Pancakes, Maple Syrup, Raspberries

Maple syrup comes from maple trees.  When you bore a hole in the bark of the tree, the sap runs out.  The sap is then concentrated which gives us delicious maple syrup.  Maple syrup usually comes from sugar maple or black maple trees. 

Some versions of maple syrup are healthier than others.  There is even syrup that is just flavored maple but has a lot of refined sugars and other additives in them.  Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener, similar to honey.  

 

Maple Syrup Health Benefits

Maple syrup contains minerals and antioxidants which some people see as a health benefit. 

Good Source Of Minerals

Pure maple syrup contains calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and copper. 

Maple syrup contains 33% of the daily required amount of manganese that you need.  Manganese is important in bone health.  Having some maple syrup in your diet can help you not have a manganese deficiency.  

Purium Products that Contain Manganese:

High in Antioxidants

Maple syrup is a plant based product.  It is very high in antioxidants.  Antioxidants fight against free radicals in the body.  Free radicals can cause diseases and cancer in the body.  There are about 24 different known antioxidants in maple syrup.  Studies have shown that the darker the syrup is the more antioxidants they will contain. 

Lowers Inflammation

Antioxidants are good at fighting inflammation in the body as well.  So this can help fight inflammatory diseases like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and heart disease.  It also has been studied to show that it may lower inflammation in the liver. 

Promotes Brain Health 

The antioxidants and minerals that maple syrup has helps prevent misfolding, tangling, or clumping of certain proteins in brain cells.  This misfolding, tangling, and clumping is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Maple syrup may benefit your brain health.  

Helps Lower Cholesterol

It may also help lower your cholesterol.  This is because of the phenolic compounds in the maple syrup.  These compounds attach themselves onto the cholesterol which does not allow the cholesterol to be absorbed by the body.  

Helps To Control Blood Sugar

Maple syrup has a lower score on the Glycemic scale.  The Glycemic scale is a system that ranks foods from 1-100 on how they affect blood sugar levels.  A lower Glycemic scale rating shows that maple syrup may not spike your insulin levels like other sugars.  This in return can help control blood sugar levels. 

Healthier Than Refined Sugars Or Artificial Sweeteners

Maple syrup may be a better alternative to refined sugar.  High levels of refined sugar can contribute to conditions like candida, irritable bowel syndrome, and leaky gut syndrome.  One of the first ways to treat leaky gut syndrome is to cut out all refined sugars.  Refined sugars can also cause indigestion, gas, bloating, cramping, and constipation. 

Maple syrup is also a healthier option than artificial sweeteners like Splenda, or agave. 

 

Warnings 

The downside to maple syrup is it is still very high in sugar content.  Though it may be healthier than other options it should not be used as the only source to get the minerals that it provides.  You should also not increase the amount you are having to help boost your vitamin and mineral intake, because the sugar content is so high. 

It is also very high in calories which can lead to obesity. 

Anything with sugar can cause tooth decay.  Maple syrup is no different, because it is high in sugar it can lead to tooth decay. 

It can also cause complications in people who suffer from diabetes.  It can cause adverse effects in people with diabetes when they digest the maple syrup.  The maple syrup can cause swings in blood sugar and insulin levels if not managed appropriately. 

 

Takeaway

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener.  It is still very high in sugar though it does provide 24 different antioxidants along with vitamins and minerals that you need. 

Enjoying maple syrup in moderation may be a healthier option than using refined sugar or artificial sugars.  Eating too much can lead to tooth decay, weight gain, and complications in diabetes. 

 

 

READ MORE:  How Much Sugar Is Safe To Eat?


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *