Maple syrup contains a lower level of glucose than sugar, in addition to being a source of nutrients and vitamins, so it brings health benefits.
Sugar consumption is associated with diabetes, insulin resistance and other diseases, to the point that the World Health Organization has called to reduce its consumption, so there are other alternatives to sweeten as maple syrup, low on the glycemic index.
The WHO warns that diabetes “is the only major non-communicable disease in which the risk of dying at an early age is rising, rather than falling”.
In addition, high sugar consumption increases the risk of diseases such as overweight and obesity (particularly in children), diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, oral and dental problems and several types of cancer.
Maple syrup has nutritional properties
Maple syrup is a sweetener prepared from sugar maples, it contains a significantly lower glycemic index than refined sugar, so it emerges as an option to avoid the consumption of refined sugar.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, sugar has a glycemic index of 65, while maple syrup has a glycemic index of 54.
Because of these characteristics, maple syrup is attributed with the ability to reduce the risk of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases when consumed.
Maple syrup contains a number of bioactive phenolic compounds, organic acids, amino acids, minerals and vitamins, phytohormones and macronutrients, mainly carbohydrates.
Rich in nutrients and vitamins
When reviewing the nutritional content we find in 100 grams of maple syrup: 67.4 grams of carbohydrates; no fiber; no protein; no cholesterol or fat; 9 milligrams of sodium; and 32.15 grams of water. In addition, it contains 270 calories, which represents 14% of the total daily requirement.
It is rich in water-soluble vitamins B12, C and B, while the fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K. It also contains minerals such as potassium, manganese and calcium.
Can be an alternative to sugar
Moderate consumption of maple syrup may control glucose levels, according to a study done with rodents fed a maple syrup diet.
A study published by Heylon indicates that excessive consumption of maple syrup could lead to obesity problems, as occurs with sugar and other sweeteners.
While consumed in a controlled manner as an alternative sweetener to be included in the diet, it could have health benefits. The study also showed that “moderate consumption of maple syrup may help protect against type 2 diabetes”.
Other nutritional properties of maple syrup are: source of carbohydrates, providing 14% of the total needed; it has hepatoprotective effects, including “suppression of ammonia formation, regulation of lipogenesis and lipolysis” and because of its vitamin and mineral content it favors various biological processes, such as the synthesis of enzymes and hormones and the maintenance of bones, muscles, cardiac and brain functions.
Because it contains nutrients, vitamins, minerals and biochemical components, the consumption of maple syrup brings health benefits, according to the scientific evidence cited. However, specialists agree in emphasizing the consumption of sweeteners in moderation and accompanying it with healthy habits.