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Canadian maple syrup: More than 20 beneficial compounds and confirmed to fight cancer
This spring, the maple sap flowed in and so did the good news! We’ve known for a while that maple products are superior to other everyday sweeteners in terms of vitamin and mineral content. We also knew that they are an important source of phenolic compounds (polyphenols), which are antioxidants. And now, the latest scientific findings confirm that maple syrup is not only good to taste, it can also be good for our health.
On March 21, 2010, at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, Dr. Navindra Seeram of the University of Rhode Island announced that his research team had just identified in Canadian maple syrup more than 20 substances recognized as beneficial to human health. In fact, several of these substances (also contained in berries) boast anticancer, antibacterial and antidiabetic properties. Interestingly, researchers think that when the maple is tapped, it secretes phenolic compounds into its sap to defend itself against the “attack.” The boiling process that turns maple sap into syrup then concentrates these substances. Indeed, maple syrup is the only food product made from a plant’s sap.
And apparently good news comes in twos. In its April issue, the Journal of Medicinal Food just published research results showing that Canadian maple syrup inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells, in particular in the prostate and the lungs, and that it has an even stronger effect than the juice of blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes or carrots. This discovery is another indication that the compounds found in maple syrup, such as the antioxidant compounds identified by Dr. Seeram, have a positive effect on health.
How can we take advantage of maple’s benefits without increasing our calorie or sugar intake? Simply use it wherever you would normally use sugar, brown sugar, honey or corn syrup. But make sure you use real maple products! Surprisingly, according to studies by the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, more than 50 percent of consumers do not know if the syrup they eat is real maple syrup. Look for the words “100% pure maple syrup” on the label or buy only products bearing the SIROPRO seal, which guarantees the syrup’s authenticity. And get every last drop of goodness out of those wholesome, delicious maple products!
PREVIOUS CHRONICLES
Maple is rich in antioxydants - winter 2010
All right little chefs, start your ovens! - fall 2009
Cool and healthy cocktails!
Are you buying fake thinking it's real - spring 2009
Quick and Chic Holiday Meals!
Essential Pleasures spring 2008
Savouring winter inside and out 2007
Autumn abondance 07
Let's savour the taste - summer 2007
It's sugaring time - spring 2007
Savoury autumn 2006
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