Agave syrup might not be the better sugar you think

Agave syrup might look like the better option to white sugar for many households. It is commonly used as a substitution, and discarded as a healthier option overall. However, this may not be the truth due to agave syrup’s high fructose content. 

Is agave syrup better than white sugar?

Agave syrup can have over 70% fructose in its composition. This can, in the long term, cause problems. What would start as a hopeful substitute for white sugar, could turn into a fattier liver, or some form of a metabolic disease. 

Production of agave syrup is also a different story. Environmentally speaking, the higher demand for agave syrup is not the best for biodiversity, nor the soil, especially in Central America. As the main provider for this sugar substitute, Central American farms can struggle to keep environmental benefits in a safe zone, in addition to providing good working conditions on the plantations. 

Perhaps it is time to think more about local sources for sugar substitutes, such as beet sugar, or fruit syrups produced around consumers themselves.