Sweeter AND Healthier Than Sugar? Pura Foods Has the Secret All Foodies Need to Know

VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA, August 15, 2012 (Press-News.org) Until recently, most Vancouverites had nowhere to turn for a healthy sugar alternative; that is, until Pura Foods arrived with their innovative take on an ancient sugar substitute: agave.

Prized by the Aztecs, agave syrup has been used for thousands of years in Mexico, where it is well-known as a healthy, organic alternative to fattening processed sugars. Derived from the blue agave plant, agave syrup is healthier, sweeter, and longer-lasting than sugar, or honey.

Prized by the Aztecs, agave syrup has been used for thousands of years in Mexico, where it is well-known as a healthy, organic alternative to fattening processed sugars. Derived from the blue agave plant, agave syrup is healthier, sweeter, and longer-lasting than sugar, or honey.

Benefits of Agave:

- Extremely low glycemic index (17) compared to sugar (65) and honey (58)
- Contains prebiotics which increase metabolism and help aid in the absorption of minerals and nutrients
- Is 25% sweeter than sugar, so you can eat less, which means fewer calories
- Unlike honey, agave won't affect the flavour of food it's added to and it mixes just as well in cold drinks, as it does hot
- Lasts up to 5 years once opened and maintains its liquid state, so the last drop pours as easily as the first

The only downside to using agave is its lack of availability in Vancouver, which is where Pura Foods steps in. Founded by local chef Themis Velgis and entrepreneur Shahab Samimi, Pura Foods is on a mission to provide, as Velgis defines, an organic "healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners."

Why Pura?

Pura Sweeteners are certified USDA, Canadian Organic, and Vegan friendly and unlike other agave sellers, Pura's process maintains the syrup's rawness, ensuring the highest purity and nutritional content possible.

Available in 15 delicious flavours like Caramel, Peach and Vanilla, Pura Sweeteners make a great addition to cocktails, coffees, baked goods and anywhere you would use sugar.

Vancouverites can get a taste of the Pura sensation at their local Blenz Coffee all summer long with their chilled Hibiscus Tea, sweetened with Pura raw agave. Starting in September 2012, Pura will also be available for sale at Dirty Apron and Gourmet Warehouse.

As well, we've included 2 of our favourite Pura recipes for your audience's enjoyment:

Pura Smoothie
1 cup fat-free yogurt
1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons (or 2 pumps) Pura Raw Agave Natural Flavour
1 ripe banana

Pura Coconut Margarita
2 oz Arrebato tequila
½ up ice
1 oz fresh squeezed lime
1 oz Pura Raw Agave Coconut Flavor

For more recipes, hi-res images, or additional information about agave, Pura Foods, or to arrange an interview with Chef Themis Velgis, contact: info@purasweeteners.com or call 604-564-1343.

Pura Foods
Founded in 2011, Pura Foods is a Vancouver company created to service Vancouver's need for a healthy, organic sugar alternative.

Web: PuraSweeteners.com | Twitter: @PuraSweet | Facebook: facebook.com/purasweet