Maple Syrup: A Sweet Surprising Superfood
You know it’s sweet and delicious, but did you know that every spoonful of pure maple syrup is also high in antioxidants and nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium?
Just a small amount (60 ml/4 Tbsp) of maple syrup provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of manganese, about 40% of riboflavin, 18% of zinc and 5% of both calcium and potassium. Studies on the health benefits of maple syrup are starting to show promising outcomes.
In animal studies, scientists find that maple syrup may have effects on cholesterol. Not only does maple syrup lower cholesterol in mice, it also has the potential to prevent inflammation.
Research into maple syrup’s effects on brain health is just coming to light, but the findings hint at exciting benefits. Maple syrup appears to help prevent the differences of certain proteins found in brain cells that link to the development of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Animal studies also connect the syrup to longer lifespans with Alzheimer’s.
As far as sweetness go, we’re team maple syrup and honey. Both are high in sugars, but honey is a bit sweeter than maple syrup, with 17 grams of sugar per tablespoon, compared to 12 grams in maple syrup. And both provide healthy ways to soothe a sweet tooth in ways cane sugar just can’t match.