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which corn starch is converted into HFCS.” The agave contacts. This eases and accelerates cellular water starch is subjected to an enzymatic and chemica uptake, especially when used with a high-quality salt." process that converts the starch into a fructose-rich However, the truth is that the saponins found in many syrup—anywhere from 70 per cent fructose and higher, — varieties of agave plants are toxic steroid derivatives, according to the agave nectar chemical profiles posted capable of disrupting red blood cells and producing on agave nectar websites.” (One agave manufacturer diarrhoea and vomiting.” They are to be avoided during claims that his product is made with "natural" enzymes. pregnancy or breastfeeding because they might cause or That's right; the refined fructose in agave nectar is much contribute to miscarriage by stimulating blood flow to more concentrated than the fructose in HFCS. For the uterus.” At the very least, agave products should comparison, the high-fructose corn syrup used in sodas carry a warning label indicating that the product may is 55 per cent refined fructose. (A natural agave produc cause miscarriage. does exist in Mexico: a molasses-type syrup from concentrated plant nectar, but its availability is limited Just Say No to Agave and it is expensive to produce.) Since the FDA makes no effort to enforce food-labelling According to Bianchi, agave "nectar" and HFCS "...are laws, consumers cannot be certain that what they are indeed made the same way, using a highly chemica eating is what the label says it is. New sweeteners like process with genetically modified enzymes. They are agave syrup were introduced into the market to make a also using caustic acids, clarifiers, filtration chemicals profit, not to make consumers healthy. Clever marketing and so forth in the conversion of agave starches." The has led many consumers to believe that the high level of result is a high level of highly refined fructose in the _ fructose in agave syrup makes it a safe and a natural remaining syrup, along with sweetener. Agave syrup labels do some remaining inulin. not conform to FDA labelling In a confidential letter dated The agave starch requirements, thus deepening 5 May 2000, Dr Martin . . . the false illusion of an Stutsman of the FDA explained Is subjected to an enzymatic unprocessed product. As we he FDA's food labelling codes and chemical process that have demonstrated here, if a Mectat corn syrup testedwith | CoRVerts the starch into a eee eee eee nor enzymes to enhance the fructose-rich syrup— natural, especially at levels up to ructose levels should be 70 per cent. abelled as "high fructose corn anywhere from 70 Per cent Agave syrup is a man-made syrup", and agave sweetener fructose and higher... sweetener which has been requires the label "hydrolyzed through a complicated inulin syrup".7 Even though, chemical refining process of ike corn, agave is a starch and fibre food processed with enzymatic digestion that converts the starch and fibre enzymes, it does not have to be labelled as "high into the unbound, man-made chemical, fructose. While tuctose agave syrup", which would make it clearer for high-fructose agave syrup won't spike your blood consumers. "Agave nectar" is a misnomer; at the very — glucose levels, the fructose in it may cause mineral east, it should be labelled "agave syrup”. depletion, liver inflammation, hardening of the arteries, Agave syrup comes in two colours: clear or light, and insulin resistance leading to diabetes, high blood amber. What is this difference? Russ Bianchi explains: pressure, cardiovascular disease and obesity. "Due to poor quality control in the agave processing If you want something sweet, eat a piece of fruit, not a plants in Mexico, sometimes the fructose gets burned candy bar labelled as a "health food". If you want to after being heated above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, thus create something sweet, use sweeteners that are known creating a darker, or amber color." However, the labels to be safer. For uncooked dishes, unheated raw honey create the impression of an artisan product—like light | and dates work well. For cooked dishes or sweet drinks, or amber beer. As consumers are learning about a good organic maple syrup or even freshly juiced apple problems with agave syrup, the label "chicory syrup" is or orange juice can provide delicious and relatively safe beginning to appear as a non-conforming word for the | sweetness; dehydrated cane sugar juice or maple sugar product. Consumers beware! may be used in moderation in cookies and desserts that contain nutritious ingredients and good fats such as The Saponins Problem butter, egg yolks and nuts. Yucca species are known to contain large quantities of However, to be healthy, you cannot eat sugar all day, no saponins. The industry describes saponins in agave matter how natural the form. You should limit total syrup as beneficial: "Agave's rich density of saponins — sweetener consumption to less than five per cent of daily Leedectinn 25 th cane nee efe eee nate AE contacts. This eases and accelerates cellular water uptake, especially when used with a high-quality salt."* However, the truth is that the saponins found in many varieties of agave plants are toxic steroid derivatives, capable of disrupting red blood cells and producing diarrhoea and vomiting.” They are to be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding because they might cause or contribute to miscarriage by stimulating blood flow to the uterus.” At the very least, agave products should carry a warning label indicating that the product may cause miscarriage. The agave starch is subjected to an enzymatic and chemical process that converts the starch into a fructose-rich syrup— anywhere from 70 per cent fructose and higher... The Saponins Problem Yucca species are known to contain large quantities of saponins. The industry describes saponins in agave syrup as beneficial: "Agave's rich density of saponins increases hydration as the soapy, surfactant nature of saponins change|[s] the wetting angle of water it 14 * NEXUS APRIL - MAY 2010 Continued on page 79 www.nexusmagazine.com