Maple Syrup Nutrition: 9 Powerful Health Benefits & Why It's a Sweet Superfood
- Gerry Caron
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Maple Syrup Nutrition & The 9 Powerful Health Benefits
Additionally, maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, making it a better alternative for managing blood sugar levels. With its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, maple syrup is not only a delicious addition to meals but also a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their intake of processed sugars.
Maple Syrup Nutrition Facts
1 tablespoon of maple syrup contains about:
0.58 milligrams manganese
0.29 milligrams zinc
20 milligrams calcium
42 milligrams potassium
0.02 milligrams iron
4 milligrams magnesium
1. Contains Numerous Antioxidants
According to studies comparing the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners to refined sugar products like white sugar or corn syrup, substantial differences in total antioxidant content were found. Refined sugar, corn syrup, and agave nectar contain minimal antioxidant activity, but maple syrup, dark and blackstrap molasses, brown sugar, and raw honey showed higher antioxidant capacity (with molasses having the highest).
A strong reason to switch your sweetener? Maple syrup nutrition is impressive when it comes to supplying protective antioxidants. The medical journal Pharmaceutical Biology revealed that pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants (4). These antioxidants, in the form of phenolic compounds, are beneficial for reducing free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of various chronic diseases. Whenever possible, select darker, grade B maple syrups since these contain more beneficial antioxidants than the lighter syrups do.
Some of the primary antioxidants found in maple syrup include benzoic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, and various flavanols like catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and quercetin. While most are found at low concentrations, others are present in higher quantities, so it’s possible that the benefits of these antioxidants might counteract some of the downsides to consuming the syrup’s high quantity of sugar.
2. Gets a Lower Score on the Glycemic Index
Refined sugar, and refined carbohydrates in general, are known to be rapidly metabolized by the liver—causing a “sugar high,” followed by a quick “sugar crash.” Even worse, consuming too much sugar quickly spikes your blood sugar and raises insulin levels, which over time can lead to lower insulin response and problems managing blood glucose, which is the reason diabetes develops.
However, keep in mind that because consuming too much sugar, from any source, is one of the leading causes of some of the most widespread health problems—like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease—even natural sweeteners like maple syrup should be used in small amounts. When it comes to solutions for reversing diabetes naturally or other blood-sugar-related conditions, it’s best to minimize sugar intake overall and especially to avoid refined sugar.
3. Fights Inflammatory Diseases
Because maple syrup nutrition supplies inflammation-reducing polyphenol antioxidants, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that’s helpful in preventing certain diseases like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or heart disease. Maple syrup’s plant-based compounds reduce oxidative stress, which is responsible for aging us at a quicker rate and reducing the strength of our immune system.
4. May Help Protect Against Cancer
While some evidence shows that to a certain degree sugar can cause cancer or at least contribute to it, maple syrup seems to be a much less harmful sweetener. This is due to the presence of antioxidants in maple syrup that can protect cells from DNA damage and mutation. While maple syrup alone won’t likely result in a reduced risk for developing cancer, it’s a much safer option than including high levels of refined sugar or artificial sweeteners in your diet.
5. Helps Protect Skin Health
Many people swear by using maple syrup topically, directly on their skin. Similarly to raw honey, maple syrup can help to lower skin inflammation, redness, blemishes, and dryness. Combined with raw milk or yogurt, rolled oats, and raw honey, this natural mixture applied to the skin as a mask can hydrate skin while reducing bacteria and signs of irritation.
6. Alternative To Sugar For Improved Digestion
Consuming high levels of refined sugar can contribute to candida, IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and other digestive system disorders. In fact, one of the biggest steps you can take to heal leaky gut and autoimmune disorders is to reduce refined sugar intake and opt for small amounts of natural sweeteners instead.
Most artificial sweeteners also cause symptoms of indigestion, including gas, bloating, cramping, and constipation. To keep the digestive tract in healthier shape, free from chemicals and the damage done by a high-sugar diet, maple syrup can be a much better alternative to use in baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.
7. Supplies Important Vitamins and Minerals
Maple syrup contains zinc and manganese in fairly high amounts, in addition to potassium and calcium. Zinc can help fight illness and improve immunity since it keeps your level of white blood cells up, while manganese plays a crucial role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, and brain and nerve function.
8. Healthier Alternative to Artificial Sweeteners
If you typically use artificial sweeteners or refined sugar products like dangerous Splenda, sucralose, agave, aspartame, or sugar, you should think about switching these out for maple syrup and raw honey as soon as possible. Artificial sweeteners, while they may be calorie-free, are tied to numerous health problems including weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, short-term memory loss, and much more.
9. May Enhance Antibiotic Effects
There are other products out there that boost antibiotic strength, but this may be the only one that comes from nature. Source: United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service.
Maine Maple Syrup Producers and Contact Information
Looking to experience fresh Maine maple syrup firsthand? Visit these top Maine maple producers:
Merrifield Farm – Gorham, ME
📍 195 North Gorham Road, Gorham, ME 04038
📞 (207) 415-3001
Balsam Ridge Farm – Raymond, ME
📍 140 Egypt Road, Raymond, ME 04071
📞 (207) 655-4474
Hilltop Boilers – Newfield, ME
📍 157 Elm Street, Newfield, ME 04056
📞 (207) 793-8850
Silloway Maple – Skowhegan, ME
📍 778 Back Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976
📞 (207) 858-4403
Chandler’s Sugar Shack – Rome, ME
📍 66 Jamaica Point Road, Rome, ME 04963
📞 (207) 397-2171
Other Locations:
Map/Link of Other Maple Producers
Conclusion
Maple syrup is not just a delicious natural sweetener—it’s also packed with powerful antioxidants, essential minerals, and unique health benefits. Whether you're looking for a healthier alternative to refined sugar, a boost for your immune system, or a natural way to enhance the effects of antibiotics, maple syrup is a great choice. Enjoy its rich, natural taste while reaping its many health benefits.
About
The Maine Maple Producers Association is committed to education, technology, and promotion of the maple industry within Maine, nationally, and internationally. Representing over 250 producers, MMPA supports both small artisan makers and large-scale distributors. The state produces over 575,000 gallons of syrup annually, contributing $55.6 million to the economy and supporting over 833 jobs.
For more information or to purchase high-quality maple syrup, contact:
Maine Maple Producers Association
Website: Maine Maple Producers Association
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Enjoy its rich, natural taste while reaping its many health benefits.