Honey or maple syrup: Which product is considered healthier
What is healthier - honey or maple syrup (photo: Freepik)
Maple syrup and honey are quite popular healthy products, but there is a certain difference between them. In particular, one product contains more health benefits than the other, reports Health.
What's the difference
Honey and maple syrup offer protective compounds and some beneficial nutrients, but their nutritional compositions are different. They are mainly composed of carbohydrates and sugar with very little protein, fiber, and fat. Honey contains slightly more calories, carbohydrates, and sugar per tablespoon (20 grams).
This difference becomes more significant when comparing larger portions. For example, 5 tablespoons of honey contains 82 grams of sugar, while maple syrup contains 60 grams.
Their sugar composition also differs. Honey is mainly composed of fructose, while maple syrup contains sucrose.
Maple syrup contains almost four times more potassium and significantly more calcium than honey. The syrup is also a good source of manganese and riboflavin, while honey contains no or very minimal amounts of these nutrients.
Honey also contains some fiber, which may have a prebiotic effect.
Honey health benefits
Raw honey is the result of complex tasks performed by bees. It is a natural sweetener, also known for its antibacterial effects.
Copper contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Antioxidants help control the level of harmful compounds called free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage and disease. Traditionally, honey has been used for sore throats, bronchial asthma, and wounds as an ointment to help soothe and promote healing.
Some studies show that honey may have a prebiotic effect. Prebiotics promote gut health by nourishing the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Honey is an unrefined sweetener that retains its natural nutrients, making it a healthier option than refined sugar, which has no nutritional value.
Why maple syrup is good for you
Maple syrup is obtained from maple sap. Boiling the sap evaporates the water, concentrating the sugar into a thick, sweet syrup.
Maple syrup has a particularly high concentration of polyphenols compared to other natural sweeteners. It also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and organic acids, and may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potentially anti-diabetic effects.
Maple syrup contains abscisic acid, a plant hormone, and organic acid that may increase insulin sensitivity and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It also contains plant compounds known as phenols, which may potentially help treat diabetes.
Health Risks
Honey
Honey may pose a risk of botulism in children under 1 year of age, as the raw product may contain the bacterium that causes botulism - Clostridium botulinum.
Honey is also high in sugar, mainly fructose, but lacks other important nutrients.
Although honey has a slightly lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, meaning it causes a smaller spike in blood sugar after consumption, it should still be consumed in moderation.
Maple syrup
Despite its high concentration of healthy polyphenols, maple syrup is composed mainly of sugar and carbohydrates, which can outweigh its benefits. Diets high in sugar and carbohydrates are associated with diabetes, obesity, and other complications.
Maple syrup can also contain potential contaminants such as heavy metals as the sap passes through pipes that can leave residue. The sap may also contain microorganisms that can be harmful to health.
What is more useful after all
Maple syrup is associated with a more stable response to insulin and blood sugar. Honey, while natural and nutrient-dense, has a stronger effect on blood sugar, which may make it less ideal for people with diabetes.
Both are better options than refined sugars, which significantly increase blood sugar and have no nutritional benefits.
Minimizing the use of honey or maple syrup in your daily diet and eating a balanced intake of protein and carbohydrates can help reduce blood sugar spikes.
Earlier, we reported what foods you should eat in spring to get more vitamin E.
Read also about 7 drinks that improve mood and saturate the body with vitamins.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
