmer them in water to extract the saponins. Do not over boil or you will begin to break down the saponins. There is a report that the plant has insecticidal properties, however further information are not offered. A really strong fiber acquired from the leaves is utilized for making rope, coarse fabrics etc. A paper can also be made from the leaves. The thorns on the leaves are utilized as pins and needles. The dried flowering stems are used as a waterproof thatch and as a razor strop. The plants are utilized in land-reclamation schemes in dry locations 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 approximately twice as broad as the plant’s initial container. The hole needs to not be deeper than the container because these succulent plants normally have shallow root systems.
• Plant in well-draining cactus soil. Put a layer of cactus soil into the bottom of the hole. When removed from its container, gently loosen the new plant’s root system prior to decreasing it into the hole. Fill in the sides with more cactus soil.
• Water the agave plant to stimulate the roots. When the plant is in place, gently water the roots, and continue to water the plant approximately every five days for the very first month.

How to care for your agave plant

Gardeners prefer agave plants for their ease of care. In the proper environment, your agave plant will require very 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 damp, agave plants are likely to experience crown rot and perish. Normally, agave plants can not survive any farther north than usda strength zone 9.
2. Mix your potting soil with coarse sand. Plant your agave in well-draining soil. Add coarse sand to improve drainage and safeguard your plant from root rot. Do not fertilize your agave plant– it can cause premature blooming, which will cause your agave to perish.
3. Offer adequate light for your agave plant. While a lot of agave plants will grow in light shade, these plants generally do best in a space that receives full sun.
4. Water your agave plant moderately. When establishing a new agave in your garden or pot, it is necessary to water it approximately every five days for the first month. As it grows, your outdoor agave will just require watering if its environment goes through an extended dry spell duration. Water indoor agaves when the soil is totally dry.
5. Secure your agave plant from insects. The agave snout weevil is known to burrow into the center of agave plants to lay eggs. Eliminate affected agave plants to prevent these bugs from infecting other agave plants in your garden. [11]

Benefits of agave

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

Agave contains phytonutrients

The juice of an agave plant contains phytonutrients that may have an antioxidant result. Though these nutrients are found in small amounts, they are present in agave making a much healthier alternative to table sugar.

Agave is really sweet

If you are a fan of sugary foods, then you likely utilize your fair share of sweeteners. While including sweetener to your early morning coffee, daily shakes and even oatmeal may not look like much, the calories and harmful effects of table sugar can add up quickly. Since agave syrup is nearly twice as sweet as sugar, you can use much less of it to accomplish the same terrific sweet taste you yearn for in your beverages and food. Plus, by utilizing less sugar, you’ll likewise consume less calories and carbs.

Agave is allergy-friendly

If you struggle with plant-based allergic reactions, then you remain in luck. Agave is a low-allergy food, and really couple of individuals ever experience a reaction when consuming agave. Because of this, agave syrup is an outstanding sweetener to serve when developing meals for those who suffer from food allergies, such as peanut allergy or gluten intolerance. Utilize it as a sweetener in your favorite baked goods 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 free and allergic reaction friendly, agave syrup is likewise vegan! This makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for completely plant-based alternatives to table sugars.

Agave has an enticing taste

Among the indisputable advantages of agave nectar is its scrumptious taste. Unlike other natural sweeteners, agave does not have a bitter aftertaste or alter the taste of your meal. Rather, agave has an extremely neutral taste, which makes it the ideal addition to both sweet and tasty meals. This neutrality likewise allows agave to work better in than more powerful syrups like maple syrup or honey in particular recipes. [12]

How is the nectar made?

The sweetener frequently offered as agave nectar would be more properly labeled as agave syrup.

It has little in common with the traditional sweetener made traditionally by people in mexico.

That said, the beginning of its production process is the same. The plant is first cut and pressed to draw out the sweet sap.

While this sap is high in sugar, it also includes healthy fiber like fructans, which are linked 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 process– 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 offered today is made by treating agave sugars with heat and enzymes, which damages all of its possibly helpful health impacts. The end item is a highly improved, unhealthy syrup. [13]

Ways to utilize it?

• Agave nectar dissolves rapidly, so is a great 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.
• Usage dark agave nectar straight out of the bottle as a topping for pancakes and french toast.

How much to utilize?

• Agave is more calorie dense than sugar however about 40% sweeter, so begin by utilizing 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 reduce 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 almost 90% of the composition of agave syrup and in excess quantities, this might cause a couple of health complications. Some research study mentions that excess intake of fructose might impact your metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Another study likewise recommends that extended intake of fructose may increase ldl cholesterol levels that are connected to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Having actually discovered the possible benefits and dangers of agave syrup, let us look at how this syrup is made and matches up against honey in regards to nutrition and advantages. [15]

10 agave realities you didn’t know

Agave syrup is a popular natural sweetener with everyone from commercial food manufacturers to mommies trying to find sugar alternatives.

Many individuals understand agave syrup as the dash of sweet taste in their early morning coffee or their dependable sugar substitute for baked products or other recipes. But less people understand how agave is grown or what its particular health benefits are. So let’s enter it! Here are some agave truths you might not know.

One sweet succulent.

Easter lilies and agave syrup? The relationship is closer than you believe! Many individuals presume the agave plant is a kind of cactus, however it’s really a succulent that relates to the lily household.

Safety in the sky.

Agave plants are formed like sea urchins, with hundreds of soft spines radiating out from a strong center. But when they flower, they send a long stalk directly, with yellow flowers that flower on the end of it. Sending its most susceptible parts into the air (approximately 20 feet!) Safeguards the agave plants by keeping its reproductive parts up and out of the way of animals that might 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 use their long muzzles to feed on the agave’s nectar like a hummingbird makes with smaller sized flowers. When they sweep between plants, they move pollen that gathers on their fur as they feed.

Long-lasting reward.

In order to achieve the high fructose levels that premium agave syrup needs, the agave plants require to grow untouched for 6 to eight years. Once they have actually reached maturity, they can be collected for processing.

A special harvest.

Throughout gathering, an extremely experienced 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 efficient.

An expert jimador can process as much as 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 collected by hand once 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 development. These are collected and re-planted utilizing sustainable farming approaches.

Better results on your body and the earth.

Agave is low on the glycemic index, which means it doesn’t raise blood glucose levels as considerably as high fructose corn syrup or walking stick sugar. It’s grown organically and is likewise gluten-free and vegan!

A sweeter alternative.

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

Is agave the natural sweetener you’ve been searching for? Our premium natural blue agave syrup is fair trade certified 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 individuals is the driving inspiration behind our premium agave syrup and agave inulin products. Discover them on amazon, or contact us for private label or bulk purchases. [16]

Dosing

The suitable dosage of agave depends upon numerous elements such as the user’s age, health, and a number of other conditions. At this time there is insufficient clinical information to figure out an appropriate range of doses for agave. Bear in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be crucial. Make sure to follow relevant directions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Unique preventative measures and cautions

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: taking agave by mouth during pregnancy is most likely hazardous. There is some evidence that agave might promote the uterus and trigger contractions. Also, pulque, an agave drink, is hazardous to use during pregnancy due to the fact that it consists of alcohol. Consuming pulque during pregnancy has been related to smaller infant size and minimized mental performance throughout the first 6 months of life.

Agave is perhaps risky to utilize while breast-feeding. Drinking pulque while breast-feeding has been related to slower weight gain and lowered development by 5 years of age. [17]

Conclusion

Agave can help avoid and lower the results of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and keep your blood glucose under control. However the natural sweetener isn’t a healthy choice, despite the fact that it has less side effects than traditional sugar. The high fructose levels in agave may be harmful to your liver’s health and have an impact 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