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

There are many reasons why maple syrup should be on top of your grocery list. To start, improving our diet is the best way to prevent many chronic diseases, and replacing added sugars for a healthier option, such as maple syrup, is a great starting point. Recent studies on maple syrup suggested that its antioxidative properties could potentially prevent the development of diabetes.  

During this study, antioxidants found in maple syrup extract were tested to examine their ability to slow down the process of glycation (the process of sugars attaching to proteins and fats). The end product (known as AGEs) of glycation accumulates in the body, and AGEs have been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. During this study, it was found that these antioxidants can prevent the development of AGEs at an early stage. 

Further research will be needed to confirm if maple syrup can prevent the development of diabetes. What it is known for certain is that maple syrup is a better sweetener option. Did you add maple syrup to your grocery list yet?

Reference: Ma, H.; Liu, W.; Frost, L.; Kirshenbaum, L.; Dain, J.; Seeram, N.P. Glucitol-core containing gallotannins inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products mediated by their antioxidant potential, Food and Function, 2016, 7, 2213-2222. https://web.uri.edu/maple/glucitol-core-containing-gallotannins-inhibit-the-formation-of-advanced-glycation-end-products-mediated-by-their-antioxidant-potential/