Agave nectar: a sweetener that is worse than sugar

The harmful effects of sugar are among the few things that are most health experts agree.

Everyone knows that sugar unhealthy ^[1] and more health conscious people try to avoid.

Not surprisingly, all kinds of other popular sweeteners, become natural and artificial.

One of them is called agave syrup, a sweetener found in many " healthy foods ^[2] . "

Is said to be natural, and as a sweetener for diabetics environmental levels do not increase blood sugar markets.

However, if you ignore marketing claims and a look at what it really contains agave nectar, you will learn that there are even worse than regular sugar.

Let me explain why ...

What is Agave?

The Agave ^[3] grows natively in the southern United States and South America. It is often associated with Mexico.

While most Westerners only recently heard Agave, has been used in Mexico for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.

Back in the day, the Mexicans are used for various purposes, and is believed to have medicinal properties.

That is, what is the Agave:

Mexicans also used the juice (sweet liquid movement system) cook, a sweetener agave syrup (called generate 1 ).

But the most common use of the agave it ferments sugars to produce the alcoholic drink called Tequila ^[4] .

In fact, the most common tequila commercial use of agave today and one of the most famous Mexican exports.

How many plants in their natural state is Agave likely health benefits.

But, as is often the case when it is processed and refined, it tends to lose some (or all) of these beneficial health effects. This seems the case with refined agave sweetener that consume the people today.

Bottom Line: Agave is a plant that grows in abundance in Mexico. Has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, sweetening and can also be fermented to make tequila.

Agave nectar How is it done?

Often sold as the sweetener agave nectar would like agave syrup to be labeled.

The truth is ... it was the traditional sweetener of Mexicans very little in common.

The boot process is the same. Shut down the system, then cut and squeeze the liquid flows sweet.

This fluid is rich in sugar, but also contains healthy compounds such as fructans ^[5] , the (associated with positive effects on the metabolism and insulin 2 ).

If, however, dare fructans in a syrup manufacturer decompose into liquid mellitus FRUCT heat and / or enzymes exposed to treated ( 3 , 4 ).

This process destroys all the characteristics of health promotion Agave, but produces syrup concentrate on the shelves of stores that falsely claimed to be healthy.

The manufacturing method is similar to other unhealthy sweeteners such as corn syrup may be prepared with a high fructose content.

So ... is sold as the sweetener agave nectar is not really "nectar" - is a sweetener refined from processed agave syrup.

Conclusion: Agave sweetener is sold today by the processing of sugar and heat enzymes, all of which was destroyed in the positive health effects of agave plant. The final product is a highly purified syrup unhealthy.

Agave Nectar Spike takes a lot of blood sugar

The glycemic index ^[6] (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food sugar in the bloodstream.

In general, the greater the probability for a GI food, the larger the peak blood glucose and the worse health ( 5 , 6 , 7 ).

Unlike glucose, fructose is not directly into the bloodstream and therefore provides no blood sugar or insulin levels in the short term.

That's why high fructose sweeteners are often referred to as "healthy" or marketed "diabetics".

Agave nectar has a low GI, mainly because most of the sugar fructose. Has very little glucose, at least in comparison with the regular sugar.

A recent study in mice compared the metabolic effects of agave syrup and sucrose (raw sugar) after 34 days have. Mice get agave syrup gained less weight and had lower blood sugar levels and insulin ( 8 ).

That's actually what we expect from a short-term study, as raw sugar two levels of glucose in the blood sugar and insulin rise, while fructose does not.

That said ... the glycemic index is to consider only one of many things when., The health effects of artificial sweeteners

The negative effects of Agave (and sugar in general) have very little to do with the glycemic index, but everything to do with the large amounts of fructose ... and agave syrup is high in fructose.

Conclusion: agave nectar is low in sugar and therefore do not increase the blood sugar levels greatly. This gives you the low-glycemic sweetener.

Agave Nectar is dangerously high fructose

Sugar and corn syrup, high fructose (HFCS), the two simple sugars ... half glucose and fructose ^[7] .

While glucose and fructose are similar, they have very different effects on the body.

Glucose ^[8] is an important molecule. It is in many healthy foods (such as carrots and potatoes) and body found to make to ensure that we always have enough.

In fact, every living cell glucose planet ... because this molecule is absolutely vital.

Considering that each cell to metabolize glucose in the human body, the liver is the only organ that fructose in significant quantities (can metabolize 9 ).

As part of a high- carbohydrate ^[9] , high calorie ^[10] of the Western diet, eat lots of added fructose can have devastating effects ^[11] on the metabolic health ( 10 ).

The liver is overloaded and begins to turn fat fructose, which is sent as VLDL and triglycerides increased. Many researchers believe that some of the fat in the liver and raise fatty liver disease ( 11 , 12 , 13 ).

Although fructose is not the rate of blood sugar, the increase in the short term, it may help, insulin resistance ^[12] , when consumed in large quantities.

This can lead to severe long-term increase in blood glucose and insulin levels, the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (strong increase 14 , 15 , 16 ).

Eating large amounts of fructose may be other side effects such as increased ... small, dense LDL particles and oxidized LDL (bad) cause the accumulation of abdominal fat, but a few (call 17 ).

Here is where it gets really interesting ... agave syrup is about 85% fructose, the (much higher than normal sugar 18 ).

Note that all this applies to all fruits ^[13] , with the charged fiber ^[14] and we feel full quickly. We are well equipped to handle small amounts of fructose in fruit.

This "healthy" sweetener is worse than regular sugar

If needed a little sweetness to your diet, agave syrup is absolutely not the way to do it.

There are several natural sweeteners ^[15] It is much healthier ... including Stevia ^[16] , erythritol ^[17] and xylitol ^[18] .

Agave nectar may be the most unhealthy sweetener in the world. He makes regular eye shot sugar in healthy comparison ... and that's saying something.

Credentials

1. ^{^} unhealthy (authoritynutrition.com)
2. ^{^} Health Food (authoritynutrition.com)
3. ^{^} Agave (en.wikipedia.org)
4. ^{^} Tequila (en.wikipedia.org)
5. ^{^} fructans (en.wikipedia.org)
6. ^{^} glycemic index (www.glycemicindex.com)
7. ^{^} fructose (authoritynutrition.com)
8. ^{^} glucose (en.wikipedia.org)
9. ^{^} carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
10. ^{^} calories (authoritynutrition.com)
11. ^{^} havoc (authoritynutrition.com)
12. ^{^} insulin resistance (en.wikipedia.org)
13. ^{^} fruits (authoritynutrition.com)
14. ^{^} fiber (authoritynutrition.com)
15. ^{^} natural sweeteners (authoritynutrition.com)
16. ^{^} Stevia (authoritynutrition.com)
17. ^{^} erythritol (authoritynutrition.com)
18. ^{^} xylitol (authoritynutrition.com)

Top 20 weight loss foods on the planet welcome

Not all calories are equal.

Different foods through various metabolic pathways in the body.

You can have very different effects on hunger hormones and the number of calories we burn.

Here are backed by science 20 foods weight loss of the most environmentally friendly it.

1 whole egg

To be once feared high cholesterol, whole eggs have been doing a return ^[1] .

New studies show that do not adversely affect blood cholesterol ^[2] and cause heart attacks ( 1 , 2 ).

Also ... are among the best foods you eat when you need to lose weight.

They are rich in protein, healthy fats, and can make you full with a very low amount of calories.

A study of 30 obese women showed that eating eggs ^[3] for breakfast instead of bagels, increased satiety and makes them less to eat for the next 36 hours ( 3 ).

Another 8-week study found that eggs for breakfast increases weight loss on a calorie-restricted compared to bagels (diet 4 ).

Eggs are very rich in nutrients ^[4] and can help you all the nutrients you need a low calorie diet. Almost all the nutrients found in the yolk.

Two greens

Leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, kale, chard and some others.

You have several properties that make them ideal for a weight loss diet.

They are both low in calories ^[5] and carbohydrates, but high in fiber.

Eating vegetables is a great way to increase the volume of your food without adding calories. Numerous studies show that food and nutrition do with low energy density, people eat less calories overall ( 5 ).

Leafy vegetables are incredibly nutritious and rich in all kinds of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These include calcium, which has been shown to help fat in some studies (burn 6 ).

3 salmon

Oily fish such as salmon ^[6] is incredibly healthy.

It is also very satisfying to keep you entertained for hours with few calories tired.

Loaded with salmon protein, healthy fats and high quality also contains all kinds of important nutrients.

Seafood in general, a significant amount of iodine ^[7] .

This nutrient for the proper functioning of the thyroid is required, it is important to the metabolism to function optimally ( 7 ).

Studies show that many people in the world are not all the iodine they need (get 8 ).

Salmon with Omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation, which is known (play loaded proven an important role in obesity and metabolic diseases 9 , 10 ).

Mackerel, trout, sardines, herring and other oily fish are also excellent.

^[8]

4 cruciferous

Cruciferous vegetables ^[9] are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.

Like other vegetables, which are rich in fiber and usually very rewarding.

What's more ... this kind of vegetables also contain decent amounts of protein tend.

They are not as rich in protein as animal feed or legumes, but compared with most vegetables.

A combination of protein, fiber and low energy density makes perfect cruciferous vegetables in your meals included, if you need food to lose weight ^[10] .

They are also very nutritious and contain substances to fight cancer ( 11 ).

5 of lean beef and chicken breast

The meat was unjust ^[11] demonized.

It is blamed for all sorts of health problems, despite the lack of sufficient evidence to back it up.

Although processed meat is healthy, studies show that unprocessed red meat ^[12] not the risk of heart disease or diabetes (not increase 12 , 13 ).

After two major surveys, red meat has only a very weak correlation with cancer in men, and no correlation in women ( 14 , 15 ).

The truth is ... the meat is an easy weight loss food because it is high in protein ^[13] .

Protein is the nutrient most satisfied with distance, and a diet rich in protein can cause you to 80 to 100 calories per day (burn 16 , 17 , 18 ).

Studies have shown that increasing the protein intake to 25-30% of calories can reduce anxiety by 60%, the desire to reduce snacks late at night eat half and lead to loss of weight of nearly one pound per week .. . simply by adding protein to the diet ( 19 , 20 ).

If you are on a low carb diet ^[14] , so feel free to eat fatty meat. But if you are in a moderate to high carbohydrate, and choose lean meats ^[15] may be more appropriate.

6 boiled potatoes

White potatoes seem fallen out of favor for some reason.

But ... have several properties that make a perfect food, both for weight loss and optimal health.

They contain a variety of nutrients, some almost everything you need.

There were even accounts ^[16] of the people alone for long periods of time. nothing but potatoes

They are particularly high in potassium ^[17] , a nutrient that most people do not get enough and plays an important role in the control of blood pressure.

On a scale called satiety index ^[18] , the director of different foods are cooked potatoes measures White scored the highest of all foods analyzed ( 21 ).

What this means is that consumption of white potatoes, which will of course full and eat less of other foods instead.

If boiled potatoes and chill for a while, then they will form large amounts of resistant starch ^[19] , a fibrous substance that was shown to all kinds of health benefits ... including weight loss ( 22 ).

Sweet potatoes, beets and other root vegetables are also excellent.

7 tuna

Tuna is a low-calorie, protein-rich foods.

Is white fish ... so there is not much fat in it.

Tuna is very popular with bodybuilders and fitness models that are in a section, because it is a great way to keep the high-protein-fat with calories and low.

If you try to focus on protein intake, so be sure to not choose canned tuna in water, oil.

8 beans and legumes

Some beads ^[20] and pulses can be beneficial for weight loss.

These include lentils, black beans and others.

These foods are rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that have been shown to cause satiety are to be in the rule.

They also contain resistant starch tend.

The main problem is that many people have difficulty tolerating legumes. For this reason, it is important to establish proper ^[21] .

9 Soups

As mentioned above, meals and diets with low energy density to that people tend to eat fewer calories.

Most foods with low energy density are those that contain a lot of water, such as vegetables and fruit.

But you can also add water ^[22] for food ... soup.

Some studies have shown that eating the exact same food, except for a soup instead of solid food as people feel more satisfied and eat less calories ( 23 , 24 ).

Cottage cheese 10

Milk ^[23] products tend to be high in protein.

One of the best is the ricotta ... Calorie for calorie, it is usually only a few protein with carbohydrates and lipids.

Eat lots of cottage cheese is a great way to increase your protein intake. It is also very heavy, which makes you feel full with a relatively low amount of calories.

Dairy products are rich in calcium , which has been shown to make the process of fat burning (facilitate 25 ).

^[24]

11 Lawyers

Law ^[25] are a unique kind of fruit.

While most of the fruit is rich in carbohydrates, avocados are loaded with healthy fats.

They are rich in monounsaturated oleic acid, the same type of fat found olive oil ^[26] .

Despite the mostly fat, they also contain a lot of water, so they are not as you might think dense than energy.

Lawyers are great as additions to salads, since studies show that fat absorption of nutrients in vegetables from 2.6 to 15 times (increase 25 ).

They also contain many essential nutrients such as potassium and fibers.

Apple Cider Vinegar 12

Apple vinegar ^[27] is very popular in the community of natural health.

It is designed for use in spices such as dressings or vinaigrette. Some people even diluted in water and drink.

Several human studies show that vinegar can be helpful for people trying to lose weight.

Take vinegar with a meal rich in carbohydrates can increase satiety and people eat 200-275 calories less ^[28] for the rest of the day ( 26 , 27 ).

A study in obese individuals also showed that 15 or 30 ml of vinegar per day for 12 weeks resulted in a weight loss of 2.6 to 3.7 pounds or 1.2 to 1.7 kg ( 28 ).

Vinegar has also been shown to reduce peak blood sugar after meals, the (can lead to all kinds of benefits for the long-term health 29 , 30 ).

13 nuts

Despite being rich in fat nuts not inherently fattening.

They are a great snack, balanced amounts of protein, fiber and healthy fats contains.

Studies have shown that eating walnuts can improve metabolic health and even cause weight loss ( 31 , 32 ).

Population studies have shown that people who eat nuts tend leaner and healthier than people who do not like (to be 33 ).

Be careful not to go too far, as they are still very high in calories. If you tend to binge and eat a lot of nuts, then it may be best to avoid them.

14 some whole grains

Although the grains with a bad reputation in recent years, there are guys who are really healthy.

This includes a non- gluten ^[29] , whole grains are loaded with fiber and contain a good amount of protein.

Notable examples are oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa ^[30] .

Oats are loaded with beta-glucans ^[31] , soluble fiber which has been shown to increase satiety and metabolic health ( 34 , 35 ).

Rice, both brown and white, can also have significant amounts of resistant starch, let it cool especially when cooked and then allowed thereafter ( 36 ).

Note that refined grains are a mess, and sometimes food, the "whole grain" are on the label are highly processed junk foods that are harmful and fattening.

If you are on a low carb diet, you will want to avoid grains because they are rich in carbohydrates ^[32] . But there is nothing wrong with eating a little healthier if you can tolerate and not in low grain-carb diet.

15 Chili Pepper

Eating peppers can be useful to be a weight loss.

They contain a substance called capsaicin ^[33] , which has been shown to help reduce appetite and burn fat in some studies ( 37 , 38 , 39 ).

This substance is also sold in supplement form and is a common ingredient in many weight loss supplements business.

One study showed that consumption of 1 gram of red pepper reduce appetite and increase fat metabolism in people who do not eat regularly, peppers ( 40 ).

However, there was no effect on the people who eat spicy food, indicating that used a kind of tolerance accumulate.

16 fruit

Most health experts agree that the benefits ^[34] is healthy.

Many population studies have shown that people who tend more fruits (and vegetables) to eat healthier than those who do not (have 41 , 42 ).

Sure ... correlation does not equal causation, so that these studies do not prove anything, but the fruits of the properties they do have easy weight loss.

Although they contain sugar, which have a low energy density and take time to chew. In addition, the fiber of the sugar should not be rapidly released into the bloodstream.

The only people who want to avoid or fruits that are in a very low carbohydrate, to minimize ketogenic diet ^[35] , or have some sort of intolerance to fructose ^[36] .

For the rest of us, the fruit can be an effective (and delicious) supplement for weight loss diet.

17 Grapefruit

A fruit is highlight the grapefruit ^[37] due to its effect on weight control were examined directly.

In a study of 91 obese people, eating half a grapefruit before meals costs caused weight loss of 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) over a period of 12 weeks ( 43 ).

The group has also reduce a grapefruit insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder that involved in a variety of chronic diseases.

So ... eat half a grapefruit half an hour before some of your daily meals can help you feel full and eat less calories overall.

18 Chia Seeds

Chia seeds ^[38] are among the most nutritious foods on the planet.

They contain 12 grams of carbohydrates per ounce, which is pretty high, but 11 grams of fiber are.

This makes chia seeds easy low-carb food, and one of the best sources of fiber in the world ( 44 ).

Since all fiber can chia seeds absorb about 11 to 12 times its weight in water, so that the freezing and expansion in the stomach ( 45 ).

Although some studies have shown that chia seeds can help reduce appetite, they found no statistically significant effect on weight loss ( 46 , 47 )

But because of its nutrient composition, it is logical that chia seeds can be a useful game weight loss diet.

Coconut oil 19

Not all fats are created equal.

Coconut oil ^[39] is rich in fatty acids of medium length, called medium-chain triglycerides ^[40] (MCT).

These fatty acids have shown ^[41] for the promotion of satiety in relation to other fats and increase the number of calories burned ( 48 , 49 ).

There are also two studies, one for women and men on the other, showing that coconut oil has reduced amounts of abdominal fat (LED 50 , 51 ).

Sure ... coconut oil still contains calories, so add on what you eat is a bad idea.

So it is not about adding coconut oil to your diet, which consists of some of your other edible fats replaced with coconut oil.

Extra virgin olive oil ^[42] It is also worth mentioning because it is probably the healthiest in the world fat.

20 full-fat yogurt

Another milk product is excellent yogurt.

Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria may improve bowel function.

Having a healthy colon can potentially help protect against inflammation and leptin resistance ^[43] , which is the primary hormonal factor for obesity.

Make sure that you choose the full fat yogurt ... studies show that non-low-fat, milk fat, but with a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes over time (connected 52 ).

Low-fat yogurt is usually loaded with sugar , so it is best to avoid these things like the plague.
^[44]

Credentials

1. ^{^} back (authoritynutrition.com)
2. ^{^} cholesterol (authoritynutrition.com)
3. ^{^} eggs (authoritynutrition.com)
4. ^{^} nutrients (authoritynutrition.com)
5. ^{^} calories (authoritynutrition.com)
6. ^{^} salmon (authoritynutrition.com)
7. ^{^} iodine (en.wikipedia.org)
8. ^{^} another (en.wikipedia.org)
9. ^{^} cruciferous (en.wikipedia.org)
10. ^{^} weight loss (authoritynutrition.com)
11. ^{^} unfair (authoritynutrition.com)
12. ^{^} red meat (authoritynutrition.com)
13. ^{^} protein (authoritynutrition.com)
14. ^{^} diet low in carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
15. ^{^} lean meat (authoritynutrition.com)
16. ^{^} Accounts (wholehealthsource.blogspot.com)
17. ^{^} potassium (en.wikipedia.org)
18. ^{^} saturation index (www.mendosa.com)
19. ^{^} resistant starch (authoritynutrition.com)
20. ^{^} beans (en.wikipedia.org)
21. ^{^} correctly (chriskresser.com)
22. ^{^} water (authoritynutrition.com)
23. ^{^} Dairy (authoritynutrition.com)
24. ^{^} calcium (authoritynutrition.com)
25. ^{^} Lawyers (authoritynutrition.com)
26. ^{^} olive oil (authoritynutrition.com)
27. ^{^} cider vinegar (authoritynutrition.com)
28. ^{^} less calories (authoritynutrition.com)
29. ^{^} gluten (authoritynutrition.com)
30. ^{^} quinoa (authoritynutrition.com)
31. ^{^} Beta-glucans (en.wikipedia.org)
32. ^{^} carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
33. ^{^} capsaicin (en.wikipedia.org)
34. ^{^} fruits (authoritynutrition.com)
35. ^{^} ketogenic diet (authoritynutrition.com)
36. ^{^} fructose (authoritynutrition.com)
37. ^{^} Grapefruit (en.wikipedia.org)
38. ^{^} Chia seeds (authoritynutrition.com)
39. ^{^} coconut oil (authoritynutrition.com)
40. ^{^} medium chain triglycerides (en.wikipedia.org)
41. ^{^} detected (authoritynutrition.com)
42. ^{^} extra virgin olive oil (authoritynutrition.com)
43. ^{^} leptin resistance (authoritynutrition.com)
44. ^{^} sugar (authoritynutrition.com)

Agave nectar: a sweetener that is worse than sugar

The harmful effects of sugar are among the few things that are most health experts agree.

Everyone knows that sugar unhealthy ^[1] and more health conscious people try to avoid.

Not surprisingly, all kinds of other popular sweeteners, become natural and artificial.

One of them is called agave syrup, a sweetener found in many " healthy foods ^[2] . "

Is said to be natural, and as a sweetener for diabetics environmental levels do not increase blood sugar markets.

However, if you ignore marketing claims and a look at what it really contains agave nectar, you will learn that there are even worse than regular sugar.

Let me explain why ...

What is Agave?

The Agave ^[3] grows natively in the southern United States and South America. It is often associated with Mexico.

While most Westerners only recently heard Agave, has been used in Mexico for hundreds (if not thousands) of years.

Back in the day, the Mexicans are used for various purposes, and is believed to have medicinal properties.

That is, what is the Agave:

Mexicans also used the juice (sweet liquid movement system) cook, a sweetener agave syrup (called generate 1 ).

But the most common use of the agave it ferments sugars to produce the alcoholic drink called Tequila ^[4] .

In fact, the most common tequila commercial use of agave today and one of the most famous Mexican exports.

How many plants in their natural state is Agave likely health benefits.

But, as is often the case when it is processed and refined, it tends to lose some (or all) of these beneficial health effects. This seems the case with refined agave sweetener that consume the people today.

Bottom Line: Agave is a plant that grows in abundance in Mexico. Has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, sweetening and can also be fermented to make tequila.

Agave nectar How is it done?

Often sold as the sweetener agave nectar would like agave syrup to be labeled.

The truth is ... it was the traditional sweetener of Mexicans very little in common.

The boot process is the same. Shut down the system, then cut and squeeze the liquid flows sweet.

This fluid is rich in sugar, but also contains healthy compounds such as fructans ^[5] , the (associated with positive effects on the metabolism and insulin 2 ).

If, however, dare fructans in a syrup manufacturer decompose into liquid mellitus FRUCT heat and / or enzymes exposed to treated ( 3 , 4 ).

This process destroys all the characteristics of health promotion Agave, but produces syrup concentrate on the shelves of stores that falsely claimed to be healthy.

The manufacturing method is similar to other unhealthy sweeteners such as corn syrup may be prepared with a high fructose content.

So ... is sold as the sweetener agave nectar is not really "nectar" - is a sweetener refined from processed agave syrup.

Conclusion: Agave sweetener is sold today by the processing of sugar and heat enzymes, all of which was destroyed in the positive health effects of agave plant. The final product is a highly purified syrup unhealthy.

Agave Nectar Spike takes a lot of blood sugar

The glycemic index ^[6] (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food sugar in the bloodstream.

In general, the greater the probability for a GI food, the larger the peak blood glucose and the worse health ( 5 , 6 , 7 ).

Unlike glucose, fructose is not directly into the bloodstream and therefore provides no blood sugar or insulin levels in the short term.

That's why high fructose sweeteners are often referred to as "healthy" or marketed "diabetics".

Agave nectar has a low GI, mainly because most of the sugar fructose. Has very little glucose, at least in comparison with the regular sugar.

A recent study in mice compared the metabolic effects of agave syrup and sucrose (raw sugar) after 34 days have. Mice get agave syrup gained less weight and had lower blood sugar levels and insulin ( 8 ).

That's actually what we expect from a short-term study, as raw sugar two levels of glucose in the blood sugar and insulin rise, while fructose does not.

That said ... the glycemic index is to consider only one of many things when., The health effects of artificial sweeteners

The negative effects of Agave (and sugar in general) have very little to do with the glycemic index, but everything to do with the large amounts of fructose ... and agave syrup is high in fructose.

Conclusion: agave nectar is low in sugar and therefore do not increase the blood sugar levels greatly. This gives you the low-glycemic sweetener.

Agave Nectar is dangerously high fructose

Sugar and corn syrup, high fructose (HFCS), the two simple sugars ... half glucose and fructose ^[7] .

While glucose and fructose are similar, they have very different effects on the body.

Glucose ^[8] is an important molecule. It is in many healthy foods (such as carrots and potatoes) and body found to make to ensure that we always have enough.

In fact, every living cell glucose planet ... because this molecule is absolutely vital.

Considering that each cell to metabolize glucose in the human body, the liver is the only organ that fructose in significant quantities (can metabolize 9 ).

As part of a high- carbohydrate ^[9] , high calorie ^[10] of the Western diet, eat lots of added fructose can have devastating effects ^[11] on the metabolic health ( 10 ).

The liver is overloaded and begins to turn fat fructose, which is sent as VLDL and triglycerides increased. Many researchers believe that some of the fat in the liver and raise fatty liver disease ( 11 , 12 , 13 ).

Although fructose is not the rate of blood sugar, the increase in the short term, it may help, insulin resistance ^[12] , when consumed in large quantities.

This can lead to severe long-term increase in blood glucose and insulin levels, the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (strong increase 14 , 15 , 16 ).

Eating large amounts of fructose may be other side effects such as increased ... small, dense LDL particles and oxidized LDL (bad) cause the accumulation of abdominal fat, but a few (call 17 ).

Here is where it gets really interesting ... agave syrup is about 85% fructose, the (much higher than normal sugar 18 ).

Note that all this applies to all fruits ^[13] , with the charged fiber ^[14] and we feel full quickly. We are well equipped to handle small amounts of fructose in fruit.

This "healthy" sweetener is worse than regular sugar

If needed a little sweetness to your diet, agave syrup is absolutely not the way to do it.

There are several natural sweeteners ^[15] It is much healthier ... including Stevia ^[16] , erythritol ^[17] and xylitol ^[18] .

Agave nectar may be the most unhealthy sweetener in the world. He makes regular eye shot sugar in healthy comparison ... and that's saying something.

Credentials

1. ^{^} unhealthy (authoritynutrition.com)
2. ^{^} Health Food (authoritynutrition.com)
3. ^{^} Agave (en.wikipedia.org)
4. ^{^} Tequila (en.wikipedia.org)
5. ^{^} fructans (en.wikipedia.org)
6. ^{^} glycemic index (www.glycemicindex.com)
7. ^{^} fructose (authoritynutrition.com)
8. ^{^} glucose (en.wikipedia.org)
9. ^{^} carbohydrates (authoritynutrition.com)
10. ^{^} calories (authoritynutrition.com)
11. ^{^} havoc (authoritynutrition.com)
12. ^{^} insulin resistance (en.wikipedia.org)
13. ^{^} fruits (authoritynutrition.com)
14. ^{^} fiber (authoritynutrition.com)
15. ^{^} natural sweeteners (authoritynutrition.com)
16. ^{^} Stevia (authoritynutrition.com)
17. ^{^} erythritol (authoritynutrition.com)
18. ^{^} xylitol (authoritynutrition.com)

Leptin and leptin resistance: Everything you need to know

Many people mistakenly believe that weight gain (and loss ^[1] ) is all about calories and will.

, Modern research on obesity, however, is not right ... and scientists increasingly on a hormone called leptin (drawn 1 ).

(Resistant to the effects of this hormone (leptin resistance) is now in the people as the primary driver of fat accumulation 2 ).

In the video above, Dr. Stephan Guyenet an obesity researcher and blogger , explains everything you need to know about it as leptin and obesity involved.
^{[2] [3] [4]}

Meeting leptin - the hormone that "Master" that regulates body weight

Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells in the body (made 3 ).

It is often called the "satiety hormone" or the "hunger hormone" called.

Leptin is the main target in the brain, particularly an area called the hypothalamus ^[5] .

Leptin to the brain that we have stored enough fat to say we do not need to eat, and we can calories at a normal rate (burn 4 ).

It also has many other features to fertility, immunity, brain function and other (related 5 ).

, However, the main function of leptin, the long-term regulation of energy balance ... the amount of calories, ^[6] , we eat and spent, and the amount of fat we store in our bodies ( 6 ).

The leptin system has evolved to hunger and overeating, both of us less likely, made to survive in the wilderness to avoid.

These days, leptin is very effective in order not to starve. But something is in the mechanism that should prevent us from overeating, is broken.

Conclusion: Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells in the body. Its main function is to regulate the amount of calories you consume and burn, and the amount of fat we carry in our bodies.

Leptin is to tell the brain that we need to eat,

How does leptin is relatively simple ...

This hormone is produced by fat cells in the body. The more body fat you have, the more leptin (occurring in July ).

Leptin is transported by the blood and the brain, where a signal is sent to the hypothalamus ... the area of the brain that controls when and how much to eat ( 8 ).

Fat cells used leptin "say" the brain how much body fat they carry. Many Leptin tells the brain that we have a lot of stored fat, while low leptin levels tell the brain that fat reserves are low, and in danger of starving (have 9 ).

This diagram shows how it should be leptin function:

Food -> body fat increases -> Leptin increases -> to eat less and burn more.

Or ...

We Do not Eat -> fat -> Leptin drops - eat> more and consume less.

This type of system is known as a negative feedback ^[7] , and the loop is similar to the controls ... various physiological functions, such as respiration, body temperature, blood pressure, and others.

Conclusion: The most important function of leptin signals the brain, "says" is the amount of fat stored in the fat cells of the body.

Leptin resistance may be a primary defect biological obesity

Obese people have a lot of body fat in fat cells.

Because fat cells, leptin in proportion to their size, have obese people also high leptin levels ( 10 ).

Considering how to leptin function, should not eat your brains ... must know that they. A lot of stored energy

But ... the problem is that the leptin signal does not work. Many of leptin in circulation, but the brain does not "see" that there are ( 11 ).

This condition is known as leptin resistance. It is considered today as the most important biological abnormality of the human obesity ( 12 ).

When the brain the signal of leptin, which a mistake to believe that the body is hungry, even if you have stored more than enough energy.

This causes the brain ^[8] change our physiology and behavior in order to recover the brain think that we fat ( 13 , 14 , 15 ):

• Food: The brain thinks that we have to eat, so do not starve.
• Reduced energy costs: The brain thinks that we need to conserve energy, so we feel makes us lazy and burn fewer calories at rest.

So ... eat more and exercise less is not the cause of weight gain is the result of leptin resistance, a hormonal defect ( 16 ).

For most people trying to cognitive inhibition (the will) to exercise the hunger signal driven by leptin is almost impossible.

Conclusion: Obese people have high levels of leptin, leptin signal does not work because of a condition known as leptin resistance. Leptin resistance can cause hunger and reduces energy consumption.

To lose weight, reduced leptin so the brain tries to gain weight

Most "diets" not good in the long-term work. It is good in weight loss studies-known problem.

The diets are so ineffective that when someone moves the thin obesity is considered a current material.

The truth is ... when it comes to losing weight, get long-term success, is the exception, not the rule.

There are many possible reasons, but research shows that leptin may be a lot in order to (have 17 , 18 ).

Weight loss reduces fat mass, which leads to a significant reduction of leptin levels, but not necessarily vice versa brain leptin resistance.

When leptin decreased, which burned to hunger, increased appetite, decreased motivation for exercise and the amount of calories at rest (by 19 , 20 ).

Basically, reduced leptin, the brain thinks it is hungry ... so give all kinds of powerful mechanisms to erroneously think the loss of body fat, which protects us from starving recover.

In other words, the brain active for more fat, the use of strong biochemical forces that compel us to eat again, the weight.

Most diets will be familiar with this ... Weight loss is often easy at first, especially if the motivation is high, but soon hunger cravings ^[9] and a reduced desire to settle year.

This is the main reason, "Jo-Jo" diet ... so many people lose a significant amount of weight, only to regain it (and then some).

Conclusion: When people lose fat, leptin levels were significantly reduced. The brain interprets this as a sign of hunger, change our biology and behavior that make us the lost fat.

What are the causes leptin resistance?

According to Dr. Guyenet behind several mechanisms of cellular resistance to leptin have been identified.

These include ( 21 , 22 ):

1. Inflammation: inflammatory signaling in the hypothalamus is probably one of the main causes of leptin resistance in animals and humans.
2. FFA: High free fatty acids in the blood fat metabolites increased in the brain and interfere with leptin signaling.
3. High concentrations of leptin: High levels of leptin in the first place seems to cause leptin resistance.

Almost all of these factors increases in obesity ... so you can get a vicious circle in which to make the people more and leptin resistance with time.

Conclusion: The potential causes leptin resistance include inflammation, increased free fatty acids and high leptin. The three are elevated in obesity.

What science knows, reverse leptin resistance

The best way to know if you are leptin resistant, is to look in the mirror.

If you have a lot of body fat, especially in the abdominal area, then you are almost sure that the leptin resistance.

A key to preventing (or investment) leptin resistance, reduced inflammation through diet caused ^[10] .

There are several things you can do:

• Avoid processed foods: Most processed foods ^[11] , the integrity and the unity of intestinal inflammation (compromising 23 ).
• Eat soluble fiber: soluble food fiber ^[12] can improve the intestinal health and can combat obesity (before 24 ).
• Exercise: Physical activity can reverse leptin resistance (help 25 ).
• Sleep: Sleep deprivation has (been linked to problems with leptin 26 ).
• Lower your triglyceride levels: with triglyceride levels in the blood may prevent the transport of leptin in the blood and in the brain ( 27 ). The best way to lower triglycerides, carbohydrate intake (reduction 28 ).
• Eat protein: Eating many proteins ^[13] may result in automatic weight loss. There are many reasons why one of them, an improvement in the sensitivity of leptin (be 29 ).

Any of these sound familiar? These are many of the things we normally associate healthy.

Unfortunately there is no easy way to do this. Eat real food ^[14] , the maintenance of intestinal health, exercise, sleep, etc ... these are all efforts, the lives that require a radical change of lifestyle.

Home message

Obesity is not caused by greed, laziness or lack of willpower.

There are powerful forces biochemical involved ... which are driven primarily by changes in the environment and in particular the Western diet ^[15] .

The truth is ... everywhere that the regime, obesity and chronic diseases continue.

Not because this system makes people greedy and lazy, but because it changes our biology in a way that changes our behavior.

Although the causes of obesity are complex and varied, the leptin resistance is the main reason people gain weight ^[16] and so hard to lose.

Leptin is the "master hormone" in the regulation of body fat mass.

Credentials

1. ^{^} loss (authoritynutrition.com)
2. ^{^} Video (www.youtube.com)
3. ^{^} Dr. Stephan Guyenet (twitter.com)
4. ^{^} Blogger (wholehealthsource.blogspot.com)
5. ^{^} hypothalamus (en.wikipedia.org)
6. ^{^} calories (authoritynutrition.com)
7. ^{^} negative feedback (en.wikipedia.org)
8. ^{^} does the brain (authoritynutrition.com)
9. ^{^} wishes (authoritynutrition.com)
10. ^{^} induced inflammation diet (www.docsopinion.com)
11. ^{^} processed foods (authoritynutrition.com)
12. ^{^} fiber (authoritynutrition.com)
13. ^{^} protein (authoritynutrition.com)
14. ^{^} real food (authoritynutrition.com)
15. ^{^} Western diet (authoritynutrition.com)
16. ^{^} weight gain (authoritynutrition.com)