7 Reasons Why Maple Syrup Should Be Your Sweetener

Yep, maple syrup. We’re telling you that sweet, sticky substance that makes the perfect topping for waffles and pancakes should be your new choice in sweetener. It turns out that maple syrup has some pretty amazing health benefits that often get overlooked.

Now before you grab your Aunt Jemima out of your cupboard and start pouring it into your coffee or tea, let’s be clear. We’re talking about pure, organic maple syrup. While it does contain sugar, it also contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that play a role in keeping your body healthy and your immune system strong. Pure maple syrup beats out sugar and even zero-calorie artificial sweeteners any day.

Here are seven reasons why maple syrup should be your go-to sweetener:

1. It Contains Many Antioxidants

Research has shown that pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants! These antioxidants come in the form of phenolic compounds. They help reduce free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to several chronic diseases.

2. It Helps Protect Skin Health

Some swear by applying maple syrup topically to keep their skin healthy. It can help reduce redness, blemishes, dryness and inflammation. Try combining maple syrup with raw milk or yogurt, then rolling the mixture in oats and raw honey. Apply this homemade mask to your face to hydrate your skin and reduce bacteria.

3. It Helps Fight Inflammatory Diseases

Thanks to the antioxidants in maple syrup, the sweet substance is helpful in preventing inflammation-related diseases, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and heart disease. The plant-based compounds in maple syrup reduce oxidative stress, which is responsible for a weakened immune system.

4. It May Help Protect Against Cancer

Some evidence has shown that sugar can cause or at least contribute to cancer. Maple syrup may have the opposite effect, thanks to its many antioxidants. The phenolic compounds in maple syrup can protect cells from DNA damage and mutation.

5. It Supplies The Body With Important Vitamins And Minerals

Maple syrup isn’t just sweet and tasty. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, including zinc, manganese, potassium and calcium. Zinc helps the body fight illness and improve immunity, while manganese plays an important rule in metabolism, calcium absorption and sugar regulation.

6. It’s An Alternative To Sugar For Improved Digestion

Consuming high amounts of sugar can cause digestive system disorders, including candida, irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut syndrome. Most artificial sweeteners can also cause unwanted symptoms like gas and bloating. Switching to pure maple syrup may improve your digestion.

7. It’s A Healthier Alternative To Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been linked to many health problems, including weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and even depression. It’s also possible to form an addiction to artificial sweeteners that are used in many diet foods. Pure maple syrup isn’t linked to any health problems and it doesn’t hinder your body’s ability to manage signs of hunger and fullness, unlike its zero-calorie artificial counterpart.

Sources:
Dr. Axe
Canadian Forest Service Publications
Beat Cancer
Bustle
Organic Facts
Livestrong