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(picture courtesy of blueagavenectar.com)I’ve been avoiding researching and writing about agave nectar.
Why? Well, one reason is because it seems increasingly difficult to find solid, unbiased research.
Following is some information I’ve gathered about agave nectar with sources included. If you have verifiable information about this sweetener, please forward it to me. Perhaps this will be an on-going blog-community effort.
WHAT IT IS: Agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a sweetener commercially produced in Mexico from several species of agave, including the Blue Agave (Agave tequilana), Salmiana Agave (Agave salmiana), Green Agave, Grey Agave, Thorny Agave, and Rainbow Agave.
Agave nectar consists primarily of fructose and glucose. One source gives 92% fructose and 8% glucose; another gives 56% fructose and 20% glucose. These differences presumably reflect variation from one vendor of agave nectar to another. Due to its fructose content and the fact that the glycemic index only measures glucose levels, agave nectar is notable in that its glycemic index and glycemic load are lower than many other natural sweeteners on the market. 1
HOW IT IS PRODUCED: To produce agave nectar, juice is expressed from the core of the agave, called the piña. The juice is filtered, then heated, to hydrolyze carbohydrates into sugars. The main carbohydrate is a complex form of fructose called inulin or fructosan. The filtered, hydrolyzed juice is concentrated to a syrup-like liquid a little thinner than honey and ranges in color from light to dark depending on the degree of processing. The syrup naturally contains quantities of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium, which contribute to the resulting color. 2
GLYCEMIC INDEX/LOAD: The glycemic index categorizes agave nectar between 11-19, and the glycemic load between 1-2. 3
DR. WEIL ON AGAVE NECTAR: Agave nectar is a natural sweetener that ranks relatively low on the glycemic load scale. It is sold in health food stores and online and has been growing in popularity in recent years. Although it provides as many calories as sucrose (table sugar), it is sweeter, so you can use less of it - say one-quarter of a cup to substitute for one cup of sugar in recipes. I like the taste of agave nectar and have started using it in my kitchen, as well as trying products that contain it.
A 2006 review of the scientific literature on agave published in HerbClip™, on the Web site of the American Botanical Council, concluded that it is safe to use agave in the amounts usually found in foods and beverages, but the reviewers cautioned that pregnant women should avoid it because some species (more than 200 have been identified) contain anordin and dinordin, steroids with contraceptive effects that could lead to miscarriage. I think this is a very low risk. I am more concerned about the sustainability of agave as a food source, because demand may soon exceed supply. 4
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
Recipe with agave: PCRM.org is a wonderful organization committed to nutrition, education and responsible medicine. President of PCRM and medical doctor, Dr. Neal Barnard, published Program for Reversing Diabetes that includes a recipe containing agave nectar. 5
Metabolizing Fructose: It seems like a recurring health-related issue with agave is its high levels of fructose. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states: “Most of the metabolic effects of fructose are due to its rapid utilization by the liver and it by-passing the phosphofructokinase regulatory step in glycolysis, leading to far reaching consequences to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.” Click on the link to AJCN below for more information. 6
Diabetic-Related Information Regarding Agave: Glycemic Research Institute stated that clinical trials were stopped due to severe side effects in diabetics. 7
Wall Street Journal Information about Agave: Very vague information about agave, but includes the organization that issued the warning about agave. 8
Sources:
1, 2: Wikipedia
3: The Glycemic Index
4: Dr. Weil
5: PCRM
6: Am J Clin Nutr.
7: Glycemic Research Institute
8: WSJ
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HSN, interactive lifestyle network and retail destination, announces it will launch an exclusive new line of double duty beauty products with Purple Lab. The collection will consist of six new products which will debut on HSN with four prime-time shows between February 18th-20th and feature Purple Lab founder Karen Robinovitz.
Robinovitz is an acclaimed fashion and beauty journalist and author, who launched Purple Lab in May 2009 with her first beauty product, Huge Lips Skinny Hips, a lip plumping gloss enriched with hoodia. The exclusive collection of products for HSN marks the first expansion of Purple Lab.
Purple Lab exclusive HSN Products include:
- Huge Lips Skinny Hips ($22.00), a lip plumping gloss enriched with hoodia
- Lashionista Modelista ($26.50), a protein-packed mascara/felt tip liquid liner duo with lash conditioner
- Silk Sheets ($28.50), a luxe foundation
- Luvah ($22.50), a compact with lip stain and gloss
- Luxury Squared ($24.50), highlighter and concealer
- Cheek Implants($24.00), cream blush complete with collagen
“The DNA of Purple Lab is chic, innovative and fun - products with a sense of humor and double duty ingredients - perfect for the HSN customer who is focused on products and their benefits. Being on HSN was the dream from day one - it’s the best way to communicate what your brand is about without the dilution of a retail floor. It will also be a new forum for Purple Lab fans,” says Robinovitz.
Of the launch, CEO of HSN, Inc. Mindy Grossman said, “We have had terrific success bringing unique, differentiated and proprietary beauty products to HSN - and we are thrilled to partner with Karen Robinovitz as she is the quintessential story teller who will bring her brand to life for our customers.”
Coinciding with the launch of the partnership, Purple Lab and HSN will kick-off an online model contest in search of the HSN face of Purple Lab. The contest will launch on December 7th and run through February 1st on www.purplelabnyc.com/hsnstar.
A first for the brand, this competition has been designed as a unique vehicle to reach a new younger consumer heavily tapped into the social media stratosphere. Contestants will be asked to submit a photo or video that showcases why they have what it takes to be the face of Purple Lab for HSN. The grand prize winner, selected via consumer votes, will receive a trip to HSN and will be announced on air on February 18th at 8pm (EDT).
“The Purple Lab launch is part of HSN’s strategic plan for continued variety and growth. The collection serves a ‘double duty’ purpose: from Lashionista to Modelista, these products are fun, yet practical - cheeky yet sophisticated that will appeal to our customers,” said HSN Senior Vice President, Merchandising for Beauty Michael Henry. “We are also excited to engage customers on a grassroots level through multiple innovative and social media platforms.”
Purple Lab will debut on HSN on February 18th at 9am with additional shows on February 18th at 8pm, February 19 at noon and 7pm and February 20th at 2am (all times EDT). The entire collection will be available online at HSN, beginning a few days prior.
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I tampered with Nourishing Apron’s sugar cookie recipe. I was out of white flour and I tried agave instead of honey.
I also substituted vanilla extract for almond extract. Basically, I completely changed the sugar cookie recipe and used different ingredients except butter. I didn’t measure, which I realized I should have so I could share those amounts with you, however, they were fairly close to the amounts used in Nourishing Apron’s recipe.
Here is an estimate of what I used:
One and a half cups white whole wheat flour
3/4 cup cold, salted, organic butter
1+ tsp vanilla extract (I rarely measure–I just pour)
1/4 cup agave
I combined the butter and flour first, then slowly added the agave and vanilla. It is a pretty hard dough after you refrigerate it, which makes it nice and easy to roll out later.
I don’t have a food processor, which probably would have made combining the cold butter and flour much easier. I used a hand held mixer at first but ultimately a fork to combine the butter and flour, much like you would do for pie crust. Slowly adding the agave helped combine the last remaining stubborn pieces of butter with the flour for a nice, thick dough.
After a few hours of refrigeration (or days in my case) roll out and use a cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes at 300 degrees F.
If you try these and use different amounts or ingredients, let me know!
IMPORTANT NOTE: There is a problem with this cookie dough. It is out of this world delicious. It is so sweet and chewy and moist with just the right amount of vanilla…..It is the ultimate comfort food. Not hard to believe when you think about it: butter and sweetly aromatic, with flour for fill, for that intoxicating fragrance and heavenly sensory experience.
Cookie dough has always been my favorite sweet snack. With the little dough I had leftover after days of snacking, I was able to make a small tray of cookies. They were delicious, too, but didn’t even make it beyond the day they came out of the oven. I have to admit that even though I used a white sugar substitute, (agave) my problem with eating too much of something good still exists. I have to work on my moderation skills before I dare make these again.
Enjoy!
One of my readers, Shanti, baked Nourishing Apron’s cookies and they look beautiful. She sent me this picture:
(Shanti says no, the sprinkles are not sugar-free! Dang!)
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Snip-its (www.snipits.com), the fastest growing franchise of children’s hair salons in the U.S. is known for providing a pleasant, entertaining hair-cutting experience for kids, which is especially beneficial for families during the hectic holiday season. The addition of Snip-its Express, a scaled-down version of the children’s salon, provides yet another option for fitting in kids’ hair cuts and styling, just in time for holiday photos and festivities. Snip-its gift certificates make ideal holiday gifts for families with children.
“The holiday season can feel very rushed for families juggling multiple shopping lists, parties and holiday school schedules,” said Christine Mudd, director of franchise development, Snip-its. ”Snip-its and Snip-its Express stores helps families by offering its signature tear-free kids hair cut and gift-giving ideas from gift certificates to its own line of children’s grooming products. Parties also can be booked for children’s holiday celebrations at the full-service Snip-its salons.”
The salon offers unique, spa-style experiences including manicures, pedicures and specialty hair styles such as hair wraps, cornrow braids and beads. Expert make up application for weddings, recitals, holidays and other special occasions is a favorite service that includes a palette of shadow, blusher, liner and lip gloss that little princesses can take home. Snip-its offers a line of safe, environmentally friendly shampoos, body wash, conditioners and styling products. All Snip-its and Snip-its Express stores are independently owned and operated by franchisees.
Snip-its, a growing kids franchise was founded in 1995 by California native, Joanna Meiseles, the daughter of Hollywood producer, Robert Blumofe credited with the movie, Yours, Mine and Ours and is the granddaughter of famed comedian Jack Benny. After a heartbreaking visit to an ‘adult’ salon with her then young son, the first-time entrepreneur established the entertainment-styled salon with the goal to make children’s hair care a positive fun-filled adventure for families. Entrepreneurs that relate to this scenario may wish to learn more about opening a Snip-its store. For more information on Snip-It’s Express franchising please visit http://snipits.com/franchising/franchise_faq.cfm.
About Snip-Its
The Snip-its Corporation, based in Natick, Massachusetts is designed to untangle the hair care challenges of children and their parents. It provides the best customer service and a guaranteed great time for both kids and parents. The salon franchise has served more than one million children annually in 65 locations. In 2007, Snip-its was named the 30th fastest growing franchise in the U.S. by Franchise Times Magazine. For more information or children’s franchise opportunities, visit www.snipits.com or call 877-SNIP-ITS.
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Natural secret to finally clear acne revealed. Whether it’s called pimples, zits, blackheads or whiteheads no one likes acne. Nothing kills confidence more than acne and the tireless pursuit to find a treatment that actually works.
Now for the first time, there is Dermify, a 100 percent natural acne treatment that is safe, gentle and clinically proven to clear all types of acne and prevent future breakouts…the natural way.
Dermify’s All-in-One Acne Treatment is the result of more than 20 years of research and formulation by an acclaimed biochemist and herbalist and contains the only 100 percent natural FDA approved acne drug.
Dermify’s mineral rich clays, organic botanicals, micronutrient-rich herbs and antioxidant fruit extracts will cleanse, purify and nurture skin for a clean, healthy glow. In the matter of seconds, Dermify will:
Shrink pimples & reduce oily shine & unclog pores Smooth & brighten skin Prevent future acne breakouts without dryness, peeling, redness or irritation
Dermify is clinically proven to effectively treat and clear cystic acne, whiteheads, blackheads and pimples for men and women of all ages and skin types - including pregnant women.
Dermify Difference: All-In-One Acne Treatment
100 Percent Natural and Organic - Dermify has no harsh soaps, sulfates, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or synthetic chemicals commonly found in other acne products.
Proven Fast Results - Many Dermify users experience noticeable results after just one use and clear, acne-free skin within days. FDA-Approved Ingredient - Dermify contains the only 100 percent natural, FDA approved drug used for the treatment of acne.
Eco-Friendly - Dermify and its packaging are sourced from biodegradable, non-toxic and renewable/sustainable resources. Dermify is cruelty-free and has never been tested on animals. Dermify is the first “green” acne solution.
“Having suffered acne myself, I’m proud to bring a new 100 percent natural acne treatment that will help the millions of acne sufferers,” said Jordan Finger, President of Dermify. “Until the launch of Dermify, teens and adults have had to use harsh chemicals or prescription drugs, like Proactiv™ or Accutane™ which not only can cause horrible side effects, but in many cases, provide no relief from the acne disease they were trying to treat.”
Mr. Finger adds, “The combination of being 100 percent natural as well as using the most eco-friendly, green manufacturing processes available today, makes Dermify a very exciting new product that will finally allow the acne sufferers to get the clear acne-free skin they want, while also being gentle on the environment.”
Real People, Real Results with Dermify
A 250 person clinical study was done on Dermify to prove that it is a safe and effective great treatment. This is what several of the Dermify users had to say,
“I really think that Dermify is a miracle product… I mean every word of it. This stuff just ROCKED my life and cleared my face. I absolutely feel more confident now because I know that I don’t look really gross. Everybody noticed and complimented me on the change in my skin, my husband, my mother and all of my friends. I feel and look great!” Genevieve, 27
“Dermify really works… its quick and easy to use and it really cleans my skin. I didn’t think it was going to work but I then realized that it did. By the second week, my face had gotten clearer. Now I just wake up, use Dermify and I’m good to go for the day. I recommend anyone who sufferers from acne to at least give it a try” - Edward, 19
“I noticed after the first week that I was clearing up. When I think of Dermify, I think refreshing, cleansing, and natural. I feel like I can go out without having to worry about covering my skin up. I can just go out naturally, and feel confident about myself…. I’m not worried about my face. It helps me just to be me. I love how fast and easy Dermify cleared up my pimples.” - Melody, 23
To learn more about Dermify, please visit www.dermify.com.
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Looking for easy, natural ways to remove your freckles? Visit http://www.NoFreckles.com to discover top 3 guaranteed ways to help you.
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