The sweet syrupy goodness of maple is not just for a stack of waffles — maple syrup is healthier than you think [1]! Incorporating it as a sweetener can help you reach your weight-loss goals (and we're not talking about the Master Cleanse). Here are three reasons to keep some maple syrup in your pantry [2].

• It steadies blood-sugar levels: Maple syrup is a natural sugar, versus a modified (agave syrup) or refined sugar (glucose, sucrose, etc). It's got a similarly low glycemic index to honey, and it's loaded with antioxidants to keep you from crashing. This means you're more sustained and less likely to constantly reach for more sweets.
• It's got high levels of zinc and magnesium: Magnesium is known to up your testosterone [3], which can help burn fat and build muscle. Zinc may also aid in weight loss; the mineral was administered in supplement form to obese patients in a 2013 study [4], which consequently improved their BMI and helped them lose weight.
• It helps with digestion and bloating: This glorious amber liquid is low in FODMAPs [5], which means less bloating and irritation — especially if you have IBS. Your body can digest it more easily than a table sugar, so you can swap maple syrup into your baking recipes.

Ready to get started? Try this cinnamon quinoa breakfast bake [6] for a mapley-sweet and healthy morning treat.