
What are the health benefits of pure maple syrup?
- 9 Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
- Gets a Lower Score on the Glycemic Index.
- Fights Inflammatory Diseases.
- May Help Protect Against Cancer.
- Helps Protect Skin Health.
- Alternative To Sugar For Improved Digestion.
- Supplies Important Vitamins and Minerals.
Full Answer
Is it healthier to use maple syrup than sugar?
Pure maple syrup (the kind tapped from a tree) is an even better option, because it undergoes less processing than refined sugars. It also contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and potassium, and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugars, meaning it won’t lead to spikes of blood sugar that can give you the jitters.
Why do people eat artificial syrup instead of maple syrup?
Maple syrup is also a significant source of the mineral manganese. Both honey and maple syrup contain equivalent proportions of phosphorus, sodium and selenium. Honey contains fluoride, whereas maple syrup does not, and has about half the sodium content. Honey contains amino acids, whereas maple syrup does not.
Is maple syrup healthy or unhealthy?
Yes, a maple syrup that is sourced organically and that has been minimally processed is certainly less unhealthy than a severely processed syrup that has “added” sweeteners, artificial sweeteners or chemicals. However, just because something is less bad, that doesn’t make it good either!
How do you make homemade maple syrup?
To make that clear sap that drips from the tree into the thick syrup we know, it’s taken to the Maple Sugar Shack to boil. And it takes 40 gallons of those drips to make one single gallon of the syrup you see in the store. While that may sound like a lot ...

Is Pure maple syrup good for you?
Yes, pure maple syrup is not only high in antioxidants, but every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. According to Helen Thomas of the New York State Maple Association, maple syrup has a higher concentration of minerals and antioxidants, yet fewer calories than honey.
Is maple syrup a Superfood?
Maple syrup has the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as green tea, which is also a superfood. Maple syrup offers health benefits, just like blueberries, red wine and tea.
Which is healthier honey or pure maple syrup?
Every tablespoon of honey contains 17 grams of carbohydrates, 17 of which are from sugars. These sugars are mostly from fructose with a bit from glucose and even less from sucrose. Between the two, maple syrup is healthier -- it has less overall sugar, and more importantly, less fructose.
Which is better honey or maple syrup?
Honey has a higher glycemic index. It is richer in vitamin C, vitamins B3, B5, and B6, whereas maple syrup is higher in vitamins B1 and B2. Honey has higher levels of iron, copper, and phosphorus, but maple syrup contains more calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Honey is lower in sodium.
Is maple syrup good for the liver?
Scientists also found that maple syrup can prevent inflammation of the liver. This study demonstrated the potential protective effects of maple syrup in the liver, and that the beneficial effects of maple syrup depending on the amount of syrup ingested.
How much maple syrup can you eat a day?
The American Heart Association recommends consuming even less—no more than 25 grams for women per day and 36 grams for men.
Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated?
Storage: Do you need to refrigerate maple syrup once opened? YES. Once the container is open, maple syrup should be refrigerated. Once in contact with air, mold could develop if the product is not refrigerated.
Can diabetics eat maple syrup?
Maple syrup is often dubbed as one of the safest sugar substitutes for diabetics.
What's the healthiest maple syrup?
Furthermore, when it comes to health, you should avoid table and pancake syrup at all costs, as they are highly transformed. It is healthier to stick to organic and pure maple syrup – or “real maple syrup” as it is sometimes called.
Does maple syrup expire?
Before opening, all maple syrup can be stored in the pantry about a year. After opening, genuine maple syrup should be stored in the refrigerator and will last about a year. Opened jugs of imitation maple syrup can be stored in the pantry for about a year.
Does maple syrup cause inflammation?
But what if I told you that real maple syrup is actually immensely healthy for you? A recent maple syrup study has shown that the delicious liquid contains a molecule called quebecol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of anti-inflammatory substances are simple; they work to reduce inflammation!
Does maple syrup spike insulin?
Since maple syrup is a liquid and has no fiber content, this means that it will be digested quickly and cause blood sugar and insulin spikes (via WebMD). Therefore, people with diabetes may not do well consuming this sweetener.
Nutritional Value of Maple Syrup
The nutrients found in maple syrup include energy, water, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and sugars. [2] In terms of minerals, it contains calcium, i...
Health Benefits of Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is not only tempting and yummy but is also a hoarder of ample health benefits. Let’s take a look at its beneficial effects on our body.
How to Prepare Maple Syrup?
1. Step 1: Bring brown and white sugar and water to boil over medium heat. 2. Step 2: Reduce the heat and add maple extract and stir the mixture. 3...
How to Select and Store Maple Syrup?
Select your maple syrup depending on the purpose you need it for. For using in foods like icecreams and buttermilk pancakes, you will require a lig...
Why is maple syrup important?
Antioxidants are important for the body as they neutralize free radicals, which may cause various diseases. [4] Studies also show that the darker versions of maple syrup can be higher in antioxidant content in comparison to lighter ones.
What happens to sugar in spring?
During the spring season, the sugar rises and mixes with water to form a sap that is ready for collection or harvesting. [1] Since the sap contains a high water ratio, it has to undergo processing for the water to evaporate, leaving behind the concentrated, thick syrup. This final product is arrived at through a heating process.
What minerals are needed to restore white blood cells?
A lack of zinc and manganese minerals could easily lead to a reduction in the number of white blood cells, which affects the response of the immune system. Supplementing these minerals is the only way known to restore their levels to the proper state.
Does maple syrup help with prostate?
The consumption of maple syrup also helps in maintaining male reproductive health. There are certain minerals such as zinc, in maple syrup, that are useful for a healthy reproductive system, particularly the prostate gland. [9]
Is maple syrup better than honey?
Many people prefer using honey instead of other natural products of the same type. However, maple syrup can be considered to be a better option given its low-calorie count, as compared to honey.
Is maple syrup good for you?
The health benefits of maple syrup also include giving you a healthier heart. It is one of the body’s organs that is susceptible to different kinds of diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. Maple syrup contains zinc and its consumption may protect and prevent various cardiovascular disorders. [7] [8]
Does maple syrup have antioxidants?
Maple syrup has various antioxidants, 24 to be precise, that help to protect you from many health conditions. Antioxidants are important for the body as they neutralize free radicals, which may cause various diseases. [4]
What minerals are in maple syrup?
Other minerals found in maple syrup include: Zinc. Copper.
How much sugar is in maple syrup?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that maple syrup is a high-calorie food. It comes in at an impressive 12 grams of sugar in a single tablespoon. That tablespoon also contains:
Where is maple syrup made?
Maple syrup is produced in a variety of locales across the northern region of North America, including much of Canada and parts of the East Coast and Midwest. Syrup producers take pride in the quality of their product and praise its natural tastiness. Some also advertise potential maple syrup health benefits.
Is maple syrup a plant based product?
Real maple syrup is a plant-based product, and like many plant-based foods it is rich in antioxidants, which reduce damage due to oxygen in the body. This, in combination with the nutrients it has to offer, results in some distinct health benefits: Lower Cholesterol.
Does maple syrup affect insulin?
Maple syrup gives you carbohydrates in the form of sugars without associated fiber. As a result, ingesting maple syrup can cause swings in blood sugar and insulin levels. People with diabetes in particular may experience adverse effects from the sugar in maple syrup. Pagination. 1.
Does maple syrup help the brain?
Maple syrup appears to help in preventing the misfolding, tangling, and clumping of certain proteins found in brain cells.
Does maple syrup cause tooth decay?
Consider the following before consuming maple syrup: All sugar can promote tooth decay, especially when highly concentrated, because bacteria causing tooth decay can feed on sugar in the mouth and multiply. The more sugar a person consumes, the more likely they are to develop dental cavities.
Is maple sugar toxic?
If you're trying to clean up your diet by avoiding sugar, finding alternate sources can be tricky. As you just learned pure maple does offer a solution because it has some nutritional benefits while white table sugar should be labeled “toxic”. But, you have to remember it's still mainly sugar and not something you should eat every day. As long as you eat in in moderation, it 's not an issue. Just make sure it's pure maple syrup and keep the serving size small.
Can maple syrup replace table sugar?
Maple syrup is a fantastic choice when you want to replace table sugar with something more natural, but it isn’t your only option. Here are some other options to consider:
Is maple syrup good for you?
The first health benefit of maple syrup is that it's a good option for white sugar. While you are still getting sucrose with maple syrup, it is more of natural sugar. This means that it impacts your blood sugar levels a bit less drastically than white table sugar.
Can you use maple syrup for breakfast?
Here are a few ideas to substitute maple sugar for white table sugar… And one of my favorite healthy snack recipes for Breakfast Cookies from Thrive Market: Yes, you can have THESE cookies for breakfast!
Is maple syrup healthy?
One of the reasons pure maple syrup has health benefits is due to its unique nutrients. While it can vary, maple syrup has higher levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals that white table sugar. It also has minerals like calcium, potassium, manganese, iron, and zinc.
A Healthier Sugar
Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is true: 100% Pure Maple Syrup has a ton of health benefits. Research studies have shown that Pure Maple Syrup may lead to a healthier heart and immune system. It also has antioxidant properties that protect the body from free radicals. ( Tree Juice Maple Syrup production process)
What is Maple syrup?
Maple syrup is prepared from the sugary sap of the maple tree. The preparation involves tapping trees to harvest the sap and then boiling the sap into syrup. Maple trees accumulate and store starch in their roots and trunks during the summer and fall. The long accumulation of this starch makes it easy to convert it to sugar.
Benefits of maple syrup
Pure maple syrup is not only high in antioxidants, but every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
What are the polyphenols in maple syrup?
One of these polyphenols, named Quebecol, naturally forms when the sap is boiled to produce maple syrup
Where does maple syrup come from?
100% pure maple syrup from Canada is a natural sweetener that is derived directly from the maple tree’s sap that, when consumed in moderation can be part of a healthy diet.
Is maple syrup good for you?
Pure maple syrup from Canada contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of manganese and a good source of riboflavin. Pure maple syrup also has calcium, thiamin, potassium, and copper
How long does maple syrup last?
A single tree can produce about 20 gallons of sap in the short season, which can run for four to six weeks. Pure maple syrup sold in stores is identified by grade — going from light to dark: Fancy, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber and Grade B — and has many culinary uses.
What is maple syrup made of?
Image Credit: showcake/iStock/GettyImages. Pure maple syrup is made when the sap from sugar maple trees is collected, boiled and strained until thick enough to pour on a plate of pancakes. In addition to its unique flavor, maple syrup's nutrition benefits are surprisingly high — it contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
What did Native Americans use maple sap for?
Native Americans processed sugar maple sap and used it to make maple candies, maple drinks and other foodstuffs. According to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, European settlers were the first to boil sugar maple sap, but both Native Americans and settlers were using the process by the eighteenth century.
How much maple sap is needed to make a quart of maple syrup?
It takes 10 gallons of boiled-down maple sap to make one quart of pure maple syrup. Maple sugaring season occurs when the sap flows — this happens when daytime temperatures rise above freezing, and nighttime temperatures fall below freezing, usually between mid-February and mid-April, depending on location. A single tree can produce about 20 ...
Can maple syrup be used as cane sugar?
While maple syrup can often be substituted for cane sugar in recipes — it's sweet enough to allow you to reduce the amount of sugar while still creating a sweet result — it's important to remember, as the Cleveland Clinic points out, that studies of maple syrup extracts don't consider the impact of maple syrup on insulin and blood sugar.
Is maple syrup good for breakfast?
Pure maple syrup's benefits go beyond being a delicious addition to your breakfast table. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and iron, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service reports. It also contains vitamins B2, B5, B6, niacin, biotin and folic acid, ...
Is maple syrup a good substitute for white sugar?
Pure maple syrup, while still considered a sugar, contains valuable nutrients such as calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron and B vitamins, among others. In small amounts, it can also be a good substitute for white sugar.
What are the nutrients in maple syrup?
Around 1/3 cup (80 ml) of pure maple syrup contains ( 2 ): 1 Calcium: 7% of the RDI 2 Potassium: 6% of the RDI 3 Iron: 7% of the RDI 4 Zinc: 28% of the RDI 5 Manganese: 165% of the RDI
What is the name of the maple syrup that is used to treat cancer?
One of these is quebecol, named after the maple-producing province of Quebec. The active compounds in maple syrup have been shown to help reduce the growth of cancer cells and may slow down the breakdown of carbohydrates in your digestive tract ( 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. Trusted Source. ).
How much sugar is in 1/3 cup of maple syrup?
Maple syrup is about 2/3 sucrose, or table sugar — 1/3 cup (80 ml) supplies around 60 grams of sugar. ).
Is maple syrup good for aging?
Studies indicate that maple syrup is a decent source of antioxidant s.
Does maple syrup raise blood sugar?
In comparison, table sugar has a glycemic index of around 65 ( 6 ). This implies that maple syrup raises blood sugar slower than regular sugar. Maple syrup contains a small amount of minerals, such as manganese and zinc. However, it is very high in sugar.
Is maple syrup better than regular sugar?
In addition, the high sugar content may affect your blood sugar levels — though maple syrup may be a better option than regular sugar in that regard. The glycemic index of maple syrup is around 54.
Is maple syrup healthier than sugar?
Maple syrup is a popular natural sweetener that is claimed to be healthier and more nutritious than sugar. However, it’s important to look at the science behind some of these assertions. This article explains whether maple syrup is healthy or unhealthy. Share on Pinterest.
Why do I like maple syrup?
I pair it with a whole grain (in baking, in buckwheat pancakes) for fiber to prevent blood sugar and insulin swings. Also, because maple syrup tends to be sweeter, theoretically you can use less of it.
Is maple syrup bad for you?
Maple syrup is a sugar, with no fiber attached to it. That means eating too much of it will cause swings in your blood sugar and insulin. This could lead to hunger, potential weight gain and other adverse health effects. If your goal is to improve your health, eating green leafy vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and other Mediterranean diet ...
Can you use maple syrup less than sugar?
Also, because maple syrup tends to be sweeter, theoretically you can use less of it. But moderation is key, as it is with any sugar, and I can’t yet recommend maple syrup to my patients as a “healthy choice.”. —Wellness dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, LD. Advertising Policy.
