Raw Honey

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tpribors's picture
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I'm allergic to honey. Is it ok to substitute with raw agave nectar? I'm hoping to eventually be able to put honey back in my diet, but right now I get asthma attacks when I try.

Thanks!

Tammy

Dawn's picture
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Raw Honey

Thank you! This is good information to know!

Dawn

Dr. Winnie Abramson's picture
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agave

Honestly I don't have info on any specific brands, but I think with agave it's important not to buy one that is very inexpensive as these are the ones that are questionable...
I don't have a source to send you too- a colleague of Dr. Pearsall's who is a raw foods expert passed along the info.
Again, don't panic about this...in all likelihood the agave you have is just fine.
Dr. Winnie Abramson

tpribors's picture
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Agave

I use Madhava Raw pure organic agave nectar and Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Raw Blue Agave. Are either of these in the 'not ok' category?

Thanks!

Tammy

Dawn's picture
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Raw Honey

Can you share what brands are in question/reputable? Sources on the health issues? (I am so glad I asked!)

I have a small stock of it (4-5 bottles), but would not hesitate to toss it if it was a questionable brand. I AVOID toxins at every opportunity!!

I hope my bees produce an abundance of honey this year!

Thanks for your reply,

Dawn

Dr. Winnie Abramson's picture
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raw honey and agave

Dr. Pearsall worries that most agave producers do not do a lot of testing of their products and has heard that occasionally they can be contaminated with toxins. She was particularly dismayed when she heard about a link between agave and sponaneous abortion.
So that is why we don't recommend it a lot. If you love it and are not concerned about the above, you can continue to use it in small amounts, but I would buy a repudable brand.
Dr. Winnie Abramson

Dawn's picture
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Raw Honey

I have a question about this topic. Agave is lower on the glycemic scale than honey, so I would think it would be a good substitution for honey (although you are not getting the many other health benefits that you get with honey).

Is there some reason you are not recommending the agave very highly?

Curious minds want to know :)

Dawn

Dr. Winnie Abramson's picture
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raw honey

You could just use stevia, but yes, agave would be ok for you. Make sure to use as little as possible as sweets should be minimized.
Dr. Winnie Abramson