Maple Syrup Side Effects
While maple syrup can often be substituted for cane sugar in recipes â it’s sweet enough to allow you to reduce the amount of sugar while still creating a sweet result â it’s important to remember, as the Cleveland Clinic points out, that studies of maple syrup extracts don’t consider the impact of maple syrup on insulin and blood sugar.
In general, too much sugar in any form is bad for your health, as Harvard Men’s Health Watch observes. But given maple syrup’s high vitamin and mineral content, when used in small amounts, it may be a good substitute for white sugar.
In June 2019, the Food and Drug Administration issued guidance concerning sugars such as pure maple syrup and honey, stating that single-ingredient sugar products are not required to declare the number of grams of added sugars in a serving of the product on the Nutrition Facts label. However, they must still include the percent Daily Value for added sugars.
What Does Sugar Do To Your Body
Despite the negative connotation, your body actually needs sugar to function. Sugar is a carbohydrate found naturally in various foods that provides energy to your cells. Sugar is classified as either having one molecule or two molecules . Simple sugars have just one molecule and include glucose, fructose and galactose. Disaccharides include sucrose , lactose and maltose .
Maple Syrup Provides Nutrients In A Sweet Taste
The vitamins and minerals in 100% pure maple syrup from Canada may help to maintain and support a healthy body. One 30 ml serving of pure maple syrup contains 35% of the Daily Value of Manganese and 15% for Riboflavin.
100% pure maple syrup from Canada is a natural sweetener that is derived directly from the maple trees sap that, when consumed in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. With its unique sweet flavor, pure maple syrup can be used in both sweet and savory culinary applications. It can be used as replacement for other sweeteners in a variety of desserts and baked goods, such as pies and cakes.
- Pure maple syrup from Canada contains vitamins and minerals at approximately 110 calories per serving . It is an excellent source of manganese and a good source of riboflavin. Pure maple syrup is also a source of calcium, thiamin, potassium, and copper.
- Scientists have identified more than 67 different plant compounds, or polyphenols, nine of which are unique to pure maple syrup. One of these polyphenols, named Quebecol, naturally forms when the sap is boiled to produce maple syrup.
Also Check: How To Low Blood Sugar With Diabetes
The Trouble With Sugar
According to the CDC, Americans generally consume way too much added sugar. The American Heart Association recommends consuming roughly 6 teaspoons a day for women and 9 teaspoons a day for men, but the 20202025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that Americans consume an average of 17 teaspoons of sugar per day.
Sugar is naturally found in many foods , but the sugar found in fruit is different from the white sugar you might add to your iced coffee or sprinkle over oatmeal. The naturally occurring sugar present in nutrient-dense, whole foodslike berries, beets, and sweet potatoesis accompanied by dietary fiber . This fiber helps slow down the digestion of the food, meaning the sugar gets released more slowly, therefore providing you with more sustained energy.
Sugar that’s been processed, refined, or added to food products, however, hits the body much faster. It’s high in calories without the silver lining of also providing any essential nutrients . Simply put: “Sugar has no nutritional value, so most people do benefit from limiting it,” says Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, registered dietitian and coauthor of Sugar Shock. “Any sweetener produces a rise in blood sugar followed by a surge in insulin to help deliver sugar to your cells. Over time, too much sweetener of any kind can promote insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.”
Maple Syrup Versus Sugar
When it comes to choosing the right sweetener, the question of maple syrup versus sugar is one that often comes up. If you consider the refining process of maple syrup, which involves tapping maple trees for sap and then boiling the sap into syrup, maple syrup is the better choice since it is relatively unprocessed.
Video of the Day
White or refined sugar, on the other hand, requires a large amount of processing from either sugar cane or sugar beets, according to the Sugar Association. As a result, it lacks any real nutritional value. Which means, there are no vitamins or minerals left in the final product. And while maple syrup may not be a winner in the vitamin category, it does contain a variety of essential and trace minerals.
While some studies suggest that the antioxidants in maple syrup make it healthier than regular sugar, it’s still sugar with no fiber attached, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Therefore, if you consume too much, you can still experience swings in your blood sugar and insulin. That said, the maple syrup sugar content is still less than white sugar, which makes it a better choice when counting your total sugar consumption for the day.
Recommended Reading: Does Sugar Cause Yeast Infections
How Do You Make Maple Syrup
Connecticut Maple Syrup Producers Manualglossary of termsMaple 101 coursecontact usPreparation is criticalThe season is short and subject to weather conditionssugar maple is the primary source for tappingAcer saccharum.Collecting and processing the sap is a critical stepSap should be evaporated soon after it is collected.Careful filtering and packing ensures high qualityThe four grades of syrup are made by exactly the same process and contain the same amount of sugar.quality control checklist
Cooking Prepping And Taste
Honey and maple syrup have distinct flavors. So the decision as to where and how to use each is entirely up to you and your taste preferences. Fans of maple syrup’s earthy flavor may prefer the texture of this sweetener. Whereas others may prefer honey’s floral indications and thicker composition.
The high viscosity of honey lends itself very well to salad dressings and sauces, in which it can cling to other meals, whereas the thinner uniformity of maple syrup blends easily in baked products.
Don’t Miss: How To Prevent High Blood Sugar In The Morning
How Does Imitation Vanilla Compare To Vanilla Extract
High temperatures can degrade the flavor of pure vanilla extract, but those flavors are more complex. Even though imitation vanilla extract lacks the depth of a real vanilla extract, its strong synthesized vanillin flavoring can be found in baked goods such as cookies and cakes.
There are several types of vanilla extract available, including imitation vanilla, vanilla flavoring, and pure vanilla extract. Instead of vanilla beans, vanilla flavoring is created by using synthetic vanillin. Vanilla essence, which tastes similar to vanilla but contains little or no vanilla extract, is manufactured. If you want a stronger vanilla flavor, replace all of the imitation or vanilla flavoring with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract. If you use vanilla extract in a recipe, but you dont want to use any alcohol, replace it with vanilla flavor or vanilla essence. If you use pure or imitation vanilla extract, avoid using it.
Healthier Alternative To Artificial Sweeteners
If you typically use artificial sweeteners or refined sugar products like dangerous splenda, sucralose, agave, aspartame or sugar, you should think about switching these out for maple syrup and raw honey as soon as possible. Artificial sweeteners, while they may be calorie-free, are tied to numerous health problems including weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss and much more.
Many existing illnesses can be worsened by repeatedly using artificial sweeteners over time, and they also show unfavorable results when it comes to weight loss, too. Its very possible to form an addiction to artificial sweeteners used in many diet or light foods, since they affect your food cravings and your ability to manage your bodys signs of hunger and fullness.
Maple syrup isnt linked to any of those health problems, plus it triggers more satisfaction because of its natural sweet taste.
Also Check: Where To Buy Maple Sugar
Healing On The Horizon
A variety of scientific studies have pointed to many added benefits of consuming maple syrup. These range from improved health to disease prevention. The results of these studies show exciting promise for future medical uses of pure maple syrup.
A pilot study done in 2011 by Dr. Keiko Abe, Professor at the University of Tokyo, showed that Maple Syrup may aid liver health. Rats that were fed pure maple syrup showed higher liver function than those that were not. The study persists, with hopes of further understanding of these benefits.
In 2015, a study at McGill University claimed that maple syrup could help fight disease. They found that pure maple syrup, rich in phenolic compounds, had antimicrobial abilities. The syrup enhanced the success of antibiotics when they were combined. Further research could lead to a decrease in antibiotic use.
Another study from 2015 showed that maple syrup could help fight cancer. When tested on colorectal cancer, they found that cells treated with maple syrup showed lower growth rates and invasion was hindered. These results hold hope for future treatments using maple syrup with less need for chemotherapy.
How Much Sugar Is In Honey Maple Syrup And Agave Nectar
There have been so many articles recently saying that sugar is to blame for a multitude of illnesses and issues: obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s… The list goes on. Studies claim that, as a nation, we’re addicted to sugar, and that it’s as bad for you as opioids. But a recent article in The Outline called “Who’s Afraid of Sugar?” discussed many common beliefs about how sugar is harmful and served to debunkor reexaminemost of them.
This part of the story, in particular, caught my eye: “Its a commonly held misconception that sugars from fruit are ‘better for you’ than sugars from, say, jelly beans, but thats only because an apple has much less sugar than jelly beans. The simple sugars in each are metabolized in the exact same way. Your pancreas really doesnt care where you get those sugars from, just if youre getting them or not.”
Sugar from fruit is no better for you than sugar from candy. Sugar’s just sugar. Things that we think of as having refined sugar just may have a whole lot more of it. The story points out that an apple has 19 grams of sugar, while 100 grams of jelly beans has 70. So, it’s still not the worst idea to look for sugar alternatives.
If you’re someone who takes their sugar with a little coffee, there might be a better way to get that sweet stuff. Here are some common alternative forms of sugar, and how they differ from a spoonful of the regular stuff.
Recommended Reading: What Is A1c If Average Blood Sugar Is 120
What Is Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is made from the circulating fluid, or sap, of sugar maple trees.
It has been consumed for many centuries in North America. Over 80% of the worlds supply is now produced in the province of Quebec in eastern Canada.
There are two main steps to maple syrup production:
The final product can be used to sweeten many dishes.
Summary
Maple syrup is made by tapping sugar maple trees, then boiling the sap to produce a thick syrup. Most maple syrup is produced in eastern Canada.
Does Maple Syrup Need To Be Refrigerated
As a kid I never questioned my familys way of doing things. I assumed everyone ate their chili over elbow noodles, put ice cubes in their milk, and kept their peanut butter in the refrigerator. So when I learned this wasnt the case, I started questioning everything. What other kitchen habits did I need to rethink?
How to store maple syrup, it turns out, was a big one. While my family kept the opened bottle of Log Cabin in the pantry, after years of working in test kitchens , I learned most cooks keep theirs in the fridge. But was this out of preference or safety? And does it matter whether its the pure maple stuff or a maple-flavored proxy? I spoke to a few experts to find out.
Also Check: How To Make Hummingbird Food With Sugar And Water
Pour It On Maple Syrup Is Good For You
Barry Wong / Getty Images, Inc.
In addition to its natural caramely sweetness, theres one more reason to pour on the maple syrup: its actually good for you. Yes, pure maple syrup is not only high in antioxidants, but every spoonful offers nutrients like riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium and potassium. According to Helen Thomas of the New York State Maple Association, maple syrup has a higher concentration of minerals and antioxidants, yet fewer calories than honey.
Everything the tree filters out from Mother Nature and all of the good minerals, antioxidants, and everything it is doing for the food for the tree, stays in the sugar, explains Thomas. has complex components that are things we also need to stay healthy, just like the trees.
Other than syrup, maple comes in several forms such as maple sugar. You probably remember the leaf-shaped molded candy in the souvenir shops you visited on family road trips to New England. Or perhaps you have a maple producer at your local farmers market selling maple cotton candy or spreadable maple cream a great topper on crackers with sharp cheddar cheese. A new phenomenon is maple water pure sap as it comes from the tree. Proponents of this beverage say it is a great substitute for energy drinks to be consumed before, during and after workouts.
Is Maple Syrup Better Than Sugar
Sugar is everywhere. Its in your morning coffee drinks, its on your kitchen counter, its in your fruits and vegetables and its especially notable in the snacks, sweets and treats you consume.
Its hard to avoid sugar, which is why almost eight in 10 adults are trying to reduce the amount of it in their diets, according to the American Health Association . It also explains why people are always in search of sugar substitutes or natural sweeteners such as maple syrup. But, does natural mean better for you and is maple syrup superior to table sugar? We sought out the answer to those questions by diving into more detail about how sugar affects your body and analyzing the potential health benefits maple syrup has over other options.
Also Check: Is Sugar Bad For Depression And Anxiety
Nutrition Of Pure Maple Syrup Vs Honey
Related Articles
Pure maple syrup and honey are commonly labeled as healthy and natural sweeteners — often as an alternative to sugar or sugar substitutes. Contrary to what some believe, there are few similarities between pure maple syrup and honey. Nutritionally, they vary widely in calories, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
The Difference Between Vanilla Extract And Vanilla Flavo
An extract is a pure vanilla extract, whereas a vanilla flavor is not alcohol-based and thus does not qualify as an extract. Vanilla flavor, unlike extract, is not alcoholic and thus cannot be labeled as such. Pouring or soaking vanilla pods or making vanilla extract is one method of preparation. This process yields a flavorful extract that is suitable for use in baking and ice cream. Clear Baking Vanilla contains 87.5% alcohol, while Original Baking Vanilla contains 825% alcohol. Original Baking Vanilla, as opposed to Clear Baking Vanilla, has a more concentrated flavor and is more aromatic.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Standard Sugar Level
How Much Sodium Is In A Short Stack Of Pancakes
Image credit: nativowellness
There is no set amount of sodium in a short stack of pancakes as it depends on the recipe or mix used. However, on average, there are around 200-300mg of sodium in a short stack of pancakes. This amount can be higher or lower depending on the toppings used, such as syrup or butter, which contain additional sodium.
How Is It Made
Maple syrup is made by boiling down sap. It comes from maple syrup trees, which include several species commonly known as the sugar maple, red maple or black maple tree. Sucrose is the most prevalent type of sugar that is derived from maple syrup trees. At least 66 percent of the sugar in maple syrup must be sucrose in order for it to be considered pure.
In all plants, a sort of sugar is naturally present. Plants primary sugar is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when sunshine comes into contact with the plants leaves. Sugar synthesized in plants, including the maple tree, is used as a source of energy for their growth and is stored throughout the plant, usually in the roots.
In most plants, the sugar isnt easily extracted from the plants roots, stalks or leaves without undergoing mechanical and chemical processes. In the case of maple trees, however, sap is easily gathered. According to makers of Vermont maple syrup, a tree yielding sap is like a person donating blood. They both have some to spare.
Wondering how to make maple syrup? With the right equipment, gathering maple syrup from maple trees is actually not very complicated, although it takes good timing and some patience.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Lower High Blood Sugar
Vanilla Imitation Vanilla And Maple Syrup: All You Need To Know
Vanilla flavor, pure vanilla extract, and imitation vanilla extract can almost always be substituted for each other. Because there is so little extract used in most baking recipes, swapping 1 part extract for 1 part water will not change the flavor of the dessert. Vanilla extract, which contains natural vanillin, and imitation vanilla are the same flavor. Because vanilla extract is based on vanillin, imitation vanillas flavor is less complex than vanilla extracts. If vanilla extract is not available, maple syrup can be used as a replacement. Some people believe that the scent and taste of maple syrup are reminiscent of vanilla.