Agave - Nature’s Incredible Prebiotic

January 20, 2010 by Dee
Filed under Candida Diet

What are Prebiotics?

Prebiotics are food ingredients that are non-digestible (soluble fiber) but feed the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tracts of humans. They keep the friendly bacteria healthy and strong, encouraging them to multiply and overpower harmful bacterial strains. Not only does this aid in digestion, it also strengthens your immune system and helps you maintain your health. By increasing the number of good bacteria, you also help the body absorb vitamins and minerals and may increase the ability of your bones to absorb calcium, keeping them stronger longer.

Prebiotics are not the same as probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that are actually living. Prebiotics are like health food for probiotics.

Where do prebiotics come from? Prebiotics are found in several food sources, such as artichokes, bananas, garlic, onions, legumes, wheat and whole grains such as oatmeal and a few other foods. One of the richest natural sources of prebiotics, however, is agave.

Agave as a Digestive Aid

Agave is a plant found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, central and tropical South America, the Mediterranean and some parts of India. Although modern society has only recently discovered the benefits of agave, ancient people prized it as a food ingredient. In fact, the Aztecs believed agave was a gift from the gods. It is a source of a naturally sweet sap that Mexicans refer to as agua miel, or “honey water”.

Agave is also high in inulin. No, that’s not a typo, it is inulin, not insulin. Inulin is a naturally occuring sugar with a very low glycemic index which helps you control blood sugar levels. It is also a great fuel source for the friendly microflora that live in your gut.

Agave can be used as a sweetener in food or drinks you prepare. You get that sweet taste you’re craving and a healthy dose of prebiotics at the same time. You can use either a liquid or powder form of agave.

As sufferes of candida, we know that it is sometimes difficult to stick to the right diet. We know there are many foods that we should avoid, including refined sugars. Agave is a welcome addition to our diets, as well as a way to boost the health of our digestive system. After adding agave to your diet, you will probably echo the Aztecs and also call agave a ‘gift from the gods’.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!