Maple Syrup – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Each time you slather that thick, sweet maple syrup on your pancake or waffle, you’re doing more than just treating your taste buds, you’re also giving your body essential nutrients. This natural sweetener is the healthier choice over the chemically-prepared sugar common in most households. It has a low calorie count compared to honey and has a range of health benefits from having a healthier heart to a stronger immune system.

List of known nutrients

• Betaine
• Calcium
• Choline
• Folate
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Niacin
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Protein
• Riboflavin
• Selenium
• Sodium
• Thiamin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K
• Zinc

Medicinal uses for maple syrup

That bottle of maple syrup can do more than make your mornings sweeter. For one, it has antioxidants that are helpful in preventing a variety of health problems like atherosclerosis, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Zinc helps protect endothelial cells from damage that results from excess cholesterol. When you have low zinc levels, the linings inside the blood vessels are exposed to injuries, which affect the way the heart functions.

The minerals obtained from maple syrup can help reduce the risk of certain disorders for men, like prostate cancer. Additionally, this syrup also provides the manganese the body needs to improve the number of white blood cells, which is fundamental in keeping the immune system strong and healthy.

With a stronger immune system, you avoid getting sick. One study from the University of Rhode Island found that maple syrup may help prevent cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s disease because it is loaded with polyphenols — plant-based compounds that function as antioxidants.

Studies have also found that maple syrup can stimulate insulin release through pancreatic cells, which is ideal for people with diabetes. It helps improve liver function as well.

Body systems supported by maple syrup

Drizzling maple syrup to your food — oatmeal, pancake, or waffle — can do your body a lot of good. It’s been found effective in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria which can increase your defenses against diseases. It can assist in keeping the heart healthy, by fortifying the linings of the blood vessels.

The antioxidants present in the syrup can minimize the negative effects of oxidative stress on the body, preventing diseases caused by inflammatory reactions. These compounds are also responsible for keeping the skin beautiful and healthy. It can relieve stress, redness, and eliminate dryness.

Maple syrup makes a great substitute for refined sugar, which plays a role in the development of digestive problems like candida, leaky gut, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Artificial sweeteners, on the other hand, are associated with constipation, bloating, and stomach craps. Using a natural sweetener, like maple syrup, will help you avoid these things.

Ways to enjoy maple syrup

In case you’re wondering, maple syrup can be used in exciting ways other than on pancakes and waffles. You can use them on oatmeal, popcorn, scones, pies, and even roasted vegetables. Interestingly, some even enjoy it on cocktails. Here are cool ways to use maple syrup.

Where to learn more

• Maple syrup compounds help fight diabetes, cancer
• How to make a delicious detox cleanse using maple syrup
• Organic maple syrup a superfood? Sticky sweet liquid is packed with natural compounds known to prevent disease
• Amazing food facts: Real maple syrup is just the boiled sap of a maple tree
• The surprising nutritional package of pure maple syrup

Summary

Maple syrup promotes a healthy heart.

Maple syrup prevents atherosclerosis and other heart problems.

Maple syrup boosts the immune system.

Maple syrup may prevent cancer.

Maple syrup helps strengthen the bones.

Maple syrup improves the skin.

Maple syrup can treat digestive problems.

Sources include:

Health.com

AuthorityNutrition.com

OrganicFacts.net

FoodandWine.com