A famous scene from the Christmas film Elf shows Buddy the Elf pouring maple syrup over spaghetti, claiming it’s one of his four main food groups. Recent studies have shown that Buddy might have been on to something, as maple syrup could actually be beneficial for health. Research has suggested that maple syrup contains over 100 natural compounds, including polyphenols, that can prevent disease through their anti-inflammatory effects. A study led by Dr. Andre Marette found that substituting refined sugar with maple syrup could impact cardiometabolic health and gut health in a positive way.
The study included 42 volunteers who substituted five percent of their daily caloric intake with either Canadian maple syrup or an artificially flavored sucrose syrup. Participants switched between the two syrups in eight-week phases, with a four-week break in between. Results showed that consuming maple syrup improved multiple cardiometabolic risk factors, including lower blood sugar, lower blood pressure, reduced abdominal fat, and a healthier gut. Maple syrup consumers had a better response to an oral glucose tolerance test and showed improvements in blood lipid profile, blood pressure, body fat composition, and gut microbiota composition.
Participants who consumed maple syrup also experienced a decrease in android fat mass, which is the fat found in the abdominal region. Additionally, they had improved levels of beneficial gut bacteria and a decrease in potentially harmful gut bacteria. These findings are significant in reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that making small dietary changes, such as replacing refined sugars with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, can help in preventing future diseases. Dr. Marette plans to conduct larger studies with other populations to further explore the health benefits of maple syrup in different health conditions.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Symptoms may not always be apparent, but individuals with obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, and certain ethnic backgrounds are at a higher risk. To prevent metabolic syndrome, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and avoid long periods of sitting. Seeking medical advice is essential for those at risk of metabolic syndrome. The study on maple syrup’s health benefits was conducted by a team of scientists at Laval University, Quebec, and partly funded by Quebec Maple Syrup Producers.
