Acer saccharum Marsh. (sugar maple or rock maple) is a species of maple native to the hardwood forests of eastern Canada, from Nova Scotia west through Quebec and southern Ontario to southeastern Manitoba around Lake of the Woods, and the northern parts of the Central and eastern United States, from Minnesota eastward to the highlands of the eastern states.
Contents
Uses
The sugar maple is one of the most important Canadian trees, being, with the black maple, the major source of sap for making maple syrup. Other maple species can be used as a sap source for maple syrup, but some have lower sugar contents and/or produce more cloudy syrup than these two. Some other trees (birch, ash, etc.) can yield a useful syrup as well, though with different flavors
Benefits
Antioxidants: Maple syrup has various antioxidant properties that are essential for healthy living.Antioxidants are important for the body as they neutralize free radicals, which may cause various health ailments. . Mitochondria are one of the cells that are responsible for energy production, but during this process, free radicals are produced within the mitochondria. This function requires enzymes that are prone to damage or harm by other microorganisms in the body. It is the function of the manganese mineral present in the maple syrup to supply the superoxide dismutase which is an oxidative enzyme. This enzyme helps in disarming the dangerous free radicals that are produced by the mitochondria when performing its normal metabolic functions.
Healthy Heart: The health benefits of maple syrup also include giving you a healthier heart. It is one of the body’s organs that is susceptible to different kinds of diseases such as stroke,atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. The presence of zinc in the body is one of the best ways that has been proven to protect the heart against such diseases. Maple syrupcontains zinc and its consumption may protect and prevent against various cardiovascular disorders. Zinc also enhances the performance of the endothelial cells by protecting them against damage due to the existence of excess cholesterol, together with other oxidized lipids. The blood vessels are comprised of different components among the endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of these vessels. A low level of zinc exposes the linings to injuries, which in return can affect the normal operations of the heart.
Male Health: The consumption of maple syrup may also help in maintaining male reproductive health. There are certain minerals, such as zinc, that are found in maple syrup that are useful for a healthy reproductive system, particularly the prostate gland. Reduction in the levels of the minerals increases the risk of disorders, such as prostate cancer. This is why it is advisable for men to always try to consume foods that contain the right amount of this mineral. Maple syrup is one of such food that is easy to acquire, readily available, and enjoyable as well!
Immune System: Studies carried out over the years have confirmed the importance of the presence of zinc and manganese in the body. A lack of these minerals could easily lead to a reduction in the number of white blood cells, which affects the response of the immune system. Supplementing these minerals is the only way known to restore their levels to the proper state. Maple syrup is a good source of both zinc and magnesium, which play a key role in strengthening the immune system.
Cautions
No side effects.
Interactions
None are recorded.
Other names
Acer saccharum Marsh or rock maple
References
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_saccharum#Cultivation_and_uses
OrganicFacts, https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/maple-syrup.html