I have been using agave nectar to replace sugar and it has been a staple for me these past couple of weeks. I found you can use it in both savory and sweet dishes. I've used it for dressings as well as for baking muffins/cupcakes. You can use it to sweeten your tea or coffee as well. Since honey isn't vegan I thought this was a nice substitute for honey and sugar and basically all sweeteners in general. It is also diabetes-friendly because it has a low glycemic index.
Here is just a little bit more info on agave nectar/syrup.
Agave syrup (also called agave nectar) is a sweetener commercially produced in Mexico from several species of agave. Agave syrup is sweeter than honey. Agave was cultivated for centuries by the native American population for fibers, food and drinks.
Agave Nectar is high in fructose and is approximately 1.4 times sweeter than refined sugars. Agave Nectar offers an equivalent sweetness for nearly half the amount of carbohydrate calories. Fructose does not stimulate digestive insulin secretion as do other sugars; therefore, it has a low glycemic index. In other words, it does not create a "sugar rush." Glycemic Index is an important measure for diabetics, as well as athletes and overweight individuals. The index is an indication of how much the blood sugar level increases 2 to 3 hours after consumption. The higher the glycemic value, the faster it raises the blood sugar level.
Scientists from Mexico's tequila producing region say juice extracted from the blue agave plant, best known when distilled into the fiery spirit, may help dieters shed pounds and cut cholesterol. Agave contains, among other things, substances known as fructans, which are thought to reduce cholesterol (and) alter the absorption of fat in the intestine. Inulin, a type of fructan, is a carbohydrate found in many plants, including asparagus. Some scientists believe inulin helps weight loss.
Agave may also have anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties, including antimicrobial capability. In fact, the Aztecs used agave syrup to treat wounds because of its antibacterial properties.
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