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

How does maple syrup have so many health benefits? To answer this, we have to look at the main contributors on a molecular level.

Over fifty antioxidant compounds were found in a Canadian maple syrup sample and researchers found that maple syrup was able to prevent tumor growth by halting cancer cells from undergoing cell division.

Besides finding which of the antioxidant compounds are the most bioactive in fighting cancer cells, researchers also determined that a mixture of these compounds, called the MS-BuOH extract, can actually interact with one another to create an even more powerful cancer-fighting substance than if they were to act alone.

Reference: González-Sarrías, A.; Li, L.; Seeram, N.P. Anticancer effects of maple syrup phenolics and extracts on proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest of human colon cells. Journal of Functional Foods, 2012, 4, 185-196.