Researchers from University of Rhode Island say they've found a host of benefits in maple syrup, including anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agents, and properties that may help keep blood sugar levels in check.

 

Researchers say maple syrup contains a cocktail of polyphenol compounds. Polyphenols are a group of chemical substances found in plants with numerous health benefits. The researchers say the polyphenols they found in maple syrup "inhibit enzymes that are involved in the conversion of carbohydrate to sugar."

 

"In preliminary studies maple syrup had a greater enzyme-inhibiting effect compared to several other healthy plant foods, such as berries, when tested on a dry-weight basis."