Maple syrup: properties and nutritional values of a syrup useful for weight loss
Are you all familiar with maple syrup? This sweet and sticky liquid is often recommended as a sugar substitute, but - despite this - it is still less widespread in Europe than in America. In fact, maple syrup comes from Canada and the North of the United States, where the native Indians used to prepare it, extracting the sweet sap with which it is produced from the trunk of the maple trees.
It is no coincidence that the maple in Canada is even the symbol of the national flag: this country is the number one producer and exporter of syrup in the world, 70% of the world share of this product comes from there. In the United States, instead , the largest producer is Vermont.
The trees from which this delicious syrup is obtained are mainly two: the sugar maple (also called "red maple") and the black maple. In reality, according to Canadian legislation, the syrup should only be extracted from the first and should contain at least 66% sugar. The International Maple Syrup Institute has established a method of classifying maple syrup on the basis of its density, color and properties, distinguishing syrups of different grades: grade A light colored and with an aromatic and delicate flavor; grade B of medium clarity and intense flavor; grade C of dark, intense and caramelized color; grade D is very dark in color and with an even more intense flavor.
Compared to sugar, maple syrup can boast a significantly lower number of calories, and this is why it is recommended to prefer it, so as not to have to resort to artificial sweeteners.Let's find out how this syrup is produced, what are its properties, benefits and if it is actually indicated for weight loss, such as these foods:
See also: Foods That Boost Metabolism: All Foods That Help You Lose Weight!
How to make maple syrup: this is how it is produced
Maple syrup, as we have seen, is produced starting from the sap extracted from maple trunks. This extraction process takes place in the spring, around the month of April, when the tree begins to produce the sweet xylem. From the end of winter, in fact, the maple converts the starch it has accumulated during the cold season into sugar. Generally the trees suitable for extraction have a minimum age of 30 years and can reach up to 100.
For extraction, small tubes are used which are inserted into the bark, through which the sap flows. A medium-sized tree can produce up to 12 liters per day. At this point, the sap is boiled until the maximum concentration is not obtained, to then proceed with filtering It will be in this phase of refining the product that the category to which it belongs will be decided.
As you may have deduced, making maple syrup at home is very difficult. To produce it by hand there are still some farmers who own fields of maple trees in Canada and North America, who can boast of their own production and still use the system of manual collection of the lymph with metal straws, then bringing the lymph to a boil at home. Not exactly easy to replicate in our own home!
Properties and benefits of maple syrup: is it true that it is bad for you?
Maple syrup does anything but bad! Indeed, it is rich in beneficial substances for our body, first of all mineral salts (potassium, calcium, iron), vitamins and malic acid. It performs a powerful antioxidant function and helps purify and drain our body, also providing it with a high level of energy. It can therefore be considered a real supplement, especially recommended after sports.
Maple syrup has soothing properties that help the gastrointestinal system in digestive processes: it is therefore recommended in case of colitis, gastritis or constipation. It has a medium glycemic index which makes it much preferable to other types of sweeteners. It would also be recommended in cases of type 2 diabetes or if you suffer from problems with the lymphatic system.
Diet: is maple syrup useful for weight loss? Here are its nutritional values and calories
Maple syrup is the third least caloric sweetener that exists, immediately after stevia and molasses. It contains 250 calories per 100 grams. Its composition boasts - in addition to sucrose, fructose and glucose - essential nutrients that are very important for those who follow a healthy diet : minerals, vitamins (especially those of group B) and amino acids make it decidedly "healthy" for being a syrup, so much so that 60 ml provide 7% of the "daily intake of calcium and iron, 5% of potassium," 8% magnesium, 37% zinc. A real panacea for purifying the body!
Furthermore, let us not forget that maple syrup contains 32% water and 67% carbohydrates, while proteins, fats and fibers are completely absent. There are also various volatile compounds, first of all vanillin, which characterize the sweet taste.
Due to its low calorie content, maple syrup is recommended as a sugar substitute for those on a diet: one teaspoon sweetens more than a teaspoon of sugar and with fewer calories. In addition, its purifying properties and low glycemic index they help eliminate excess fluids and reactivate the thermogenesis of fats, which allows the body to burn them more quickly. Be careful, however, not to overdo it: gorging yourself on maple syrup certainly does not work miracles if you want to lose weight!
Maple syrup: how to use it to flavor all your recipes
You can use maple syrup just as a sugar substitute to sweeten, for example, your drinks: tea, coffee, herbal tea, smoothies, etc. You can also use it in cakes or biscuits, as well as in spoon desserts or if you prepare homemade candies.
In America they never forget to put it on top of pancakes for breakfast: if you've never tried this winning combination, now is the time to fix it! Here is a simple recipe for making perfect pancakes:
Maple syrup and cosmetics: beauty recipe
Maple syrup is also good for the skin! In fact, it is often used in cosmetics to prepare excellent moisturizing creams. Try to prepare yourself a nice scrub with maple syrup in very few steps and with ingredients you already have at home.
Take 1 tablespoon of acacia honey, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of sugar and the juice of one lemon. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture thickens and, at that point, spread it on the skin with a light massage. Let it rest for a few minutes then rinse. Your skin will be purified and very smooth!
