What Everybody Should Know About
Cancer and Diabetes Prevention with Maple Syrup

By: Sandy W. Harris

U.S. researchers have discovered that the growth of several types of cancerous cells can be considerably slowed, and the risk of diabetes can be decreased, with maple syrup.

Thirteen antioxidant compounds previously unknown to exist in syrup were discovered by University of Rhode Island’s Navindra Seeram. It has been reported that anti-cancer, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial characteristics have been found in some of maple syrup’s newly recognized antioxidants.

Maple Syrup as an Anti Diabetic Food

Researchers found out that maple syrup contains phytohormone and abscisic acid. This acid is the primary agent that serves as an effective defense against diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The acid releases insulin through the pancreatic cells and can enhance the increased sensitivity of the fat cells to insulin.

These actions proved that claims that maple syrup is very effective in controlling diabetes. The studies were brought before the American Chemical Society in San Francisco. The results were reviewed by experts and other researchers.

The Anti Cancer Potential of Maple Syrup

Researchers in Quebec recently conducted a study on the anti cancer activity of maple syrup. The result of the study was published in the Journal of Medicinal Food. The study showed that maple syrup has the capability to slow down the growth of cancer cells.

Specifically, the syrup significantly slowed down the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate, brain and lungs. Meanwhile, the activity against breast cancer growth showed less significant results.

The Best Anti Cancer and Anti Diabetes Food

Maple syrup can serve as your tasty alternative in fighting cancer and diabetes. There are many anti cancer foods today like blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. However, recent studies have shown that maple syrup is more effective against cancer compared to other anti cancer foods.

Laboratory testing results also show that the syrup is more potent compared to the maple sap. It is also ideal to use the pure dark syrup rather than the lighter syrup. Dark syrup has high color oxidation.

This is the reason why darker maple syrup should be preferred. So if you want a better alternative to fight cancer and diabetes, then your favorite maple syrup is a good option.

Reference: Journal of medicinal food. 01/02/2010; ISSN: 1557-7600, OI: 10.1089/jmf.2009.0029

About the Author: Sandy W. Harris writes for the diabetic snack recipes blog, her personal hobby website focused on healthy recipes ideas to prevent, cure and manage diabetes.

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