Maple syrup labelled superfood that could treat diabetes

Published on Friday 1 April 2011 17:44

Maple syrup is being hailed as a new superfood used to treat diabetes and a host of other health conditions.

Tests on the sweetener, the majority of which is produced in Canada, showed that it contained compounds which could help manage Type 2 diabetes, as well as acting as anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents.

Researchers believe maple syrup is a "one stop shop" for these beneficial compounds, which have the kind of anti-oxidant properties more commonly associated with berries, tea, red wine and flax seed.

By studying the syrup, which is made by boiling down sap from the maple tree, scientists identified 54 compounds, twice as many as the syrup was previously thought to have.

Further research showed that five of these compounds were unique to maple syrup, prompting scientists from the University of Rhode Island, US, to name one "Quebecol" in honour of the syrup-producing province and described it as a "champion food".

Scientists discovered several of the syrup's compounds inhibited the enzymes which convert carbohydrates to sugars, raising the prospect of a new way of managing Type 2 diabetes.

They also discovered that many of the anti-oxidant compounds - which prevent the oxidation and ageing of the body's cells - are not found in other natural sweeteners.

Dr Navindra Seeram, from the University of Rhode Island, claimed the "sheer quantity and variety" of compounds in maple syrup made it special.

"We don't know yet whether the new compounds contribute to the healthy profile of maple syrup, but we do know that the sheer quantity and variety of identified compounds with documented health benefits qualifies maple syrup as a champion food," she said.

"It is a one-stop shop for these beneficial compounds, several of which are also found in berries, tea, red wine and flaxseed, just to name a few."

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society.