Study finds maple syrup could be good for your health

A very Canadian alternative to sugar could be beneficial to your health.

A new study out of Quebec shows that substituting maple sugar for refined sugar in your coffee is good for the cardiovascular system, and can help shed some pounds.

At least, compared to more typical refined sugars. That’s what researchers out of Laval University found after finishing a study comparing the two.

“When you consume maple syrup, you have less detrimental effects on several factors,” said André Marette, of Laval University.

“First, your abdominal fat is reduced. We also saw reduction in blood pressure, a small reduction but still significant. And we also saw improvement in glucose control, or glycemic control, which is very important if you want to prevent developing type 2 diabetes.”

Vine’s Maple Syrup in Thessalon has been in operation for more than a century. Although owner Luke Vine wouldn’t comment on the health benefits, he said maple syrup is as versatile as any sweetener.

“I use it on oatmeal and cereal,” Vine said.

“We bake with it, make pies or whatever. I just like it. The flavour is a lot better than plain white sugar.”

Marette said they want to help people reduce their refined sugar consumption.

“Of course there are other options out there, but we believe natural sweeteners are the way to go,” he said.

“It’s very good news for producers. The global market for maple syrup is on the rise, which is obviously good for producers.”

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The research saw 42 healthy but slightly overweight adults consume either two tablespoons of maple syrup, or sucrose syrup, over two, four-week phases.

Subjects would then switch substances for the latter phase.

The study’s findings that maple syrup is better for the cardiovascular system has researchers interested in replicating the study on those with hypertension.