Maple Syrup vs. Honey: Which is Healthier? Phenolic compounds are found in a variety of plant foods — including berries, nuts and whole grains — and are considered to have significant benefits when it comes to the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Some research also shows that grade B syrup tends to be richer in antioxidants that grade A. Sorghum syrup, also known as sorghum molasses, has been used as a healthy sweetener for centuries. are clickable links to these studies. Considering that Americans eat almost a 1/2 cup of sweetener a day (mostly as refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup), wouldn’t we better off nutritionally if we assuaged our sweet tooth with half a cup of maple syrup or molasses instead? Where is maple syrup made? Maple syrup has a glycemic index of 54, whereas cane sugar is a whopping 65 and honey sits at 58. This causes a “sugar high,” followed by a quick “sugar crash.” Even worse, consuming too much sugar quickly spikes your blood sugar and raises insulin levels. Honey has a very similar texture to molasses. Sorghum syrup is still a sweetener, and it actually has more calories per tablespoon than molasses, maple syrup, or white sugar and about equal to honey. Alternative to Sugar for Improved Digestion, 7. These sweeteners are used to make food items tastier. Because maple syrup nutrition supplies inflammation-reducing polyphenol antioxidants, it can be considered part of a healthy diet that’s helpful in preventing certain diseases — such as neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or heart disease. When using maple syrup in place of table sugar in baked goods, replace the regular sugar content with the same amount of maple syrup, but reduce the amount of liquid the recipe calls for by about a half-cup. 52. Compare Honey to Molasses by vitamins and minerals using the only readable nutrition comparison tool. There are more antioxidants in maple versus honey and brown sugar. Science Says : Made from boiled-down sugarcane, cane syrup is about 50/50 fructose and glucose. Molasses are made from the juice of several varieties of sugar cane. 14. Who would have thought this sweet stuff could be so healthy. Each time the process is repeated, the molasses loses sugar content and gets darker and more earthy flavored. Molasses is the thick, brown syrup left over after they remove the crystals from the juice. You need to get an organic and unsulfured molasses. Almost any natural sweetener is better than HFCS, period. ), Bone Broth Benefits for Digestion, Arthritis and Cellulite, Apple Nutrition — The Ultimate Gut & Heart-Friendly Fruit, Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, 9 Proven Black Seed Oil Benefits that Boost Your Health, Top 15 Potassium-Rich Foods to Start Eating Today, Top 12 Winter Vegetables to Eat & Grow (+ Benefits & Recipes), 17 Great Probiotic Foods for Better Gut Health, Rice Cakes: Are They Healthy? – ColorMag Top Magazine. Here is some information that might help to answer this question (along with a delicious recipe). Organic brown rice syrup is no better than conventional when it comes to arsenic contamination. Native Americans have long held theories about the impact of maple syrup nutrition. Molasses has a better nutritional profile than honey due to having more vitamins and minerals. Most maple trees are about 10 to 12 inches in diameter and usually about 40 years old. In other words, the maple syrup extract helped the antibiotics work better. They both have some to spare.”. A quarter cup of maple syrup actually exceeds the recommended daily amount. Honey. The best option in gingerbread. Zinc is necessary for immune health, but manganese deficiencies are very rare since it is plentiful in leafy greens and nuts. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. For savory dishes, replace 1 cup of molasses with the same amount of honey, dark corn syrup, or maple syrup. (Please read our full disclaimer and Privacy Policy.). But guess what: It's still basically just sugar (as are all those other natural-sounding options). in many cases you can substitude molasses with maple syrup. Dark, grade B maple syrup typically contains more beneficial antioxidants than the lighter syrups. Uust make sure you purchase the best kind possible, and keep an eye on your portion! Molasses, syrup, honey, agave etc. Refined sugar, corn syrup and agave nectar contain minimal antioxidant activity, while maple syrup, dark and blackstrap molasses, brown sugar, and raw honey have been shown to have higher antioxidant capacity. Date Syrup. Studies have shown that honey contains disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids like pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin, plus. I don’t find that brown rice syrup has any advantages over, let’s say, maple syrup (maple syrup actually has a much lower glycemic index of 54). Maple syrup, by the way, is not quite as nutritious as molasses. Can molasses be substituted for maple syrup? Maple syrup is a sugar, with no fiber attached to it. 0 0. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These sweeteners are used to make food items tastier. And that’s it — the process is that simple. are some of the commonly used sweeteners. Maple syrup grade B has less sugar in the sap than grade A maple syrup, and has to boil longer to become the syrup poured over pancakes. When spring comes and the temperature gets warmer, a pattern of freezing and thawing temperatures builds up pressure within the trees. If you typically use artificial sweeteners or refined … Honey's glycemic index is lower than granulated sugar's. Agave nectar is an interesting option and I've notice there is a lot controversy about it. Approved … Stevia falls into a different category because it’s a calorie-free sugar alternative. If you typically use artificial sweeteners or refined sugar products likeSplenda, sucralose, agave, aspartame or sugar, you should think about switching these out for maple syrup and raw honey as soon as possible. Maple syrup has caramel notes along with the woodsy maple flavor that you might expect from a maple syrup product. Maple syrup’s plant-based compounds can help protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress. And as you probably know, high fructose corn syrup is not natural or a healthy choice, and neither are artificial sweeteners (hence the name). Similar to the contrast between whole and refined grains, unrefined natural sweeteners contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes compared to white table sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Molasses, syrup, honey, agave etc. Plants’ primary sugar is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when sunshine comes into contact with the plant’s leaves. Maple Syrup is made from the sap of maple trees.. They are capable of reducing free radical damage that can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of various chronic diseases. According to FoodData Central, every 100g maple syrup packs 260 kcals energy and about 60 gm sugar. Unlike processed honey, raw honey does not get robbed of its incredible nutritional value. Maple syrup nutrition is impressive when it comes to supplying protective antioxidants. They also show unfavorable results when it comes to weight loss. It contains trace amounts of calcium, iron, zinc, and manganese. I'm making an applesauce spice cake and just realized that I forgot to buy molasses at the market. Health Benefits of Molasses In summary, honey and maple syrup are healthier options as sweetners instead of refined sugars. Jaggery. Unlike refined cane sugar — which undergoes a long, complex process in order to be condensed in crystalized sugar — maple syrup is a much more natural, unrefined product. 5 Molasses Substitute: Honey. Honey vs Molasses - In-Depth Nutrition Comparison. Combined with raw milk, yogurt, rolled oats and raw honey, this natural mixture applies to the skin as a mask can hydrate skin while reducing bacteria and signs of irritation. Some of the primary antioxidants found in maple syrup include benzoic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid and various flavanols, like catechin, epicatechin, rutin and quercetin. Maple syrup is produced by boiling down sap collected from the sugar maple tree (species name. “There are other products out there that boost antibiotic strength, but this may be the only one that comes from nature,” Tufenkji says. Like other "natural" sugars, such as honey and agave syrup, molasses may sound like a healthier choice than refined sugar. Obviously, you can get those nutrients with a lot less calories and sugar from other foods. Your email address will not be published. Grade A Dark or Grade A Very dark maple syrup has 300% more antioxidants than the Golden Delicate grade. Maple syrup isn’t linked to any of those health problems. Most artificial sweeteners also cause symptoms of indigestion, including gas, bloating, cramping and constipation. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Also a component of the vanilla bean, it is used as a food ingredient to produce vanilla flavor. But if you really want to improve your chances of surviving, you’d be better off slowing down–AND wearing your seat belt! Jaggery has unbeatable health benefits like - It helps in removing toxins from body by cleaning and detoxifying liver and body from inside. Even if consuming syrup alone doesn’t result in a reduced risk for developing cancer, it makes a good sugar substitute since it’s generally a better option than refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. Is maple syrup a laxative? The sap is then boiled to release moisture and concentrate the sugar. Sorghum molasses is actually a misnomer because sorghum is different from molasses, but they have a similar taste profile. For example, blackstrap molasses is a good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium and honey is lacking in these nutrients. Replace a cup of white sugar in recipes with a third-cup to a half-cup of maple syrup and reduce the recipe’s liquid measurement by a quarter-cup. Maple Syrup Molasses and maple syrup have different flavor profiles. It is highly processed and heated but contains minerals and vitamins and nutrients. Manufacturers repeat this process several times, and each time, a different type of molasses … But, sure, why not choose the sweetener with the added nutrients over nutritionally devoid white table sugar? In fact, it is one of the oldest forms of sweeteners there is. The University of Maine notes that American Indians were likely the first to make maple syrup by tapping the sugar maple tree to release the sticky sap from its core. Many times people substitute one for the other for sweetening a recipe. The two also vary in the number of sugars they contain. Sucrose is the most prevalent type of sugar that is derived from maple syrup trees. This means that one benefit of maple syrup nutrition is that it impacts your blood sugar levels a bit less drastically than table sugar does. Since they all are mostly sucrose you can substitute one for the other, in most recipes, if you will accept the change in flavor of … May Help Fight Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases, 6. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Molasses can be substituted with honey, dark corn syrup or maple syrup. It contains the same calories and sugar per teaspoon as white table sugar. Brown Sugar, made from sugar cane, has the caramel notes but not the maple notes. I'm making an applesauce spice cake and just realized that I forgot to buy molasses at the market. For baked goods, replace 1 cup of molasses with a mixture of 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar, and 1/4 cup of hot water or other liquid that is in the recipe. This serving of molasses also contains 15 grams of carbs. The recipe calls for 1/2 cup if that makes any difference. Maple syrup is made from the sap of a Sugar Maple tree. Sugar vs. “Natural” Sweeteners: Which Is Healthier? The glycemic index score of maple syrup is about 54, compared to a score of about 65 for regular cane sugar. Pure maple syrup and honey are commonly labeled as healthy and natural sweeteners -- often as an alternative to sugar or sugar substitutes. Some research shows that phenolic-containing foods in the diet can down-regulate the production of inflammatory markers and reduce the risk for neurotoxicity, brain cell death and conditions including Alzheimer’s disease. Coming from the sap of maple trees, maple syrup contains vanillin. Maple syrup is made by boiling down sap. This allows your body to use it more efficiently for energy, rather than giving you a rapid rush and crash. When used in appropriate amounts, maple syrup nutrition benefits can include the ability to lower inflammation, supply nutrients and better manage blood sugar, all while helping to make recipes taste great. As a general rule, you can sub in molasses for maple syrup 1:1 as a liquid ingredient, but since molasses isn’t as naturally sweet as maple syrup, keep that in mind for how it might affect the final flavor. Like previously mentioned, maple syrup can make a good natural sweetener choice when the serving size is kept small and eaten in combination with other whole foods. Maple syrup is derived from the sap of maple trees. Thus, it’s possible that the benefits of these antioxidants might counteract some of the downsides to consuming the syrup’s high quantity of sugar. How? A tablespoon or around 20 grams of this type of molasses contains 5.88 g of sucrose, 2.56 g of fructose, and 2.38 g of glucose. Phenols, a specific type of antioxidant present in honey, have been linked to preventing blood clots and increasing blood flow to the heart. Antibiotics may seem like quick, easy solutions to a number of different illnesses. Sap from various maple trees first started being processed into syrup long before European settlers even arrived in America. If you're using barley malt syrup as a replacement for molasses you'll need to increase … Honey contains more carbohydrates, protein and calories, while maple syrup contains more fats.Honey has a higher glycemic index. But im researching around and turns out the cheap ol coconut sugar ( im fr south east asia - malaysia) has a lower gi of 35 vs maple syrup 55. It’s possible for existing symptoms and even illnesses to worsen by repeatedly using artificial sweeteners over time. Zinc can help fight illness and improve immunity since it keeps your level of white blood cells up, while manganese plays a role a crucial role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, brain and nerve function. Maple syrup is healthier for you because it has a glycemic index (GI) of 54, compared to 60 for cane sugar. Maple syrup largely differs from the average refined sugar because of its high content of minerals like zinc and manganese. Not so shabby! The two also vary in the number of sugars they contain. 2. Supplies Important Vitamins and Minerals, 8. The glycemic index defines foods by how quickly it causes your blood sugar to rise. Golden syrup is derived from molasses, the residual syrup left over from the milling of … Molasses vs Syrup vs Honey . What's sweeter than the land of milk and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer? I do have some maple syrup on hand. Maple syrup, by the way, is not quite as nutritious as molasses. This means that whenever possible, you probably want to select darker, grade B maple syrup. As a result, pure maple syrup contains no added or artificial ingredients and is an all-natural food. Agave has no significant nutritional benefits. And are mainly sucrose vs agave which although hv lower gi is mainly single sugar fructose. Maple syrup has been made in Vermont for hundreds of years. It gets its flavor from its molasses content that is reintroduced to the cane sugar after processing, which is what gives it its brown color. As far as nutrition goes, the various types of molasses differ only slightly from refined white sugar. Of course, HFCS is the exception. To learn more about paying attention to glycemic index in foods, read here. Overuse of antibiotics can result in the creation of “superbugs” that no longer respond to antibiotic treatment as well. Molasses vs. Sorghum Molasses and Sorghum - What is the difference? Agave comes from the same plant that gives us tequila. It surprisingly has health benefits, including providing certain protective phytochemicals. Another factor that makes these two sweeteners very different is how they are made. #1 Maple syrup. Today, Canada supplies over 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup. Has a Lower Score on the Glycemic Index, 3. By using our site you agree to our use of cookies. Molasses is a good source of iron, selenium, and copper, all of which help maintain healthy bones . If your ingredient list calls for the dark sticky stuff and you've run out, maple syrup will do just fine. Pros, Cons + How to Use, Top 7 Foods that Boost Testosterone (Plus Testosterone-Killing Foods), May Help Fight Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Alternative to Sugar for Improved Digestion, Healthier Alternative to Artificial Sweeteners, Is maple syrup or honey healthier? If you’re diabetic or need to avoid blood sugar spikes, sorghum is not a safe alternative sweetener. Date syrup has more than twice the potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels of maple syrup or honey, with up to 10 times the antioxidants. This causes the sap to flow from the tap holes into the buckets. As far as nutrition goes, the various types of molasses differ only slightly from refined white sugar. Maple syrup can have a complex flavor with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and even hazelnut. Popular in the south, where it is used as a table condiment and in recipes, cane syrup tastes similar to molasses, but does not contain the sulfur found in molasses. THANK YOU. Q. I have read that all concentrated sweeteners are devoid of nutrients and count as “empty calories,” but some less refined sweeteners, such as maple syrup and molasses, are high in many minerals. While maple syrup does contain some nutrients and benefits over white sugar, it doesn’t supply a very high level of important vitamins or minerals compared to other whole foods like vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins and fats. Stevia. Black molasses is the same as “blackstrap” molasses, and is more often an ingredient in cooking or baking. The buckets are traditionally gathered by hand and added to large tanks, where some of the water is evaporated and removed to produce a richer syrup. “Don’t confuse this with the heavily processed, watered-down Aunt Jemima syrup. Sulfured vs. Unsulfured Molasses. Even though both are sticky, sweet substances that have a similar texture and viscosity, they are nutritionally different from each other. Average refined sugar can contribute to the United States Department of Agriculture, a complex.. Which is known to be released, it is highly processed and but. 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