Maple syrup - what is it made from? Health benefits and harms of maple syrup, use in cooking. What is maple syrup?

Maple syrup. Many people have a sweet tooth and enjoy eating chocolates and cakes. Everyone knows that sweets are harmful to the body.

In addition, in the modern confectionery industry, far from the most useful substances are used - palm oil, synthetic fats, stabilizers, etc.

It would seem that sweets should be completely removed from the menu. But nature gave us syrups.

Maple syrup is made from the sap of the broadleaf maple tree.. The main producer is Canada. Even despite strict control over the product manufacturing process, there are still fakes on the market.

In this article we will talk about maple syrup, consider its beneficial properties and side effects.

1. Abscisic acid contained in maple syrup stimulates the pancreas. One of its main functions is the secretion of the hormone insulin, which is involved in the breakdown of glucose. Diabetic conditions are associated with the lack of insulin production.

2. A unique element was discovered in maple syrup, named Quebecol in honor of the homeland of maple. It has a sweet taste, but is not a carbohydrate.

The chemical composition of the component is close to substances of the phenolic group and, therefore, approved for use by patients with diabetes. In the near future, quebecol may provide a sweetener for people dependent on external insulin.

3. The product is very rich in potassium. Its content in 100 g of syrup is up to 210 mcg. The function of this mineral is to provide nutrition and maintain the tone of smooth muscles, which include the heart muscle.

5. For girls during puberty and women during pregnancy, zinc will ensure protein absorption and growth.

6. Zinc plays an important role in the growth of lymphocytes - cells that form an immune response to a viral or bacterial attack.

7. Manganese, the content of which is 3.5 mcg in 100 g of maple syrup, along with calcium and zinc, is important for maintaining the correct balance of substances in bone tissue.

8. Manganese is involved in the formation and transmission of nerve impulses.

9. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, similar to those found in red wine and tomatoes. However, unlike tomatoes and wine, antioxidants do not affect the gallbladder and liver.

10. Maple syrup, due to its low content of substances that cause allergies, can be used by people prone to such reactions in the body.

11. Natural maple syrup contains no dyes or preservatives.

The harm of maple syrup

1. Speaking about the dangers of maple syrup, it is worth understanding how it is consumed. As a therapeutic diet, any syrup, including maple syrup, has recommended daily intake. One spoon a day will not do any harm.

But if you regularly use syrup as a topping for pancakes and other baked goods, then you need to understand that more harm comes from flour products, and not from syrup.

2. Diabetics should take the syrup with caution. Despite its low effect, maple syrup is not indicated for all types and degrees of diabetes.

3. It is undesirable to use maple syrup during pregnancy in case of high uterine tone. Potassium contained in the syrup maintains smooth muscle tone, and the potassium antagonist in this case will be magnesium, which is prescribed to reduce tone.

Homemade maple syrup

Maple syrup is quite an expensive product. Its average price is $70-80 per liter, but you can try making the syrup yourself.

It will differ from the original Canadian one in its reduced content of glucose and other substances and, possibly, in taste.

1. Maple sap can be collected during intense spring movement, when nutrients reach the tree’s buds. This usually happens when during the day the air warms up to +15...+20, and at night there are still frosts.

2. Select a maple tree with a five-pointed leaf and a wide trunk, drill a hole in it at an angle so that the sap flows down. Insert the tube and remove it into an enamel or glass container.

3. On average, a liter of syrup will require up to 50 liters of fresh juice. From one tree you can get 4-6 liters in a few hours.

4. The juice should be boiled in an enamel bowl until it becomes syrup, evaporating the water. The process, depending on the sugar content in the juice, can take up to 18-25 hours.

5. When a syrupy state is reached, remove the dish from the stove and let it cool, then pour into several jars, close with lids and put in the refrigerator.

If you have ever collected birch sap, then you can handle maple sap without any problems. Buy juice or collect it yourself - the choice is yours.

Most people consume a lot of sugar—probably more than they actually need. Maple syrup is considered to be one of the sweeteners you should use in small quantities and a good alternative to refined (table) sugar when used in moderation.

Similar to the difference between whole and refined grains, unrefined natural sweeteners like maple syrup contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and phytochemicals than white table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. This is why we see many health benefits from eating natural raw honey. When used in appropriate amounts, the benefits of consuming maple syrup may include the ability to reduce inflammation, provide nutrients to the body, and better control blood sugar levels.

Maple tree syrup, or more accurately, sap, has been used for centuries. In fact, syrup was made from the sap of various maple trees long before the first European settlers arrived in America. Native Americans had theories about the nutritional value of maple syrup even in those ancient times, and the sweetener had cultural significance to many native tribes. They even celebrated the “Sugar Moon” (the first full moon of spring) with the “Maple Dance” and viewed maple sap as a source of energy and nutrition.

What are the beneficial properties of maple syrup?

Compared to refined sugar, which contains absolutely no nutrients, maple syrup contains some important antioxidants and minerals, such as zinc and manganese. When we do a nutritional comparison between sugar and maple syrup, we see that they have a few things in common, but also some things that definitely make maple syrup a more interesting choice.

What makes maple syrup better than regular sugar?

They are both about two-thirds sucrose, but maple syrup provides the body less with sugar and more with nutrients. Maple syrup has a glycemic index of about 54, compared to sugar's glycemic index of about 70. This means that one of the benefits of consuming maple syrup is that it affects your blood sugar a little less dramatically than regular table syrup. sugar. Maple syrup also provides the body with some micronutrients and antioxidants, while sugar contains neither.

Another factor that makes these two sweeteners very different is how they are made. Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. Unlike refined sugar, which is produced through a long, complex process, maple syrup is a relatively more natural, unrefined product. And, as you probably know, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, like refined sugar, are not natural or healthy foods.

For example, sugar cane stalks and sugar beets are mechanically harvested, cleaned, washed, crushed, extracted, squeezed, filtered, clarified and condensed - all before producing sugar crystals from these products!

Nutritional value and composition of maple syrup

1 tablespoon maple syrup contains approximately:

• 0.7 milligrams manganese (33% of the recommended daily intake, or RDI);
• 0.8 milligrams zinc (6% RDI);
• 13.4 milligrams calcium (1% RDI);
• 40.8 milligrams potassium (1% RDI);
• 0.2 milligrams iron (1% RDI);
• 2.8 milligrams magnesium (1% RDI).

Various Brands of Maple Syrup

There are several different "grades" of maple syrup, depending on color. The exact way they are classified may vary from country to country.

In the United States, maple syrup is classified as either Grade A or Grade B.

• Class A is divided into 3 groups: light amber, medium amber and dark amber.
• Class B the darkest of all.

The main difference between the two is that dark syrups are made from sap that is extracted during the harvest season. Dark syrups have a stronger maple flavor and are typically used for baking or cooking, while lighter ones are used more like syrups, such as drizzled over pancakes.

Plus, dark varieties of maple syrup contain more antioxidants and nutrients.

If you are going to buy maple syrup, choose the natural product as there are maple flavored syrups on the market that may contain refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup.

Benefits of maple syrup

Eating maple syrup benefits human health. Here are 9 beneficial properties of this amazing product:

1. Contains many antioxidants

Studies comparing the total antioxidant content of natural sweeteners and refined sugar-containing foods, such as white sugar or corn syrup, have found significant differences. Refined sugar, corn syrup, and agave nectar contain minimal amounts of antioxidants, but maple syrup, dark and black molasses (molasses), brown sugar, and raw honey show higher antioxidant capacity.

The nutritional value of maple syrup is impressive when it comes to the presence of protective antioxidants. Medical journal Pharmaceutical Biology showed that pure maple syrup contains up to 24 different antioxidants. These antioxidants, in the form of phenolic compounds, are useful in reducing damage caused by free radicals, which can cause inflammation and contribute to various chronic diseases. Whenever possible, choose darker "B" maple syrups as they contain more beneficial antioxidants than lighter syrups.

Some of the main antioxidants found in maple syrup include:

• benzoic acid
• gallic acid
• cinnamic acid

Maple syrup also contains various flavanols, such as:

• catechin
• epicatechin
• routine
• quercetin

While most are found in low concentrations, others are present in large quantities, so it is possible that the beneficial effects of these antioxidants may outweigh the negative effects of the large amount of sugar present in the syrup.

2. Has a lower glycemic index

Refined sugar and refined carbohydrates are known to be rapidly metabolized by the liver, causing a spike in blood sugar levels and then a rapid decline. Even worse, consuming too much sugar quickly raises blood sugar and increases insulin levels, which over time can lead to decreased insulin response, problems with blood glucose control, and the development of diabetes.

However, keep in mind that since consuming too much sugar from any source is one of the main causes of some of the most common health problems (such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease), even natural sweeteners such as maple syrup should be used in small quantities. When it comes to treating diabetes naturally, or other sugar-related diseases, it is best to reduce your sugar intake in general and especially avoid refined sugar.

3. Fights inflammatory diseases

Because maple syrup supplies the body with inflammation-reducing antioxidant polyphenols, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that helps prevent certain diseases such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or cardiovascular disease. The plant compounds in maple syrup reduce oxidative stress, which is responsible for faster aging of the body and a decrease in the strength of our immune system.

4. May Help Protect Against Cancer

5. Helps Protect Skin Health

The benefits of maple syrup extend to skin health. Many people use maple syrup topically by applying it directly to their skin. Similar to raw honey, maple syrup can help reduce skin inflammation, redness, blemishes, and dryness. Combined with raw milk or yogurt, oatmeal and raw honey, this natural mixture is applied to the skin as this mask can hydrate the skin while reducing bacteria and signs of irritation.

6. Alternative to sugar to improve digestion

Consuming large amounts of refined sugar can contribute to the development of candidiasis, irritable bowel syndrome (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 diseases is to reduce your intake of refined sugar and consume small amounts of natural sweeteners.

Most artificial sweeteners also cause symptoms of indigestion, including flatulence, bloating, colic, and constipation. To keep your digestive tract healthy and protected from the damaging effects of chemicals and sugar, maple syrup can be a much better alternative to add to baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothies.

7. Provides important vitamins and minerals

In addition to potassium and calcium, maple syrup contains fairly large quantities of zinc and manganese. Zinc can help fight disease and improve immunity as it maintains white blood cell levels, while manganese plays an important role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, brain and nerve function.

8. Healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners

If you habitually use artificial sweeteners or dangerous refined sugar products such as sucralose, agave, aspartame or sugar, you should consider switching to consuming maple syrup and natural honey as soon as possible. Although artificial sweeteners are low in calories, their consumption is associated with numerous health problems, including:

• weight gain
• fatigue
• anxiety
• learning difficulties
• short-term memory loss
• and much more

Many pre-existing conditions can worsen over time due to continued use of artificial sweeteners. When it comes to losing weight, their consumption can also hinder the process. There is a high chance of developing an addiction to artificial sweeteners used in many diets or low-calorie foods because they affect your food cravings and your ability to control hunger and satiety.

Maple syrup is not associated with any of these health problems, plus it provides a greater sense of satisfaction due to its naturally sweet flavor.

9. May enhance antibiotic effects

Antibiotics may seem like a quick and easy solution to a range of different diseases, but as new research results are released, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the dangers and downsides of using antibiotics. In the process of suppressing harmful pathogens, antibiotics can also attack healthy cells. In addition, overuse of antibiotics leads to the emergence of “superbugs” that no longer respond to antibiotic treatment.

When researcher Natalie Tufenkji and her team tested maple syrup extracts in combination with antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin and Carbenicillin, they observed the same antimicrobial effect but used 90% fewer antibiotics. In other words, maple syrup extract helped the antibiotics work better. How? The researchers found that the extract increased the permeability of bacteria, helping antibiotics penetrate into bacterial cells.

The harm of maple syrup

As previously mentioned, maple syrup can be a good natural sweetener when the serving size is small and it is consumed in combination with other healthy natural foods. While maple syrup contains some nutrients and is healthier than white sugar, it still does not provide the body with the required amount of important vitamins or minerals compared to other whole foods such as vegetables, fruits and high-quality proteins and fats.

There may be harm from consuming maple syrup if you consume it in excess. This can lead to significant spikes in blood sugar levels, which can lead to hyperglycemia and the development of type 2 diabetes.

As a result, it would be better to think of this product as a better alternative to sugar, but this does not mean that you should strive to include it in your daily diet. As long as you consume maple syrup in moderation, it shouldn't pose a problem. Just make sure you buy the highest quality available on the market and watch your portion size!

History of maple syrup

Maple syrup is one of the most ancient sweeteners, which was consumed by Native Americans living in North America hundreds of years ago. Maple syrup was first collected and used by indigenous peoples before they introduced it to early European settlers, who quickly improved the technology needed to harvest more of the product.

Maple syrup's natural harvesting method and history as a healing sweetener is another reason why many people today choose maple syrup and natural honey as healthier sweeteners. And even those who follow the paleo diet consume this natural product.

80% of maple syrup today comes from Canada. In the United States, the largest production of maple syrup is in Vermont, where it has been produced for hundreds of years. In fact, some of the large maple trees in Vermont that are still extracted for sap are over 200 years old! Most sap maples are approximately 25-30 cm in diameter and are usually about 40 years old.

How is maple syrup made?

What is maple syrup made from? All plants naturally contain sugar, which is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when sunlight comes into contact with the plant's leaves. Sucrose is the most common type of sugar present in maple syrup (at least 66% of the sugar in natural maple syrup is sucrose).

Sugar synthesized in plants is used as an energy source for plant growth and is stored throughout the plant, especially in the roots. In most cases, sugar from the roots, stems and leaves of plants is quite difficult to obtain without some mechanical and chemical process (for example, from sugar cane or beets), but in the case of maple sap it is quite easy to collect.

Then, as spring arrives and temperatures warm, pressure builds up inside the trees, causing sap to flow out of the holes and into the buckets. The buckets are collected by hand and their contents are poured into large tanks where some of the water is evaporated and removed to create a more concentrated syrup. And that's all - the process is very simple. A typical sugar season lasts 4-6 weeks and it takes 40 liters of maple sap to make 1 liter of maple syrup!

How to Buy and Use Natural Maple Syrup

To get all these benefits of maple syrup, you need to be careful when purchasing it. Many maple syrups sold in stores are essentially impostors or "flavored" maple syrup sugars, which are highly refined. Check the label carefully for third-party ingredients to ensure that the only ingredient in the product is maple syrup and that it does not contain refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. It is also wise to buy organic maple syrup whenever possible - this will ensure that the trees are not treated with any chemicals.

All types of maple syrup are classified as either "Grade A" or "Grade B". Both Grade A and Grade B maple syrups can be a good choice as long as they are pure and free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors. The biggest difference is that Grade B syrups are darker in color and more concentrated, so they are typically used for cooking instead of drizzled over foods. Some studies also show that Grade B maple syrup is richer in antioxidants than Grade A maple syrup.

Most store-bought maple syrups are grade A (the lighter type used to sweeten pancakes). There are also several different types of Grade A syrups, which range in color from light to dark amber. The darker the syrup, the later it was collected and the stronger its flavor.

When using maple syrup instead of table sugar in baked goods, replace the sugar with the same amount of maple syrup, but reduce the amount of liquid the recipe calls for by about half a cup. In cocktails and other drinks, you can simply replace sugar or agave nectar with maple syrup.

Maple syrup is a healthy product (see photo) obtained from the natural sap of red, black or sugar maple. Currently, they are actively replacing sugar, since this syrup tastes very sweet. It also has an amber color and a thick transparent consistency. This is why processed maple sap is very similar to bee honey. Despite the fact that maple syrup originates from North America, it is valued all over the world.

This type of syrup is obtained by evaporating natural maple sap, which is usually extracted in early spring. At this time of year, sap collectors make holes in maple trees. Tubes are inserted into them, through which maple liquid gradually passes into a pre-prepared container. The extracted juice is then sent for processing, during which it is evaporated until the syrup becomes thick. Maple sap is eighty percent water and usually takes at least two hours to evaporate. Forty liters of maple sap can yield only one liter of amber syrup. However, given that maple trees are not damaged when collecting maple liquid, it is possible to extract raw materials for making syrup from one trunk annually.

How to choose and store maple syrup correctly?

Not many people know how to properly select and store maple syrup. We suggest you figure out right now how to distinguish real maple syrup from imitation.

The first thing you should always pay attention to is the consistency of the maple syrup. The liquid must only be transparent or translucent. If the liquid is cloudy, the product is not worth buying. In addition, you must always look at the label of the container that contains the syrup. It must indicate the country supplying the product, as well as the name of the manufacturing company. There should also be a golden maple leaf on the container with the syrup. This is a Canadian seal that certifies the authenticity of maple syrup.

In addition, real syrup obtained from natural maple sap will never be cheap. As mentioned earlier, from forty liters of maple sap only one liter of syrup can be obtained. This explains the high cost of this product. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that the taste of real maple syrup must have a light woody note. If the product is simply sweet, then it is probably a fake, made from artificial maple essence and corn syrup.

You can store maple syrup either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. In the latter case, the product must be kept exclusively in a hermetically sealed container. After unpacking, it is recommended to pour the maple syrup into a glass or plastic container and place it in a cool room for storage. If all conditions are met, the shelf life of this product can reach three years.

How to cook with your own hands at home?

To make your own maple syrup at home, you will need to be patient in advance. The process of preparing this product is quite long, and that is why, first of all, it requires patience. The first step is to extract natural maple sap. To do this, you need to wait until spring arrives to look for a large and healthy maple. It is not recommended to extract sap from sick trees, as well as from those trees on which buds have begun to bloom. After the maple trunk is selected, small cuts are made in it, the depth of which should not be more than eight centimeters. Special iron spouts are inserted into the drilled places, and tubes are inserted into them. From one hole in a maple tree you can collect up to three liters of sap in one day.

Collected raw materials must be sent immediately for processing. First, the juice must be filtered, since it may contain remnants of bark or other debris. Then the product is poured into a wide container with a non-stick coating and placed on the fire to evaporate. This usually takes several hours. Note! If you evaporate homemade syrup for a long time, it will turn out too thick and in the future it will simply become sugary. If the product is made too rare, it will have a short shelf life. In addition, it is recommended to boil the juice outside, since during the boiling process sweet steam evaporates, which subsequently settles on objects in the room and makes them sticky. The finished syrup cools slightly, is distributed into jars and sealed tightly.

Application

The use of maple syrup is widespread in America and Canada. In these parts of the world, processed maple sap is very often used for culinary and cosmetic purposes. There are many ways to use this product, and you will learn about them right now!

In cooking

Maple syrup is used very widely in cooking. Its sweet taste and pleasant smell are in perfect harmony with baked goods, fruits, meat and even fish. That is why there are many different dishes that include this versatile product. If you don't know how to use maple syrup for culinary purposes, be sure to take a look at the table below. It offers very tasty and at the same time incredibly simple recipes using this product.

In addition, various puff pastries, buns, cocktails and even cakes are prepared with maple syrup. All desserts that contain this product have a unique taste and aroma.

Often processed maple sap is used as a sweet sauce. It is poured over pancakes, pancakes and various pastries. Due to the fact that the calorie content of this product is low, many people also use it as a substitute for sugar. It is added to tea, coffee and other hot drinks.

In cosmetology

In cosmetology, maple syrup literally works wonders. This product has restorative properties and can make your skin perfect and your hair luxurious. Today it is absolutely not necessary to buy professional masks and balms to give your body beauty. You can easily make do with homemade cosmetics, which are very easy to create with your own hands using only natural ingredients. In the table below you can find recipes for the best cosmetics, in which maple syrup is a mandatory component.

The benefit of maple syrup also lies in the fact that it can be used as a means of losing weight. In this case, you need to adhere to a special diet, which was invented in the 20th century by the American folk healer Stanley Burroughs. So, in order to get rid of extra pounds, you need to prepare a special cocktail, which should include half a glass of purified water, a pinch of crushed red pepper and two tablespoons of real maple syrup and natural lemon juice. These components just need to be mixed, and the finished cocktail must be consumed every morning for five days. Please note: when following this maple diet, you must exclude meat from your daily diet!

What to replace it with?

“What can I substitute for maple syrup?” - this question often worries those people for whom this product for some reason is not suitable, but really want to cook something original and tasty. So, if you prepare dishes that do not require high heat treatment, you can replace maple syrup with regular honey or agave syrup.

As for baking, carob syrup and any jam can replace maple syrup. With these substitutes, pies and buns come out no less tasty and healthy.

If you prepare a marinade for meat, you can use Narsharab pomegranate sauce as a replacement. It will enrich meat dishes with an unusually pleasant sourness and a very appetizing burgundy tint.

Beneficial properties, harm and contraindications

You can talk about the beneficial properties of maple syrup for a very long time. This product includes many different antioxidants and vital chemical elements (potassium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, etc.). Natural maple syrup is also rich in B vitamins, which are responsible for the proper functioning of the human body.

It has been scientifically proven that boiled maple juice can be consumed in the following cases:

• for the treatment of heart and vascular diseases;
• to strengthen the immune system;
• to increase potency;
• for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

The great thing is that processed maple sap contains virtually no compounds such as oxalates and purines. This indicates that this product cannot cause allergies.

Maple syrup can harm the body only if consumed in unlimited quantities. This is due to the fact that this product contains quite a lot of glucose. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to drink maple syrup with caution.

The only contraindication to this healthy sweet sauce is individual intolerance to it.

Maple syrup is a very tasty product that is useful for both adults and children. In the latter case, the amount of syrup consumed per day must be limited. Give children no more than three tablespoons of this product per day.

Today, maple syrup has gained fame as a natural sugar substitute. Bottles with a sweet brown liquid can be found in any kitchen of healthy eating enthusiasts and those who want to get rid of extra pounds. This sticky product is believed to provide vital elements to the body and help it stay healthy. Is this really so, and is the maple supplement recommended for everyone? Let’s figure it out together.

What is maple syrup

Maple syrup is a sticky, sweet substance that is obtained from the sap of certain varieties of maple trees. Such trees are not at all rare and are found on many continents. But despite this, Canada has managed to maintain leadership in the world food market for centuries.

Of all the goods available, about 80 percent are manufactured in this country. Historically, this is a traditional delicacy for Canadians. It’s not for nothing that the maple leaf is featured on the Canadian flag.

Did you know? It is known that maple syrup was popular among the Indians even before Christopher Columbus discovered America. Although the first written mentions of this delicacy date back to 1760. They talk about marvelous Canadian maples, the sap of which is suitable for producing edible sugar.

Appearance and taste

Today you can purchase maple syrup in specialized stores or order it through the Internet from distributors. You can also make it yourself.

• thickness;
• transparent or translucent consistency (similar to honey);
• viscousness;
• a wide range of amber shades (from light yellow to dark red);
• pleasant aroma.

This woody product tastes very sweet, so it is widely used in cooking. The liquid is suitable for baking pancakes, waffles, corn bread, gingerbread, as well as for making ice cream and other desserts. Genuine syrup has a specific woody taste.

How is maple syrup made?

Both in industry and at home, maple syrup is produced in several stages. The first involves the collection of raw materials, which is carried out by drilling the trunks of sugar, Norway, red and black maples. And the second involves evaporating the juice to a certain thickness.

Important! The color of maple syrup depends on the time of collection of raw materials. The later this happens, the richer the color will be. As a rule, these are variations of purple and brown shades. It is believed that such a product has a more concentrated aroma and rich taste.

The technology for producing authentic syrup is very close to the technology for producing coconut sugar. Tree sap flows through numerous tubes, which are fixed on the maple trunk, into a special container. Then the liquid is poured into clean containers and simmered over low heat until a honey consistency is obtained.

If the raw materials are overcooked, maple sugar may turn out. In cooking, it is customary to use dark varieties of syrup for dishes that require heat treatment. And light ones are served raw for desserts. Unfortunately, there are many fakes on sale that have nothing to do with maple. They are made from fructose and regular sugar. And for masking they add maple flavoring. Therefore, you should be careful when purchasing such products.

Syrup composition

Despite the popularity of this herbal product, there are very opposing opinions about its benefits. Some argue that this is an excellent remedy for maintaining the vital functionality of the body, while others are convinced that the meager composition of maple syrup can do little to help the body, much less a weakened one.

Did you know? Every year, the Canadian people earn about $145 million from the export of maple sap.

Therefore, before judging the benefits or harms of the Canadian delicacy, let’s try to look into its contents. Experts who studied the quantitative composition of nutrients in this product in laboratory conditions came to the conclusion that the proportion of vitamins and minerals in the syrup is insignificant. As a result, the myth about the healing properties of the liquid was dispelled.

If we take the equivalent of the human body’s daily need for nutrients, then in a hundred-gram portion of maple syrup we found:

• magnesium (165%);
• zinc (28%);
• calcium (7%);
• iron (7%);
• potassium (6%).

But what benefits can we talk about when in order to saturate the body, for example, with zinc and magnesium, you need to eat at least 100 grams of the product. But in addition to these components, it contains 67 grams of sucrose. It turns out that the minimum indicators of bonus minerals are not able to compensate for such an amount of sugar.

Important! When preparing sweet desserts, it is unacceptable to combine sugar and maple syrup.

The maple delicacy contains B vitamins, as well as polyphenols, quebecol and 24 antioxidants. They can be successfully replaced with a small amount of walnuts or any berries. Plus, the alternative has a lot less sugar.

Therefore, all lovers of maple sweetener should take this nuance into account. Moreover, in 100 grams of liquid there are no proteins or fats, but there are 67 grams of carbohydrates. And this is with a calorie content of 268 kilocalories.

Beneficial features

It is very obvious that a herbal product cannot act as an effective means for losing weight and improving health. It is much healthier to replace sugar in your diet, for example.

Along with this, there is an opinion that with the regular use of maple syrup you can treat the cardiovascular system, improve immunity and male potency. It has also been experimentally proven that quebecol, which is contained in the liquid, blocks the development of cancer cells and slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates.

But these experiments were not even carried out on animals, but in vitro. Therefore, it is impossible to speak confidently about the benefits of the product for humans.

Possible harm and contraindications

Maple syrup can cause harm if it is eaten uncontrollably. After all, the sucrose present in the composition will contribute to disruptions in metabolic processes, and will also provoke diabetes and obesity.

Therefore, people with high blood sugar levels, as well as those diagnosed with individual intolerance to the product, should give up the sweet supplement.

How to select and store the finished product

Despite the shortcomings of this sweet sauce, many recommend trying it.
And all because of the pleasant taste and aroma. Therefore, in order not to fall for scammers, we offer you a selection of rules. Guided by them, you can easily distinguish a real product from a counterfeit one.

1. A high-quality liquid is always transparent or translucent. A cloudy consistency should alert you.
2. Be sure to read the information on the label. It is important to pay attention to the country of manufacture and distributor. There should also be a golden maple leaf on the back of the bottle. This is another confirmation of the authenticity of the Canadian product.
3. Don't count on the product being cheap. Real syrup is expensive, which is explained by the costly process of its production. Just imagine: to get 1 liter of syrup you will need 40 liters of maple sap.
4. The taste of the authentic product has a hint of wood. Moreover, we are talking about an additive collected from different varieties of maple and at any time of the year.

To store sweet sauce, you can choose a refrigerator or a regular kitchen cabinet. But if the product will be stored at room temperature, it definitely requires an airtight lid.
Experts advise pouring the unpacked additive into a glass container and, to be safe, place it in the refrigerator. If the measures and conditions specified by the manufacturer are followed, the product can be stored for up to 3 years.

Cooking recipe: from juice to syrup

If you decide to delve into the secrets of the technology for reproducing a traditional Canadian delicacy yourself, you will initially need to be patient. The fact is that from the moment of preparing the juice to receiving the finished product, a lot of time will pass.

Tree tapping and sap collection

In the spring, when sap flow begins, select maples with thick trunks. Trees must be healthy. If buds begin to bloom on them, you need to look for other specimens for sap collection.

Did you know? On the world stage of the 18th century, maple syrup production was minimized. This was due to the popularity of cane sugar, the production of which required less financial and labor resources. But Canadians continued to pass on their secrets from generation to generation..

Next, a small hole is made on a suitable trunk with a drill. It is important that its depth does not exceed 8 centimeters. After that, an iron “spout” is inserted into the recess, from which a tube extends. From one such hole per day you can collect no more than 3 liters of juice.