The negative repercussions of white sugar are pretty straightforward and obvious. The more you want to quit sugar, the more your taste buds will beg for it. The seeking for sugar alternatives is never-ending. Luckily, you have maple syrup – a healthy option that would complement both your taste buds and health-conscious goals.
However, taking something at face value without evidence can be a bit of a shot in the dark, so read on to get the nitty-gritty of the topic.
The Downside Of Artificial Sugar:
To understand better about maple syrup, you must know why the sugar is labeled as a villain for your health. Sugar is categorized into two categories – Natural and Added (artificial) sugar. The main difference lies in their different impacts on the body, although they are processed in the same way by your body.
When you consume food, the sugar in it gets converted into glucose in the intestine, before it gets released into the bloodstream. Once the glucose is released into the blood, the body triggers the pancreas to produce insulin to prompt the body cells to absorb the glucose from the blood, explains ThreeBestRated® Dietician.
Given this, added/table sugar is subjected to various processes before getting into your plate. It is refined and crystalized using various chemicals which make it lose its nutritional value, and is full of empty calories. Hence, the consumption of table sugar leads to an immediate spike in the glucose in the blood, which triggers the pancreas to release more and more insulin into the blood. Over time, it leads to insulin resistance and the development of type-2 diabetes.
On the flip side, Natural sugar is found in fruits and whole foods. It usually comes with other beneficial nutrients such as essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. These nutrients aid essential bodily functions. And, the dietary fiber present in them aids the digestive process by turning into a gel-like substance which slows down the digestion process, gives you a filling sensation, and postpones your hunger. This way, it ensures the slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, which keeps you energetic for a quite long time. Consequently, it supports weight loss and reduces various other things.
Maple Syrup Vs Table Sugar:
Maple syrup is extracted from maple trees’ saps – a sticky fluid comes from the tree. It is then boiled at a certain temperature, and filtered to be used.
A single tablespoon of maple syrup contains 52 calories, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 12.1 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein, fat, and fiber. When the minimal presence of fat, fiber, and protein can be neglectable, it is noteworthy that the glycemic index of maple syrup stands at 54. (Glycemic index rates the food based on its ability to raise your sugar level. The lower the index, the higher the benefits would be)
On the other spectrum, sugar contains 12 grams of sugar, 48 grams of calories, and 12 grams of carbohydrates, resulting in a glycemic index of 65.
Maple Syrup Vs Other Natural Sugars:
Honey packs 63 calories, and 17 grams of both carbohydrates and sugar, with a glycemic index of 58.
As for agave syrup – is a natural sweetener derived by pressing the agave plant to extract sap that is later boiled, filtered, and graded. It also contains 14 grams of sugar, 64 calories, 15.7 grams of carbohydrates, and a glycemic index of 19.
Nature has provided you with various sugars, like maple syrup, honey, dates, agave syrup, monk fruit, fruits like berries, sweet potatoes, apples, and many more. However, of these sources, honey and maple syrup have been more familiar and easily accessible to people.
Health Benefits Of Maple Syrup:
- As said earlier, maple syrup has a relatively low glycemic index, which makes it a better option for people dealing with diabetes and cardiac issues.
- Since it is a powerful source of antioxidants, it keeps your skin and hair healthier and slows down the aging process. The presence of antioxidants has been proven to prevent cell mutation and DNA damage. Additionally, it addresses some inflammatory-related issues including arthritis, pimples, muscle cramps, etc.
- White sugar is the biggest enemy for people grappling with the auto-immune system. Maple syrup can be beneficial for them to replace the table sugar.
- Maple sugar aids the digestive process and eliminates issues such as bloating, gastric issues, cramping, constipation, and inflammatory bowel system. Also, it cures the damage caused by a high-sugar diet and keeps your gut system healthy.
- Besides antioxidants, it supplies various other nutrients like riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and zinc which are good for your immune system.
Conclusion
Though maple syrup is a healthy alternative, you must be aware that it does still contains sugar. Anything that goes too much is not good for your health. So if you wish to ditch sugar for maple syrup, it is a big thumbs up! Yet, remember to keep it in moderation!
Tags: Maple Syrup