If you are a health nut, then you might have tried a variety of natural sweeteners such as agave or honey, but have you ever considered pure maple syrup? Many pancake syrups contain corn syrup which isn’t good for you at all, but if you happen to get your hands on the pure sweet stuff, then you are in for a real treat that not only tastes delicious but is a nutrition powerhouse! Maple syrup comes from the maple sugar tree, and 85% of the syrup comes from Canada (my backyard!). It is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols that amp up your health and protect against a variety of inflammatory diseases.
Read on to find out why this sweet treat is so popular all over the world especially in Canada! The key nutrients found in maple syrup are zinc and manganese. Zinc boosts the immune system and keeps it strong and manganese raises HDL, the good cholesterol levels, meaning it is wonderful for heart health.
Disease Protection
Pure maple syrup contains over 54 powerful antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory compounds that protect against chronic as well as inflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and osteoporosis. It also protects against diabetes due to beneficial antioxidant compounds called phenolics that balance blood sugar levels because phenolics inhibit the enzymes involved in the conversion of carbs to sugar.
Healthy Sugar Substitution For Good Digestion
Swap out unhealthy refined sugar in baking for pure maple syrup instead. Maple syrup helps to calm the stomach and prevents gas and bloating, so you can enjoy a treat without guilt and stomach irritation from refined sugar. To substitute, simply use the same amount of syrup as sugar that the recipe calls for and reduce the liquid in the recipe by about half a cup.
Muscle Repair
Due to high levels of manganese in maple syrup, it is great for muscle and tissue repair if you are suffering from a mild to moderate muscle injury. A good intake of manganese also ensures strong bones.
Anti-Aging Skin Benefits
Maple syrup is not only beneficial when consumed but can also be applied directly to the skin for a quick pick-me-up. Due to the potent concentration of antioxidants found in maple syrup when applied directly to the face, it will protect against environmental aggressors to keep skin youthful and beautiful.
Try a maple syrup and banana mask by combining:
1/2 banana,
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon of maple syrup
Apply generously all over the face and leave for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. Be one of the first 3 people to comment on this post and I’ll send you a bottle of authentic Canadian maple syrup from Canada!
How To Include Maple Syrup In Your Diet
Maple syrup is delicious and can be included in the diet in a variety of ways. Drizzle it over pancakes, use it as a substitute in baking and add a teaspoon to smoothies to sweeten it up rather than using honey. Maple syrup is also wonderful in savory dishes and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Remember, although maple syrup is loaded with antioxidants, it is still a source of sugar that contains calories so it should be used in moderation. However, instead of being a veritable poison (like typical table sugar or high fructose corn syrup), maple syrup contains many health benefits and is not treated by your body the same way that refined sucrose or HFC is. Just don’t eat it on an empty stomach (or too much at once!) to avoid an insulin spike.
Do you have any maple syrup recipes or secrets to share with us? Comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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