Agave... Mock Meat... Running and Arthritis

Three good articles from this week's SparkPeople newsletter...

The Truth about Agave Nectar
Move over, honey—there's a new liquid sweetener in town. One that's "all natural" and low-glycemic. But is it actually good for you, or is it simply too good to be true?

Running and Arthritis: Is There a Connection?
Find out if there's any truth behind the claims that running increases your risk for arthritis.

6 Marvelous Mock Meats
If you're forgoing meat for religious, health or personal reasons, there is a wide world of affordable, plant-based proteins awaiting you. Check out these staples!

Karen - thanks for the links.  I was particularly interested in the Agave Nectar article.  For my own needs as well as the needs of my newly type II diabetic boyfriend.   

Have you used it and if so, in what capacity ?  Cooking, sweetening coffee/tea? 

Lisa

You're welcome.  I have some but haven't really tried it yet.  My thought was to use it only in recipes where the TEXTURE of honey was important.  I know some folks here use it regularly, so maybe some of them will chime in.

k.

I would do a LOT of research before using Agave. Yes, the glycemic index is lower than that of sucrose, but its high fructose content can also trigger metabolic syndrome, decreased glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance -- three of the same factors that led to my having surgery in the first place. It can also adversely affect your triglycerides. It is not a product that I would ever use.

I have a bottle of "agave nectar light" I have only used it a few times and both were in a glaze / marinade. If I can get away with it I'd rather use a simple syrup made from water and malitol. I agree that I would only use it where the texture or stickiness of honey was important. They also make a sugar free honey sub. Shannon has it but I forget where she got it - bariatriceating.com maybe

Thanks for sharing Karen!

I have gotten sugar free honey at Wegman's.. I used to buy it for my ex since he loved honey in his tea and he is diabetic.

I'm pretty sure netrition.com has sf honey as well....although I could be confusing it with BE....

I got one from BE and the other at Super Walmart next to the normal honey...

I found my sugar free honey substitute at Super Wal-mart.

I'll be checking out at least the last one soon!  Not because I'm giving up meat for any reason but am just plain interested....