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

Maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that have proven to protect our body from cancers, and tumors. Scientists decided to study the effects of maple syrup in mice fed a high-fat diet. 

During the experiment, scientists observed four different groups of mice. The first group was fed a high fat, the second group was fed a high-fat diet along with a small portion of maple syrup, third group was also fed a high-fat diet with a higher portion of maple syrup, and the last group was fed a low-fat diet (this group is used to compare findings). After four weeks of following a very specific diet plan, they were put to sleep in order to extract their livers and blood for further examinations. 

In their findings, scientists reported that the two groups that were fed maple syrup reported lower levels of cholesterol. Scientists also tested the livers of the mice that were fed a high-fat diet to examine the different genes that can negatively affect an organism. They reported that the administration of maple syrup extract can prevent the expression of these genes in the liver. Scientists also found that maple syrup can prevent inflammation of the liver. This study demonstrated the potential protective effects of maple syrup in the liver, and that the beneficial effects of maple syrup depending on the amount of syrup ingested.

So many benefits in only one ingredient! But how to include it in our diet? Use it as your favorite sweetener option, add it to your tea, add it to your fruits and vegetables, or to your morning oatmeal.

Reference: Kamei A, Watanabe Y, Shinozaki F, Yasuoka A, Shimada K, Kondo K, Ishijima T, Toyoda T, Arai S, Kondo T, Abe K. Quantitative deviating effects of maple syrup extract supplementation on the hepatic gene expression of mice fed a high‐fat diet. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2017, 61:1600477. doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201600477 https://web.uri.edu/maple/quantitative-deviating-effects-of-maple-syrup-extract-supplementation-on-the-hepatic-gene-expression-of-mice-fed-a-high-fat-diet/