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15. Agave Nectar
With all this talk about avoiding sugar, it’s tempting to go for “sugar-free” options in the grocery store.First problem: sugar alcohols. These guys are often found in artificial sweeteners, and can have an uncomfortable impact on your digestive system.
The other problem is fructose. Too much fructose in your diet can be harmful, with such impacts as:
- Turning to fat. Fructose is metabolized in the liver, and if the liver is full of glycogen, the fructose will just be converted to fat.
- Insulin resistance. Too much fructose can cause liver disease and other metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance. Resistance to insulin and leptin – both helpful hormones in the body – frequently leads to type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Agave nectar is the main culprit here, having nearly twice as much fructose as regular sugar. The reason this is especially important is because, alongside common sugar alcohols, many sugar-free products are sweetened with agave.
If you should be avoiding sugar, then you should definitely avoid agave nectar.
The bottom line? Be very careful when going for sugar-free or fat-free products in the grocery store.
Now, I want to hear from you:
Are any of these “healthy” foods ones that you have in your regular diet? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s figure out some healthier alternatives together!