Disclaimer: The findings discussed are lab based and further studies need to be done.

When most people think of maple syrup, “healthy” might be the last word to come to mind. The amount of sweet, delicious sugar reminds us of eating similar snacks like cupcakes or an irresistible Snickers bar. But what if I told you that real maple syrup is actually immensely healthy for you? A recent maple syrup study has shown that the delicious liquid contains a molecule called quebecol, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of anti-inflammatory substances are simple; they work to reduce inflammation! There are many diseases, disorders, and pathologies that plague people with inflammation. Common inflammatory-based conditions include psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal diseases, asthma, atherosclerosis (caused by high cholesterol), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even cancer! Would you have thought that maple syrup could help these conditions? 

The study looked at how the molecule in maple syrup, quebecol, affected known substances in the human body that relate to inflammation. The experiments showed that quebecol was effective in preventing many of these substances from causing inflammation, further concluding that it is a great anti-inflammatory agent. 

So next time you aren’t sure what to make for breakfast, consider one of our recipes with maple syrup. The best part is, you don’t have to feel guilty about it like that chocolate bar might!

Reference: Cardinal S, Azelmat J, Grenier D, Voyer N. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters. 2016, 26:440-444. https://web.uri.edu/maple/anti-inflammatory-properties-of-quebecol-and-its-derivatives-2/