Does Pure Maple Syrup Have Health Benefits?

Pure maple syrup is a delicious natural sweetener. While it’s no health food, going with pure maple syrup has some benefits over reaching for Mrs. Butterworth’s or other syrups that are full of corn syrup, artificial flavors, and coloring.

🍁 Pure maple syrup is sap from maple trees that’s been boiled until most of the water is gone - leaving a thick, rich syrup.

🍁 It’s a somewhat unexpected source of essential minerals including calcium, vitamin B2, copper, zinc, and potassium. A serving of two tablespoons will provide you with half of your recommended daily intake of manganese, which benefits bone health and your nervous system.

🍁 A polyphenol called quebecol (named after the world’s largest producer of maple syrup - Quebec) can be found in maple syrup. Polyphenols can help reduce inflammation and support immune functions.

🍁 Darker maple syrups supply more antioxidants than lighter varieties with counts reaching around 24 beneficial types.

🍁 A prebiotic called inulin can be found in maple syrup as well. This acts as food for good gut bacteria to help aid in digestion.

🍁 Pure maple syrup typically causes less gas, bloating, and indigestion than artificial sweeteners.

🍁 Keep in mind that pure maple syrup is still relatively high in calories at 110 for a two tablespoon serving, but if you’re going to top your pancakes in syrup you might as well get some vitamins and minerals while you’re at it!