Maple Syrup: Health Benefits

Maple syrup has been very popular in North America for the past few centuries. It is used to prepare many dishes and drinks, which is easily explained by the striking similarity of this sweetener to refined sugar. At the same time, the birthplace of this syrup is Canada. It is this country that produces more than 80% of the world volume, earning fabulous sums from export.

Maple Syrup is considered one of the most beneficial natural sweeteners. It has unique properties and is able to beneficially affect the human body, saturating it with all the necessary trace elements and vitamins. And if many people know about its unique features and rich composition, then not everyone knows the features of its production and the origin of the raw materials that are used for it.

What Maple Syrup Is Made From

Maple syrup is made according to a technology that has remained unchanged for several centuries and has a direct resemblance to the extraction of juice from a birch trunk. However, not all trees are suitable for the extraction of maple juice. Only the juice that was extracted in early spring from the trunk of some maple varieties is used, namely:

• sugar;
• black;
• red;
• holly

At the same time, only those trees that have reached the age of forty are suitable for collecting juice.

The collection of maple juice consists of several stages:

1. A hole is made in the trunk of a suitable tree, the size of which can vary from 2 to 5 cm.
2. A tube is placed in the resulting recess through which juice will flow. After some time, the container will be filled with liquid.
3. An incision on the tree trunk is treated and closed so as not to provoke the death of the plant.

Large plantings of trees are used to collect maple sap, since for the production of 1 liter of sweetener it is necessary to collect at least 40 liters of liquid. At the same time, the manufacturing process of this unique product also takes a lot of time and lasts about a day.

Kinds

Maple syrup is divided into several varieties that differ in color, smell and richness of taste:

1. Amber light. For this type of maple syrup, the presence of a delicate taste and light aroma is characteristic. It has a light shade of golden color and transmits 75% of the light.
2. Amber-Medium. This variety is distinguished by a rich, amber color and soft, pleasant taste characteristics.
3. Amber Dark This type of maple syrup is more common than the rest, due to its rich taste and aroma.
4. Dark. The smell and taste of this variety of sweetener is very sharp and saturated, and light transmission is minimized.

Composition and calorie content

Maple syrup is not a high-calorie product and contains only 261 calories, 67.09 g of carbohydrates and only 0.2 g of fat. This sweetener is characterized by the content of a large number of healthy vitamins, micro and macro elements.

Per 100 g of product:

• 59.52 g of di- and monosaccharides.
• 0.036 g of saturated fatty acids.
• 0.064 g monounsaturated fatty acids.
• 0.1 g polyunsaturated fatty acids.
• 9 mg sodium.
• 204 mg of potassium.
• 102 mg of calcium.
• 21 mg of magnesium.
• 2 mg of phosphorus.
• 0.11 mg of iron.
• 2.908 mg of manganese.
• 18 mcg of copper.
• 1.47 mg of zinc.
• 0.6 μg of selenium.
• 0.066 mg of vitamin B1.
• 1.27 mg of vitamin B2.
• 1.6 mg of vitamin B4.
• 0.036 mg of vitamin B5.
• 0.002 mg of vitamin B6.
• 0.81 PP.

In addition, the syrup contains a very small amount of oxalates and purines, which is one of the main advantages and distinguishes it from brown sugar, honey and even agave syrup.

Why maple syrup is good

General benefit

The rich composition of the syrup is able to beneficially affect the human body. It has an antibacterial effect, positively affects the work of the cardiovascular system and is able to prevent the development of cancer.

Regular use of maple syrup will help:

1. Stop the development of atherosclerosis. This is possible due to the presence of zinc in the syrup, which, in turn, prevents damage to the inner layer of blood vessels.
2. Reduce cholesterol. With the constant use of maple syrup, the necessary amount of manganese enters the body, which is able to control and reduce the level of bad cholesterol.
3. Improve the immune system. A large number of vitamins and minerals that are part of this sweetener can improve human immunity.
4. Prevent the development of Alzheimer's disease. This feature is explained by the content of a large amount of calcium in the composition of maple syrup.

For women

Maple syrup is an indispensable product for maintaining female beauty and health. It has many useful properties and will help:

• maintain a healthy appearance of the skin;
• prevent the formation of cancerous tumors;
• improve reproductive function;
• prevent the development of vitamin deficiency;
• deal with depressive conditions;
• improve immunity, preventing the development of many diseases.

For men

According to many doctors, maple syrup should be included in the daily diet of every man. The systematic use of this natural sweetener will help prevent:

• the development of prostate cancer;
• lack of testosterone;
• accumulation of bad cholesterol;
• a decrease in physical activity caused by a lack of vitamins, macro-and micronutrients.

During pregnancy

Therapists recommend that pregnant women do not include certain foods in their daily diet without prior approval from their doctor. These include maple syrup.

This natural sweetener will show all its positive qualities only in the case of a normal pregnancy. If, during the gestation, the baby is diagnosed with an increase in uterine tone and other complications, doctors strongly recommend that women abandon this product.

When breastfeeding

Maple syrup is not on the list of prohibited foods while breastfeeding. The use of this natural sweetener in moderation will help a young mother recover from childbirth, normalize the work of many organs, and increase the immunity of a newborn baby.

However, you can use this product only in limited quantities and after consultation with a pediatrician, who will help exclude any contraindications and establish an acceptable daily allowance.

For kids

Maple syrup can be included in the children's menu only after the child has reached the age of three. Otherwise, there is a risk of allergic reactions and other unpleasant consequences.

Start adding maple syrup to your baby’s diet gradually and observe the baby’s condition. In the absence of negative reactions to this unique product, it will be able to have a positive effect on the baby's body and help:

• prevent the development of diabetes;
• maintain muscle tone;
• improve the functioning of the nervous system;
• to establish the immune system;
• reduce the negative impact of the external environment.

When losing weight

According to nutritionists, maple syrup can be included in the diet menu.This is easily explained by the fact that 100 g of this product contain only 261 calories and 0.2 g of fat. This unique feature of a natural sweetener allows you to completely replace sugar with it and not to refuse sweet dishes.

Maple syrup will have a positive effect on the human body during a diet whose goal is to reduce weight. Its use will help prevent the development of depressive states, reduce cholesterol and saturate the body with all the necessary vitamins, macro- and microelements. However, do not forget that abuse this product is not worth it. This will lead to undesirable consequences and can provoke the development of serious diseases.

The use of maple syrup in medicine

Maple syrup is widely used for medical purposes. The rich composition of this sweetener positively affects many processes in the human body and helps:

• prevent the development of cancer;
• improve the protective function of the body, improving the functioning of the immune system;
• prevent and cure atherosclerosis;
• reduce the risk of diabetes;
• clean the liver.

Doctors recommend regular use of maple syrup for those patients who suffer from frequent bouts of depression. The components that make up its composition positively affect the functioning of the nervous system and help to cope with depressive states, frequent stresses, constant anxiety and nervousness.

Maple syrup in cosmetology

This unique, natural sweetener has a beneficial effect not only on the functioning of internal organs and systems, but also on the condition of the hair and skin. Many cosmetologists use it to prepare masks that prevent premature aging of the skin, improve its appearance, returning the skin to a healthy glow and radiance.

There are many recipes for face masks, the basis of which is maple syrup, but the following are considered the most popular and effective.

For face

Maple and linen mask
To prepare this cosmetic product you will need:

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup;
• 1 teaspoon chopped flax seeds;
• 60 ml of purified water.

Mix all the ingredients, evenly distribute the resulting mixture on the skin, massage your face and leave the mask for 20 minutes. After the specified time, rinse with warm water and apply a small amount of moisturizer.

The mask must be applied regularly, but not more than 2 times a week. It will help increase the elasticity of the skin, make them smooth and elastic.

Milk maple mask
To prepare this anti-aging agent, you will need only a few ingredients:

• 10 ml of milk, heated to a comfortable temperature;
• 10 ml maple syrup;
• 30 g of ground oatmeal.

Mix all the ingredients, apply with massaging movements on the skin of the face and let stand 20 minutes. After this time, remove the mask with a sponge, rinse your face with clean, cool water and apply a nourishing cream.

Maple syrup mask and yeast
To prepare this cosmetic product, prepare the following ingredients:

• dry yeast - 1 pack;
• maple juice syrup - 5 ml;
• some mineral water.

Combine all the ingredients and let stand 15–20 minutes. Apply the mask to the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and leave for 20 minutes. After the specified time, wash off the mask with mineral water and apply the cream that you use daily.

For hair

Maple syrup will help not only rejuvenate the skin, but also improve the condition of the hair. The next mask will be able to cope with this task.

Maple Syrup Revitalizing Cosmetic
For cooking you will need:

• maple juice syrup - 30 ml;
• vegetable oil - 20 ml;
• honey - 5 ml.

Mix the ingredients in the indicated quantity and heat in the microwave for about 20 seconds.After cooling, apply the mixture to the hair, put on a hat and wrap your head in a bath towel. Wash off the mask with the usual shampoo after 20-25 minutes. If possible, you can keep the composition on your head all night to achieve maximum effect.

Use this natural remedy 2 times a week. It will help restore hair, restore lost shine and a healthy appearance.

Emergency recovery
If the condition of the hair needs to be improved in record time, for example, after unsuccessful staining, maple syrup must be used as an independent cosmetic product. Apply a small amount to hair, soak for 15-20 minutes and rinse with the usual shampoo. After using this product, the hair will look much healthier and more attractive.

Beauticians and hairdressers draw their customers' attention to the fact that using natural cosmetics without first checking for allergic reactions is strictly prohibited. Apply a small amount of the mask to the inside of the elbow, wait 5-7 minutes and rinse. If after removing the product on the skin, redness, rash, itching, and other unpleasant symptoms appear, its use should be discarded.

Cooking use

Maple juice syrup is used to make many dishes. This unique natural product can be included not only in desserts, but also in meat dishes. Most often it is used for cooking:

• fishes;
• meat;
• baking;
• porridge;
• milkshakes.

Among other things, this natural sweetener can act as an additive in many desserts and completely replace sugar.

There are many recipes that include maple syrup. However, oatmeal with maple syrup is considered the simplest.

Oatmeal

To prepare it you will need:

• oatmeal - 3 large spoons;
• a small amount of olive oil;
• boiling water;
• maple syrup.

The oatmeal is brewed in the usual way and syrup is added to it after ready. This dish will be an excellent breakfast and will help to get a huge boost of energy.

Maple Chocolate Muffin

Experienced housewives know that syrup from maple juice can perfectly complement your favorite pastries, and use it during the preparation of muffins and muffins. One of the most popular recipes is maple chocolate muffin.

To prepare it, you need to prepare a biscuit dough, dark chocolate, maple syrup and chopped walnuts in an amount of 50 g, a little powdered sugar and cocoa powder.

Add nuts to the biscuit dough and bake for 20 minutes at a temperature of 160 degrees Celsius. After the specified time, the muffins are soaked in syrup and decorated with icing sugar, cocoa and chocolate.

How can maple syrup be replaced?

Taste features of maple syrup are unique and unique to this product. However, if necessary, it can be replaced with sweeteners similar in color and texture.

An excellent substitute for syrup from maple juice for baking is light acacia honey, agave essence or homemade jam with a similar shade. In this case, acacia honey can also be used during a diet, the purpose of which is to reduce weight.

Harm and contraindications

The composition of maple syrup includes a huge amount of vitamins and other useful components. Despite this, excessive consumption of this sweetener can harm human health. Daily consumption of more than 30 g of maple syrup will lead to the following consequences:

• dizziness
• bouts of nausea and vomiting;
• increase blood sugar levels;
• the development of allergic reactions.

Doctors recommend completely eliminating syrup from the daily diet:

1. Pregnant women who have an increased tone of the uterus. Neglect of these contraindications can lead to premature birth or miscarriage.
2. Children who have not reached the age of three. The consumption of maple syrup by young children can trigger the development of serious allergies, which in turn will lead to the development of dangerous conditions.
3. People with high blood pressure. In this case, excessive use of maple syrup will lead to a deterioration in the general condition and can cause fainting.
4. People who have individual intolerance to maple juice and its derivatives. If an allergic reaction is detected, maple syrup should be completely excluded from the daily diet and seek medical help. Otherwise, the symptoms of allergies will intensify and lead to the development of serious complications.

Therapists also recommend that syrup be used with caution in those patients who suffer from diabetes or obesity. In moderation, this sweetener will only benefit the body. However, its excessive use will lead to the development of the disease and the deterioration of the general condition.

How to choose and store maple syrup

Only maple syrup can exert a beneficial effect on the human body. In order not to purchase a fake or low quality product, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. The cost of syrup. Real maple juice syrup will not cost too cheap. Features of production and the use of large quantities of juice during the manufacture of this sweetener forces manufacturers to set high prices. 1 liter of natural maple syrup, which is made without the use of sugar, will cost at least $ 40.
2. Manufacturer. 80% maple syrup is made in Canada. However, this does not mean that other countries cannot manufacture it. Pay attention to the place of manufacture of the product and require certificates confirming its quality.
3. Composition. The natural sweetener made from maple juice does not include sugar, corn syrup and other additives. A quality product is 100% composed of maple juice.
4. Packaging. Buy sweetener in glass containers. Only through glass can you evaluate the consistency and color of the syrup.

To preserve all the nutrients and beneficial properties of maple syrup, it is necessary to comply with all norms of its storage. Experts advise not to leave an open bottle with this sweetener under direct sunlight. Better put it in a cool, dark place.

Maple juice syrup is allowed to be stored for no more than 12 months. However, to abandon its use should also be in case of:

• the appearance of an unpleasant odor;
• changes in its consistency;
• color changes.

If you find one or more signs of damage to the product, you should abandon its use. The use of spoiled maple syrup will lead to undesirable consequences, including bouts of nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant symptoms of poisoning.

How to make maple syrup at home

To judge the quality of the product used with absolute certainty is possible only if it is prepared independently. Contrary to popular belief, maple syrup can be made at home. In this case, the finished product will be no worse than bought in a store.

Stages of preparation of maple syrup:

1. Juice collection. The taste of maple syrup directly depends on the time of collection of juice. Collect it in early spring, then the taste and aroma of the finished product will be saturated.The process of collecting maple juice is no different from the extraction of birch. Make a hole in the tree trunk, insert a tube into it and wait for the container to fill with liquid.
2. Evaporation. Evaporation time depends on the amount of juice. Boil 3-4 liters for 1.5–2 hours over high heat. During this time, all the water will evaporate, the juice will acquire a thick consistency and turn into syrup.
3. Upholding. Leave the finished product for several hours. During this time, it will completely cool and become transparent.
4. Removal of sediment. Pour the syrup into another container so that sediment that is not suitable for consumption does not get into it.

Serve syrup with pancakes or cupcakes, add to meat, fish dishes and use when preparing a variety of pastries.

Interesting facts about maple syrup

Maple juice syrup is a unique, healthy product that is very popular all over the world. However, not many people know that:

1. It is the national pride of Canadians and is made from the juice of sugar, black, red or holly maple.
2. Its high cost is explained by the fact that for the preparation of 1 liter requires at least 40 liters of maple juice.
3. Most often, sugar maple juice is used to make this sweetener, which grows only in North America, including Canada.
4. Most of the syrup is produced in the province of Quebec, which is located in Canada.
5. Maple juice contains more than 90% of water. During the preparation of the syrup, most of the liquid evaporates.
6. Indians made maple syrup on hot stones.
7. Natural syrup does not contain sugars, dyes or preservatives. It is made from maple juice by evaporating water from it.
8. The first mention of this product dates back to 1760, however, they began to produce it much earlier.
9. In Russia, maple syrup was found out only in the 20th century.
10. Aged maple syrup changes not only its consistency and color, but also its taste. Over time, it darkens and becomes tart.
11. Maple juice syrup is widely used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. It has unique anti-aging properties, cleanses and saturates the skin with moisture.
12. This product is an effective tool for weight loss. Entire programs and diets have been developed based on maple syrup.

Maple syrup is able to have a unique effect on the human body, healing and rejuvenating it from the inside. However, this is only possible if you use it in the right amounts and do not ignore contraindications.

Maple Syrup Photo