According to a study, maple syrup would be beneficial for cardiometabolic health, including the heart, blood vessels and associated diseases.
It was Quebec researchers from the University of Laval who became interested in the benefits of maple syrup and its polyphenolic compounds, and therefore referred to polyphenols, organic molecules with antioxidant properties.
The new study showed that maple syrup could be beneficial for diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal lipid profiles when it replaces refined sugar, i.e. it is purified or decolorized.
“The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of substituting 5% of the total daily energy provided by added sugars with an equivalent amount of maple syrup on the composition of the gut microbiota of individuals and its impact on the perceived risk.” are investigating factors in cardiometabolic disease,” said the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers and Manufacturers (PPAQ) in a press release released on Friday.
The study therefore brought together 42 adults whose cardiometabolic profile showed slight changes to participate in the study for eight weeks. Participants could consume maple syrup or a placebo serving equal to 5% of daily energy intake daily.
Replacing refined sugar with maple syrup resulted in reduced belly fat, lower systolic blood pressure, and improved glycemic response.
The abundance of certain bacteria contained in the gut microbiota has also been reduced.
“For our Quebec maple syrup producers, these results support discoveries made over the past few years regarding the properties of pure maple syrup made directly from maple sap, making it an all-natural product with unique health benefits,” said PPAQ President Luc Goulet .
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of added sugars of no more than 10% of daily energy intake.