Sweet Support for Your Immune
System
Researchers have labeled maple syrup a
"superfood," along with blueberries and
green tea.
Initial studies show maple syrup can
help keep blood sugar levels in check and
has anti-oxidant properties.
The trace mineral
manganese is an essential cofactor in a
number of enzymes
important in energy production and
antioxidant defenses.
For example, the key oxidative enzyme
superoxide dismutase,
which disarms free radicals produced within
the mitochondria
(the energy production factories within our
cells), requires manganese.
One ounce of maple syrup supplies 22.0% of
the daily value for this very important
trace mineral
"In our laboratory
research we found that several of these
compounds possess anti-oxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties, which have
been shown to fight cancer, diabetes and
bacterial illnesses,"
said lead researcher Navindra Seeram,
assistant professor of pharmacology at the
University of Rhode Island.
Zinc and manganese
are important allies in the immune system.
Many types of immune cells appear to depend
upon zinc for optimal function.
In addition to the
role played by zinc, the manganese in maple
syrup is important since,
as a component of the antioxidant SOD, it
helps lessen inflammation, thus supporting
healing.
In addition, manganese may also act as an
immunostimulant,
(also known as
immunostimulators, are substances
(drugs and nutrients) that stimulate the
immune system by inducing activation or
increasing activity of any of its
components)
Maple syrup may help
to support reproductive health and provides
special benefits for men.
Zinc is concentrated more highly in
the prostate than in any other human tissue,
and low levels of zinc in this gland
relate to a higher risk for prostate cancer.
In fact, zinc is a mineral used
therapeutically by healthcare practitioners
to help reduce prostate size.
Manganese may also play a role in supporting
men's health since, as a catalyst in the
synthesis
of fatty acids and cholesterol; it
also participates in the production of sex
hormones,
thus helping to maintain reproductive
health.
A total of 54
beneficial compounds were identified by the
researchers in pure maple syrup
from Quebec, including five of which have
never been seen in nature.
Among the new
compounds is quebecol -- named in honor of
the Canadian province of Quebec,
which leads the world in maple syrup
production.
The
researchers believe it is created when a
farmer boils off the water in maple sap to get
maple syrup.
It takes 40 liters (20.5 gallons) of sap to
make one liter (two pints) of syrup
This is the
original syrup we carried in the store in the
1980's.