Agave is a little-known plant in our latitudes, let’s discover its properties and types. Together with North-Central America, the Mediterranean basin is one of its areas of origin. If many do not know agave as a plant, they will probably know it in relation to the nutritional principles that make it a real elixir for health.
The Agave plant and main varieties
Agave is a shrubby succulent plant with a bushy habit belonging to the Asparagaceae family. Its fleshy and elongated leaves, grouped in the center to form a rosette. It has thorns at the edges and a large thorn at the apex. The flowers, white and panicle, bloom on long stems that can reach up to 8 meters in length.
If in the perennial agave the flowering is only part of its natural vegetative cycle. The monocarpic agave substantially coincides with the death of the plant. Among the most common species of agave is the marble, the Giant, the Victory Queen that has more size small. Agave strict and widespread agave American cultivated in pots and the striated leaves of yellow at the edges. Agave is a plant used for its medicinal power since ancient times: The Aztecs made great use of it who also used the plant to produce alcoholic beverages such as pulque, drunk mainly during religious ceremonies.
Benefits and uses of agave
Agave, rich in vitamins, amino acids, and mineral salts, is a natural remedy useful for treating intestinal blockages and constipation. Thanks to fiber and carbohydrates. It benefits the intestinal flora, improves digestion, and reduces intestinal swelling. Just the agave carbohydrates, improving the absorption of calcium by the body. It helps to prevent osteoporosis: in particular, inulin lowers levels of bad cholesterol and balances the levels of sugar in the blood, thus the benefit of diabetics.
Being rich in mineral salts (especially calcium, magnesium, and iron). Agave is also perfect as a supplement and tonic, especially for athletes. Agave can be taken in the form of agave sap, a liquid with antiseptic properties suitable for both external and internal use: An alternative is agave syrup, used as a dietary sweetener low in calories and with a low glycemic index. The agave extract, on the other hand, is perfect for treating joint pain and discomfort related to the menstrual cycle. The agave fiber is instead useful for the treatment of weak hair while the infusion can be used as a herbal tea or to make compresses on the eyes and skin.
