Sweet News: Maple Syrup May Have Serious Health Benefits
(Photos: Romulo Yanes)
Good news, Mrs. Buttersworth: Extracts from pure maple syrup might help reduce disease-causing bacteria, including strains that are resistant to antibiotics, according to new research from McGill University in Canada.
Studies have already determined that the syrup can boost health in numerous ways, linking it to lessened inflammation and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. (Ah, so that’s why maple water suddenly got so popular!) The new findings, though, are especially interesting, given recent worries about the growing prevalence of scary antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
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Researchers took regular maple syrup—bought from local markets—and isolated the important components, known as phenolic compounds. They then created an extract from these components and then applied it to infection-causing bacteria (think E. coli). The extract helped combat bacteria on its own—but when it was used in conjunction with antibiotics, the results were even better. The combo worked by killing biofilms, layers that protect bacteria and prevent antibiotics from destroying them.
We’re all for a study that suggests we might one day be ordered to take our meds with a spoonful of syrup! In the meantime, the news seems to suggest that using maple syrup (a popular sugar alternative) in our cooking and baking—and even to sweeten our tea!—is something we should keep doing.
By Laurel Leicht
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