#Maple syrup free#

May Help Fight Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseasesīecause maple syrup nutrition supplies inflammation-reducing polyphenol antioxidants, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that’s helpful in preventing certain diseases - such as neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or heart disease. When it comes to solutions for reversing diabetes naturally, or other blood sugar-related conditions, it’s best to minimize sugar intake overall and especially to avoid refined sugar. However, keep in mind that because consuming too much sugar, from any source, is one of the leading causes of some of the most widespread health problems - like obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease - even natural sweeteners should be used in small amounts. Over time, that can lead to lower insulin response and problems managing blood glucose. This causes a “sugar high,” followed by a quick “sugar crash.” Even worse, consuming too much sugar quickly spikes your blood sugar and raises insulin levels. Refined sugar, and in general refined carbohydrates that contain little fiber, are known to be rapidly metabolized by the liver. This may help in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that the maple syrup may have a lower glycemic index than sucrose, including research conducted on rats. Thus, it’s possible that the benefits of these antioxidants might counteract some of the downsides to consuming the syrup’s high quantity of sugar. While most are found at low concentrations, others are present in higher quantities. Some of the primary antioxidants found in maple syrup include benzoic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid and various flavanols, like catechin, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin.

Dark, grade B maple syrup typically contains more beneficial antioxidants than the lighter syrups.

#Maple syrup free#

They are capable of reducing free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of various chronic diseases. Phenolic compounds are found in a variety of plant foods - including berries, nuts and whole grains - and are considered to have significant benefits when it comes to the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. The antioxidants found in maple syrup are mostly in the form of phenolic compounds. Refined sugar, corn syrup and agave nectar contain minimal antioxidant activity, while maple syrup, dark and blackstrap molasses, brown sugar, and raw honey have been shown to have higher antioxidant capacity. In fact, the medical journal Pharmaceutical Biology revealed that pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants!Īccording to studies comparing the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners to refined sugar products (like white sugar or corn syrup), there are substantial differences between different products. Need a strong reason to use switch your sweetener? Maple syrup nutrition is impressive when it comes to supplying protective antioxidants. When used in appropriate amounts, maple syrup nutrition benefits can include the ability to lower inflammation, supply nutrients and better manage blood sugar, all while helping to make recipes taste great. Similar to the contrast between whole and refined grains, unrefined natural sweeteners contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes compared to white table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. It surprisingly has health benefits, including providing certain protective phytochemicals. Maple syrup, which is produced by boiling down sap collected from the sugar maple tree (species name Acer saccharum), is now among the “most commonly consumed natural sweeteners worldwide.” What are the benefits of maple syrup? This sweetener does more than make your pancakes taste sweet. That said, as a good alternative to cane sugar, and when used in moderation, maple syrup is one of the sweeteners you should use. Many people already consume plenty of sugar - in most cases way more than they actually need.