Maple syrup helps protect neurons and keep the brain healthy, a new research has found. The pancakes and waffles condiment we love to bits is packed with antioxidants that help protect the brain.
However, researchers cautioned against running to the store and stocking up on maple syrup. The neurological benefits do not justify high sugar consumption, which could lead to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers tested the neurological benefits of maple syrup on nematodes or roundworms. They found that the ones given a high dosage of the syrup had lower chances of developing symptoms of paralysis that are comparable to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
This brain health benefit was brought by the presence of catechol and gallic acid, which are two powerful antioxidants. However, the antioxidants' levels found in maple syrup are low while the sugar content is substantially high.
"We showed that two polyphenols in particular, gallic acid and catechol, have a neuroprotective effect. In pure maple syrup, these polyphenols are found in low concentrations," said PhD student Martine Therrien at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre who was part of the research team.
This suggests that while maple syrup helps protect neurons and brain functions, it's not a good choice in the battle against brain disease. The sweet findings were published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on April 13.
Similarly, neuroscience researcher Alex Parker said that C. elegans worms' life expectancy is just three weeks. While they benefit from the protective effects of these antioxidants, they don't live long enough to experience the chronic health risks of high sugar intake.
In the study, the genetically modified roundworms mimic the effects of ALS. Their motor neurons collapse around 12 days into their lifespan.
Among the roundworm group whose diet were fortified with 4 percent maple syrup, only 17 percent became paralyzed compared to the 50 percent in the placebo group.
Parker's previous study showed that sugar prevents ALS in C. elegans roundworm. In this new study, Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf researchers Gabrielle Beaudry and Catherine Aaron wanted to see if the same benefit can be derived using natural sugars such as maple syrup.
