We could all use a little bit of sweetness from time to time. However, it’s no secret that consuming an excess of sugar can lead to a range of health risks, including weight gain. Because of this, many people turn to alternative sweeteners to please their sweet tooth.
And since artificial sweeteners notably come with their own share of downsides, natural sweeteners are typically the best option. However, there’s one seemingly healthy, natural option that could actually result in abdominal fat over time: agave nectar.
To learn more about the surprising downsides to agave nectar, we spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat. She told us that although this sweetener may seem like a healthy alternative to sugar for weight loss, it may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Read on for all of her expert insight on the matter.
How agave nectar can lead to abdominal fat
On one hand, there are some benefits to choosing agave nectar over refined sugar. As Sabat notes, "agave nectar has been marketed as a natural and healthier alternative to refined sugar due to its low glycemic index and being derived from the agave plant."
But although this sweetener has a low glycemic index, its sugar content can still be concerning. "It can be deceptively high in fructose, which is a type of sugar that can be problematic when consumed in excess," Sabat tells us. "Fructose is metabolized primarily in the liver, and when consumed in large amounts, it can lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver, a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This, in turn, may contribute to the development of abdominal fat and other metabolic issues." Yikes!
Ultimately, she says, "while agave nectar does have a lower glycemic index than regular sugar, it's important to be mindful of its fructose content and moderate its consumption to avoid potential negative health effects."
What to use instead: Stevia
So, sugar is terrible for you, artificial sweeteners aren't much better, and even agave nectar can lead to abdominal fat... are there any sweeteners you can add to your coffee with peace of mind? Yes! Sabat recommends stevia.
"Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant," she explains. "It does not raise blood sugar levels and has a negligible impact on insulin, making it a suitable choice for those concerned about abdominal fat and overall metabolic health."
Another great benefit is that stevia is even sweeter than sugar. This means that you can stick to a small amount of it in recipes (and in your morning cup of joe), further reducing your sweetener intake and keeping your body in great shape. Perfect!
READ MORE: 2 Common Coffee Ingredients Dietitians Warn Can Lead To Weight Gain
