Would you like some cancer-fighting nutrition with your pancakes? Maple syrup found to contain anti-cancer nutrients

Thursday, March 17, 2016 by: J. D. Heyes
Tags: maple syrup, superfood, cancer fighter

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(NaturalNews) Tens of millions of Americans love to have pancakes for breakfast and, for the record, there are many kinds of organic pancake mixes on the market. But did you know that one of the most popular toppings for pancakes – pure maple syrup – is also a gigantic cancer fighter, as well as a sweet addition to your morning meal?

It's true. In fact, Canadian maple syrup is known to have the same antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as green tea, which, as NaturalNews readers know, is also a top superfood.

Indeed, notes the Maple Syrup World website, the sweet condiment offers a range of health benefits similar to those of blueberries, red wine and, of course, tea. Due to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, maple syrup can help prevent cancers as well as Type 2 diabetes, the site reported.

But that's not just speculation, the site noted further. The health benefits were confirmed by researchers at the University of Rhode Island, whose findings were published in the Journal of Functional Foods [click here].

'Potential biological effects'

"The antiproliferative effects of Canadian maple syrup (grades C and D) extracts and fifty-one purified phenolic constituents were evaluated against human tumourigenic (HT-29, HCT-116, and CaCo-2) and non-tumourigenic (CCD-18Co) colon cells. Overall, maple syrup ethyl acetate (MS-EtOAc), butanol (MS-BuOH), and methanol (MS-MeOH) extracts were more active against the tumourigenic versus non-tumourigenic colon cells," an abstract of the research noted.

"Among the isolates, gallic acid, catechaldehyde, syringaldehyde, and catechol were most active and their higher levels in grade D MS-BuOH extract could account for the highest observed anticancer effects of that extract. Moreover, the maple syrup extracts did not induce apoptosis of the colon cancer cells but induced cell cycle arrest which was also associated with a decrease in cyclins A and D1 levels. These results suggest that phenolics may impart potential biological effects to maple syrup," the abstract continued.

Researchers used a Canadian maple syrup of choice that contained 54 antioxidants, five of which were unique to the product, in their research.

Maple Syrup World reported further:

"These five new components include polyphenol, produced during the boiling process in maple syrup production. Phenolic properties are also found in blueberries. Polyphenol is also known as Quebecol in honour of the province of Quebec, a major maple syrup and blueberry producer."

Fewer calories, too

Several more teams of researchers are continuing to examine and analyze maple syrup to learn about all the benefits it may have for overall health, the site reported.

One of the big reasons why maple syrup is a favorite among millions is of course because of its incredible, unique, sweet flavor, but now we're finding that its nutritional value is an important reason to add it to our daily diet.

Scientists have also noted that it contains zinc, which plays a major role in genetic formation, healing and fetal development, as well as being an aid to warding off cold and flu viruses. In addition, maple syrup also contains manganese, which helps protect against free radicals.

Finally, maple syrup contains a decent amount of thiamin and calcium.

"Just a small amount (60 ml) of maple syrup provides 100% of the recommended daily intake of manganese, about 40% of riboflavin, 18% of zinc and 5% of both calcium and potassium," the site reported.

And, as Beland Organic Foods notes, Canadian maple syrup contains considerably fewer calories than unhealthy, dangerous white sugar or irradiated honey.

"Maple syrup has 202 Calories per 1/4 cup serving, where as corn syrup has 246, and honey 260. Maple syrup, compared to refined sugars, is the easiest for our metabolism to digest," the site reported.

Sources:

MapleSyrupWorld.com

ScienceDirect.com

BelandOrganicFoods.com

Science.NaturalNews.com