Professor Finds Health Benefits in Antioxidant-Rich Maple Syrup

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Healthy compounds found in syrup

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Despite the amount of sugar in every bottle, maple syrup might be good for you now that a University of Rhode Island professor has found 20 antioxidants in the sweet treat.

Navindra Seeram, an assistant professor of pharmacy, examined 20 litres of maple syrup and found 20 antioxidants. Of those 20, 13 had never been found in the sugary liquid, which he said can be a healthier substitute for sugar on foods other than pancakes.

Previously, maple syrup was found to contain other positive compounds as calcium, vitamin B, zinc, potassium and magnesium.

The Science of Maple Syrup

The health benefits might outweigh the health risks—the compounds Seeram found have antibacterial properties and can help prevent cancer and diabetes. He adds that more research needs to be done to determine if these properties can make up for the fattening aspects of maple syrup and that only real maple syrup would possess these nutritional qualities.

The new antioxidants Seeram found are lignans, more common in flax seed and whole wheat, with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. He also found antioxidant-rich phenolic acids, which he suggests are secreted by sugar maples when syrup is collected from the trees.

When workers tap the trees for syrup, the tree is wounded and releases phenolic acids as a defense mechanism.

The Booming Maple Syrup Industry

Seeram presented his findings in San Francisco at the American Chemical Society’s annual meeting. The results are expected to increase maple syrup sales.

The Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers reported a 10% yearly increase in exports from 2003 to 2008. In 2009, worldwide demand was so high for the company that they didn’t have enough maple syrup to export.

The province of Quebec makes almost 80% of the world’s maple syrup.

Béland acknowledged that maple syrup is still filled with sugar, but in comparison to artificial sweeteners, it is still a healthier option. The latest discovery only sweetens the pot.