Enjoy the Sweet Health Benefits of Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is so delicious, especially  on pancakes, waffles, and in baked goods, that there is an official holiday in the US and Canada to celebrate this sweet sap. Every year on December 17, people appreciate the history and tradition of making maple syrup.

There is a long history of producing maple syrup in North America according to a blog on Maple Syrup Talk. Indigenous people tapped sugar maples for centuries and made syrup from the sap. When European settlers arrived, they took up these practices too and maple syrup production kept growing.

But besides being a natural sweetener, did you know that maple syrup also has benefits for your health too? Here are five reasons why you should add this gift from nature to your table.

Powerful Nutrients
While maple syrup is high in sugar, it is a good source  of carbohydrates and contains important minerals, according to Healthline. These minerals include potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Consuming maple syrup is an easy way to make sure you are getting enough manganese in your diet. but that’s not all. Maple syrup contains vitamins, amino acids, phytohormones, and antioxidants. Quebecol, a polyphenol found in the tree sap may have anticancer benefits.

Rich in Antioxidants
Maple syrup contains over 50 bioactive compounds that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants reduce free radicals that can harm your cells and lead to chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers, stressed WebMD.

Helps Brain Health
This syrup could also help your brain health too. Research from the Krembil Research Institute of the University of Toronto  that was presented during  a two-day symposium at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, suggested that maple syrup could help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. That’s because an extract from maple syrup may help prevent the clumping of two types of brain cells – beta amyloid and tau peptide – that form the plaque that is found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

Low on the Glycemic Index
Refined sugar metabolizes quickly and causes blood sugar spikes that is followed by a quick crash, according to the Maine Maple Producers website. Sugar spikes that raise your blood sugar and trigger insulin spikes can lower insulin response; problems regulating blood glucose levels; and could lead to diabetes. But maple syrup gets a lower score on the glycemic index and is a healthier alternative. Still, it is best for diabetics to minimize sugar intake.

Healthier Alternative to Artificial Sweeteners
Many people have turned to the use of artificial sweeteners or refined sugar alternatives. While artificial sweeteners may seem like a good idea, some are tied to adverse health conditions. Switching to using natural maple syrup instead of a syrup made with artificial sweeteners is a much better choice.