Does a healthiest sweetener actually exist?
Maple syrup and honey are twonatural sweetenersthat are often touted as better-for-you swaps.
Unfortunately, the short answer is: yes and no (it’s complicated!).
Javier Zayas/Getty Images
Over time, too much sweetener of any kind can promote insulin resistance and jot down 2 diabetes."
Its protein and fat content is negligible, but it is a source of numerous vitamins and minerals.
How does its nutritional lineup compare to sugar?
Maple Syrup Health Benefits
In terms of health benefits, pure maple syrup offers a few.
It’s devoid of fat and contains insignificant amounts of protein and fiber.
Honey Health Benefits
Honey is the flower nectar collected by bees.
“Honey’s advantagesover sugar include a slightly lower glycemic index (i.e.
it doesn’t affect your blood-sugar levels as much),” Dr. Dixon says.
“Honey has bioactive substances that promote health,” Cassetty adds.
“The antioxidants in honey help guard against disease-promoting cellular damage and feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Improved gut health is tied to lower levels of inflammation and a lower risk of numerous diseases.”
“Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties,“Cassetty explains.
Should You Replace Sugar With Maple Syrup and/or Honey?
In some cases, it may make sense to swap out sugar for maple syrup and honey.
“All options can be included in a balanced and varied diet,” Fine says.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Get the facts: added sugars.
American Heart Association.How much sugar is too much?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.20202025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Harvard TH Chan School of Medicine.Added sugar.
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Pure maple syrup contains medicinally beneficial compounds, pharmacy researcher finds.ScienceDaily.
2016; 64(38):7142-7. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03139.
Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F.Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research.Pharmacognosy Res.
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