How Maple Syrup Can Help You Lose Weight

Updated on 8/6/2016 at 5:50 PM

Vermont Maple

The sweet syrupy goodness of maple is not just for a stack of waffles — maple syrup is healthier than you think! 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.

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, 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, which consequently improved their BMI and helped them lose weight.
It helps with digestion and bloating: This glorious amber liquid is low in FODMAPs, 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 for a mapley-sweet and healthy morning treat.