A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that substituting refined sugars for two tablespoons of pure maple syrup reduces several cardiometabolic risk factors in humans.

The study was conducted by a Laval University team led by André Marette. It was the first placebo-controlled clinical trial exploring potential health benefits of maple syrup in humans.

André said, “We know from decades of research that maple syrup is more than just sugar. It contains over 100 natural compounds, including polyphenols, that are known to prevent disease in part through their anti-inflammatory effects.”

Study protocol

Forty-two volunteers between the age of 18 and 75, with a BMI of 23 to 40, participated in the study. Participants substituted five per cent of their daily caloric intake (corresponding to two tablespoons) from refined sugars with either Canadian maple syrup or an artificially flavoured sucrose syrup.

Each phase lasted eight weeks with participants switching between maple syrup and sucrose syrup groups after a four-week washout period. The cross-over design ensured that the same test subject was his or her own control, consuming both placebo and maple syrup. Primary outcomes focused on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).Secondary outcomes included changes in blood lipid profile, blood pressure, body fat composition and changes in gut microbiota composition.

The results

Blood sugar

Study participants who consumed pure maple syrup had an improved response to the OGTT, than those who received a flavoured syrup of refined sugar. Their bodies managed blood sugar levels better after eating (-50.59 vs. +29.93).

Blood pressure

Blood pressure was also lowered in the subjects who consumed maple syrup during the trial. Systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the maple syrup group (-2.72 mm Hg), while it increased slightly in the sucrose group (+0.87 mm Hg).

André said, “Lowering blood pressure continues to be an important factor in lessening the risk of cardiovascular disease. Natural sweeteners, such as pure maple syrup, when substituted for refined sugars, can be part of an overall solution in helping to prevent metabolic diseases.”

Abdominal fat

Visceral fat is the deep fat that wraps around the internal organs in your belly.It can increase an individual’s risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The maple syrup trial showed that android fat mass, the fat in the abdominal region, significantly decreased in the maple syrup group as compared to an increase in the group consuming the sucrose solution (-7.83 g vs. +67.61 g).

Healthier gut

An unexpected discovery was the improved levels of potentially beneficial gut bacteria and a decrease in levels of potentially harmful gut bacteria in the maple syrup participants. The study showed a reduction in Klebsiella species and Bacteroides pectinophilus, which are linked to inflammation and metabolic disorders. Researchers recorded an increased growth of beneficial bacteria like Lactocaseibacillus casei and Clostridium beijerinckii.

André said, “The combined decrease of such key risk factors may help to reduce the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Making a commitment to lifestyle changes and small adjustments to our everyday diets is important and can be a powerful tool in preventing future diseases.”

For more information visit ppaq.ca/en/medias/clinical-study

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