Calories in Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is produced from the sap of maple trees. A gallon of pure maple syrup requires 30-40 gallons of sap from three to four maple trees. The difficult process involved in making the syrup is one of the major reasons why it is so expensive. The high sugar content in maple syrup makes it an ideal and healthy sweetener in comparison to refined sugar. Maple is also an ideal natural sweetener as compared to honey.

Maple syrup can also be used instead of table sugar in tea or coffee for a unique taste. Interestingly, a quarter cup serving of maple syrup contains more potassium than a banana and more calcium than the same amount of milk.

Organic, Maple Syrup Grade B Calories

As per law, maple syrup is graded according to the color of the syrup in U.S and Canada. U.S has two grades: Grade A and Grade B. Grade A has three sub divisions namely: light, medium amber and dark amber. Grade B is a darker version of Grade A dark amber. Grading does not imply quality and it is only to differentiate between color and taste of the maple syrup. The nutrition facts of maple syrup reveal that two teaspoons of maple syrup contains about 34 calories. Grade B maple syrup contains about 100 calories in two teaspoons. A serving size of 100g organic maple syrup contains 100 calories. Maple syrup is also an ideal source of manganese and zinc. Other nutritive benefits associated with maple syrup are low saturated fat content, no cholesterol and low sodium content. The high sugar content contributes to the calories in maple syrup. The key minerals in pure maple syrup are magnesium, calcium, manganese and potassium. The key health benefits associated with consumption of maple syrup are:

Ideal food inclusion for diabetics given the low glycemic index and low absorption levels.
Maple syrup contains few calories as compared to honey and corn syrup. Therefore it is also ideal for weight loss.
Maple syrup contains antioxidants which can prevent free radical induced ailments such as cancer and diabetes.
The potassium content in maple syrup reduces the risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
The zinc and manganese in maple syrup promote a healthy immune system. Manganese is important for normal brain function and nerve function.
Maple syrup particularly benefits men in reproductive health.

Submitted on January 16, 2014