Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2022
1. Contains Numerous Antioxidants
According to studies comparing the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners to refined sugar products like white sugar or corn syrup, substantial differences in total antioxidant content were found. Refined sugar, corn syrup and agave nectar contain minimal antioxidant activity, but maple syrup, dark and blackstrap molasses, brown sugar, and raw honey showed higher antioxidant capacity (with molasses having the highest). (3)
A strong reason to use switch your sweetener? Maple syrup nutrition is impressive when it comes to supplying protective antioxidants.
Some of the primary antioxidants found in maple syrup include benzoic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, and various flavanols like catechin, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin. While most are found at low concentrations, others are present in higher quantities, so it鈥檚 possible that the benefits of these antioxidants might counteract some of the downsides to consuming the syrup鈥檚 high quantity of sugar.
2. Gets a Lower Score on the Glycemic Index
Refined sugar, and refined carbohydrates in general, are known to be rapidly metabolized by the liver 鈥 causing a 鈥渟ugar high,鈥 followed by a quick 鈥渟ugar crash.鈥 Even worse, consuming too much sugar quickly spikes your blood sugar and raises insulin levels, which over time can lead to lower insulin response and problems managing blood glucose, with is the reason diabetes develops.
3. Fights Inflammatory Diseases
Because maple syrup nutrition supplies inflammation-reducing polyphenol antioxidants, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that鈥檚 helpful in preventing certain diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or heart disease. Maple syrup鈥檚 plant-based compounds reduce oxidative stress, which is responsible for aging us at a quicker rate and reducing the strength of our immune system.
4. May Help Protect Against Cancer
While some evidence shows that to a certain degree sugar can cause cancer or at least contribute to it, maple syrup seems to a much less harmful sweetener. This is due to the presence of antioxidants in maple syrup that can protect cells from DNA damage and mutation. While maple syrup alone won鈥檛 likely result in a reduced risk for developing cancer, it鈥檚 a much safer option than including high levels of refined sugar or artificial sweeteners in your diet.
5. Helps Protect Skin Health
Many people swear by using maple syrup topically, directly on their skin. Similarly to raw honey, maple syrup can help to lower skin inflammation, redness, blemishes and dryness. Combined with raw milk or yogurt, rolled oats and raw honey, this natural mixture applies to the skin as a mask can hydrate skin while reducing bacteria and signs of irritation.
6. Alternative To Sugar For Improved Digestion
Consuming high levels of refined sugar can contribute to candida, IBS, leaky gut syndrome and other digestive system disorders. In fact, one of the biggest steps you can take to heal leaky gut and autoimmune disorders is to reduce refined sugar intake and opt for small amounts of natural sweeteners instead.
Most artificial sweeteners also cause symptoms of indigestion, including gas, bloating, cramping and constipation. To keep the digestive tract in healthier shape, free from chemicals and the damage done by a high-sugar diet, maple syrup can be a much better alternative to use in baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal or smoothies.
7. Supplies Important Vitamins and Minerals
Maple syrup contains zinc and manganese in fairly high amounts, in addition to potassium and calcium. Zinc can help fight illness and improve immunity since it keeps your level of white blood cells up, while manganese plays a role a crucial role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, brain and nerve function.
OVER ALL GOOD PRODUCT, GOOD TASTE, WOULD BUY AGAIN
