Antioxidant present: Phenolic acids, which are also found inberries, such as cranberries, and coffee. Like all antioxidants, they protectagainst a variety of diseases and health risks, including the damaging effectsof LDL cholesterol.
The research says: Maple syrup contains more than 20different ‘healthy’ compounds, many of which have an antioxidant action.Researchers from the University of Rhode Island released the finding in March,following on from a 2008 study by another group of American researchers whichfound that switching from highly refined sweeteners and sugars to more‘natural’ varieties, such as brown sugar, molasses and maple syrup, couldincrease a person’s daily antioxidant intake by about the same amount as aserving of berries or nuts.
Tip: Beware the imposter. Or in other words, look out forthe real thing by choosing ‘100 per cent maple syrup’, over brands that aremerely maple syrup flavoured.