Maple syrups come from the saps of maple trees. There are certain processes involved in extracting the syrup from the sap, the most common being that used with a sap sprout.

The sap has more water than sugar, like around 98%. So to get that 2% of syrup is definitely a very tedious process. The process involves boiling the sap to evaporate most of the water inside. It will be then easier to extract the sugary syrup once the water content vanishes.

Maple syrups are produced by sugar makers in sugar houses using evaporator and pans. They fill the pans with saps and boil them. The water from the tap turns to steam and then goes out of the sugar house. The syrup is ready when the sap is boiling in 7oF.

The extraction needs a lot of patience because it is a very slow process. Forty gallons of sap will only produce one gallon of a very pure maple syrup. When the syrup is ready, it has to be filtered to eliminate the sugar sand found in the mixture. This slow process is probably the reason maple syrups are more expensive than sugar.

Even if extracting the syrup takes a lot of time, it is still worth it, considering the many benefits it entails. Maple syrup is one rich source of manganese and zinc. Manganese produces energy and antioxidant. These antioxidants are defenses against various illnesses. It also acts as an immuno-stimulant. Manganese also aids the production of sex hormones.

For those with high cholesterol, maple syrup serves as a catalyst that hastens the chemical reaction of foods in the body.

On the other hand, zinc decreases progression of atherosclerosis. Zinc also helps keep our bodies healthy and less prone to injuries. Zinc is beneficial also to the reproductive health of men. It is stored in the prostate, and prevents prostate cancer.

Maple syrup is also clinically proven to benefit people in other aspects. The good thing about this syrup is that it is one hundred percent natural and organic. As such, it is a better alternative to sugar to act as a sweetener. This is good for those who are diabetic, or suffering from other illnesses that prevent them from having too much sugar intake.

It is interesting to note that maple syrups are three times sweeter than a sugar cane, yet it is amazing that it has fewer calories. It only takes little to sweeten a cup of coffee or tea, or other foods. It can also be added to fruit juices or shakes. Some use maple syrups to top their pancakes. Thus, more people prefer maple syrups over sugar even if it is more expensive.

Another advantage of maple syrup is the fact that it does not undergo can kind of processing or artificial production. It is therefore cleaner compared to other sweeteners, and consequently better for your body.

While low in calories, maple syrup’s nutritional profile is comprised of protein, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc.