Antioxidants:

Antioxidant capacity research updated in 2023.  Chart below documents research results for per 100g of pure maple syrup.  Pure Fuel is Dark, Robust Taste.  Information from Producteurs et Productrices Acericoles du Quebec, Longueuil, Quebec, Canada.

A ¼ cup portion of pure maple syrup contains as much antioxidant activity as one serving of raw tomato or broccoli.  www.canadamaple.com

Phenolic compounds are widely distributed in plants. Over two dozen phenolic compounds have been isolated in maple syrup and evidence suggests that many more are present. In view of the well-established antioxidant activity these substances possess, it is suggested that it is the complexity of the mixture that makes maple syrup of particular interest rather than any one compound. These beneficial phenolic compounds make maple syrup a healthy choice as a sweetener.

Reference: 1.Abou-Zaid, M. M.; Nozzolillo, C.; Tonon, A.; Coppens, M.; Lombardo, A. D. A. High performance liquid chromatography characterization and identification of antioxidant polyphenols in maple syrup. Pharm. Biol. 2008, 46, 117-125.

Researches from the University of Rhode Island (URI) have identified over 54 compounds in pure maple syrup that have been linked to human health. Several of these compounds are reported to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties.  Initial studies also suggest that compounds exist in maple syrup that may inhibit enzymes relevant in type 2 diabetes management. The amount of the effect is yet to be determined but the presence of these beneficial compounds in maple syrup is very interesting from a human health perspective. (This number increased to over 67 by 2018)

Reference: 9.Li, L.; Seeram N. Maple syrup phytochemicals include lignans, coumarins, a stilbene, and other previously unreported antioxidant phenolic compounds. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2010, 58, 11673-11679.

Reference: News release, articles, and resources, from University of Rhode Island concerning research conducted by N. Seeram can be found at https://web.uri.edu/maple/research-highlights/

The results from research conducted by Legault, et al. in 2010 indicated that pure maple syrup possesses an interesting in vitro inhibition of cancer cell growth, with the strongest effect being found against prostate and lung cancer cells. Maple syrup extracts have also exhibited in vitro antioxidant and nitric oxide inhibition activities. The value of antioxidants in a protective role against cancer is well known. The ability of maple syrup to inhibit nitric oxide is also important as several works have shown that the overproduction of nitric oxide is a result of inflammation, a factor in the formation and development of cancer. Inhibiting nitric oxide results in inhibiting inflammation and thus may help to prevent diseases such as cancer.

Reference: 8.Legault, J.; Girard-Lalancette, K.; Grenon, C.; Dussault, C.; Pichette, A. Antioxidant activity, inhibition of nitric oxide overproduction, and in vitro antiproliferative effect of maple sap and syrup from Acer saccharum. J. Med. Food 2010, 13, 460-468.

Use of alternatives to refined sugar, such as pure maple syrup, can add to the cumulative antioxidant content of the diet by replacing refined sugar. This would increase antioxidant consumption similar to replacement of refined grains with whole grains.

Reference: 12.Phillips, K.; Carlsen, M.; Blomhoff, R. Total antioxidant content of alternatives to refined sugar. J. Amer. Diet. Assoc. 2009, Jan. 109(1):64-71.

Energy Source:

Other Carbohydrate info:

https://www.gssiweb.org/sports-science-exchange/article/sse-106-carbohydrate-supplementation-during-exercise-does-it-help-how-much-is-too-much-

Talks about the amount of energy absorbed (oxidation) glucose/fructose/sucrose.  A variety of types (glucose AND fructose) supports a higher rate of absorption.  Recommended 24g of carb. Per hour when exercising more than 1 hour (tour de France reference).

Manganese:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits#section2

antioxidant, muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, contributes to metabolism esp. of protein and carbs.

Zinc:

(1)DV: Daily value is the intake of a given nutrient deemed as to fulfill the daily 
nutritional needs of most individuals.

Maple syrup contains three essential minerals; potassium, calcium and magnesium and is a nutritional alternative to other sugars and sugar substitutes.1

Maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese, an essential cofactor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses and a good source of zinc. 2

A recent study demonstrated that maple syrup contains phenolic compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancerogenic properties.3

With a glycemic index of 54, maple syrup is considered a low glycemic product, which means it affects blood sugar to a lesser degree than sugar (GI 58) or honey (GI 87).4

Sources: 1. Canadian Nutrient File (Health Canada) 2. The World’s Healthiest Foods – www.whfoods.org 3. THÉRIAULT and others, “Antioxidant, antiradical, and antimutagenic activities of phenolic compounds present in maple products”, Food Chemistry 98, 2006, p. 490-501. 4. Glycemic Index database, University of Sydney.

Zinc:

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/

Boosts immune system

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-3902000

Why Do Athletes Use It?*

Some athletes say that zinc helps boost the immune system and speed recovery between workouts.

http://blog.insidetracker.com/do-you-have-a-zinc-deficiency-why-athletes-should-pay

In fact, athletes need to pay special attention to their zinc consumption because of its key functions in the body. Healthy cell division and metabolism depend on having enough zinc; it aids in repairing your tissues after exercise. Zinc also plays a role in hormone production, including testosterone, which is essential for building lean muscle mass. You need zinc to maintain a strong heart and respiratory system, as well as healthy cholesterol levels.

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-3902000

Why Do Athletes Use It?*

Some athletes say that zinc helps boost the immune system and speed recovery between workouts.

http://blog.insidetracker.com/do-you-have-a-zinc-deficiency-why-athletes-should-pay

In fact, athletes need to pay special attention to their zinc consumption because of its key functions in the body. Healthy cell division and metabolism depend on having enough zinc; it aids in repairing your tissues after exercise. Zinc also plays a role in hormone production, including testosterone, which is essential for building lean muscle mass. You need zinc to maintain a strong heart and respiratory system, as well as healthy cholesterol levels.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/Riboflavin-Consumer.pdf#search=%22riboflavin%22

energy production & metabolic processes

Comparison Chart Information

Pure Maple Syrup (Pure Fuel) measurements and % DV are taken from IMSI’s nutritional panel documents and research:

IMSI’s document on the nutrition and health benefits of pure maple syrup

All other figures come from company websites as of 06/08/2023.

General comparison chart: https://www.cranksports.com/egel/comparisons/

GU:  https://guenergy.com/collections/gels

Hammer Gel: https://www.hammernutrition.com/products/hammer-gel

Huma Gel: https://humagel.com/products/plus-flavors?variant=31506754764866

Honey Stinger: https://honeystinger.com/collections/all-energy-chews-gels/products/gold-classic-gel

UCAN: https://ucan.co/product/strawberry-banana-edge/

Maurten: https://www.maurten.com/products/gel-100-box-us