Is Maple Syrup Better For You Than Sugar?

We’ve all heard the buzz about “natural” sweeteners, but when the matter is about your morning pancakes or about your favourite bake, is maple sugar really a better alternative to white sugar? 

Let's dive into science to see if it lives up to the hype.

Nutritional Value

The biggest difference between these two is what else you get besides the sweet taste.

White sugar is highly refined and stripped of all the nutrients during processing. It provides calories but zero vitamins or minerals.

A group of scientists led by Professor Navindra Seeram at University Of Rhode Island have conducted extensive research on pure maple syrup and the phytonutrients it contains. 

According to them, maple syrup is a minimally processed product that is naturally rich in minerals. It is quite fascinating to note that a single tablespoon can provide a significant portion of your daily manganese and riboflavin (Vitamin B2), along with trace amounts of zinc and calcium.

Impact On Blood Sugar Levels

If you are regular in monitoring your blood sugar levels, the “glycemic index” is the key.

The everyday table sugar has a GI of 65, resulting in rapid spikes and crashes.

Whereas a maple syrup has a GI of 54, making it a “medium-low” glycemic sweetener that enters the bloodstream more slowly.

The Antioxidant Factor

Researchers have identified that dozens of antioxidants in maple syrup, such as “quebecol,” which forms during the boiling process, helps to fight against the inflammation and provide a shield to your cells from oxidative stress, something that white sugar simply cannot do. 

Gut Health & Probiotics

Various health institutes across the world have highlighted that “inulin”, a probiotic fiber that is found in maple syrup, aids in digestion and prevents any kind of gastric complications. 

In contrast, high intake of refined sugars is often linked to poor gut health and increased inflammation. 

Also Read: Think You're Healthy? These Silent Killers Say Otherwise

Remarks

Finally, it is a “yes,” for maple syrup to be a better alternative to white sugar. It provides minerals, antioxidants and a better blood sugar response. However, it is still an added sugar. 

Another thing that you can be mindful of is that while shopping, always look for 100% Pure Maple Syrup. Products labelled as “pancake syrup” or “maple-flavoured” are often just high-fructose corn syrup with artificial dyes and offer none of these benefits.