Throw out those artificial sweeteners…stock up on maple syrup and stevia!
It almost sounds too good to be true! Researchers at the University of Rhode Island recently found that previously undiscovered substances in maple syrup can stimulate insulin release and increase the sensitivity of fat cells to insulin—reducing the risk for diabetes.
Containing 13 antioxidant compounds, maple syrup also appears more effective at stalling the growth of cancerous cells than blueberries or broccoli. Another study at the University of Quebec shows that this natural sweetener fights lung and prostate cancers—as well as brain, breast, and colon cancer, though to a lesser extent.
Other recent research reports that stevia, an herb known for its intense sweetness (250 to 300 times sweeter than sugar), also fights diabetes and cancer, as well as inflammation and high blood pressure.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
How sweet it is! Finally, there is some good news about natural sweeteners that not only taste great but may also help prevent breast cancer and adult-onset diabetes.
Just be sure to reach for 100 percent pure maple syrup—instead of Aunt Jemima and other overly processed wanna-be syrups. Real maple syrup is so concentrated, though, that you may want to dilute it with 1 to 2 ounces of water first. Still, this natural sweetener provides a hefty dose of manganese, an essential cofactor in antioxidant defenses and energy production, plus zinc, which like manganese, helps to support your immune system.
Because stevia contains no calories, I recommend it highly to anyone who wants to lose weight, fight diabetes, or control candidiasis and parasites. While 30 times sweeter than sugar, stevia doesn’t raise insulin levels the way other sweeteners do.
For Fast, Effective, Safe Weight Loss
That’s why I included stevia in Fat Flush Body Protein, which satisfies your sweet tooth while stabilizing blood sugar. With 67% of Americans overweight or obese—both linked to cancer and diabetes—most people need an effective weight loss protocol.
In an in-house clinical trial, the Smoothie Shakedown proved to be just that kind of safe, effective program. It works fast, too, with women in our test group shedding between 5 and 20 pounds in just 2 weeks!
Basically, you mix 1 scoop of Fat Flush Body Protein with 1 cup of fruit, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil, and 8 ounces of water or cran-water in a blender to make a healthy smoothie—and then drink 2 a day, along with a nutritious dinner (or lunch if you like your larger meal earlier in the day). Should you find yourself still hungry, simply enjoy another smoothie.
Since you’re eating every 4 hours, this weight loss plan is as safe as it is effective. And it’s inexpensive—costing less than $15 including food. Find more on the program at smoothieshakedown.com.
Sources:
Smoothie Shakedown
Get the Sugar Out
http://professional.diabetes.org/News_Display.aspx?TYP=9&CID=77380
www.upi.com/Health_News/2010/03/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19000919
WELL, FINALLY! I knew maple syrup was good for me. Can I put it in my coffee?
As a Canadian who is almost never without maple syrup in the house, I’m so happy to hear this news!!! We live in the middle of maple land and Canadian regulations on the production of syrup are also tougher as well, no formaldehyde allowed. My kids love getting a treat this time of year of pure maple candy…
My body prefers Agave Syrup to maple syrup. When are they going to do a study on it? Isn’t agave syrup lower glycemic index than maple syrup?
Karen- It’s my understanding that Agave processing makes it little better than high fructose corn syrup
Joel – thank you for the information I had read that the 140 degee method (and those with higher temperatures) did impare the agave syrup.
I had tests a few years ago for my blood sugar, and my thyroid just because my mother had those issues and both were functioning normally.
I just know my body gets bladder infections and nausea from too much sugar, too much corn syrup, too much maple syrup, too much nutrasweet – and agave syrup doesn’t do that to me.
Karen
“One man’s food is another man’s poison”.
It’s nice to read this information about pure maple syrup. I’ll have to keep this in mind next time purchase it.
I like to use SweetLeaf brand of stevia!
My husband is diabetic and was trying to find a healtier alternative to artifical sweetners. He did not like the taste and texture of stevia – loved agave, but found it spiked his blood sugar… he is optimistic about the maple syrup, loves the flavor… so- we will see how it works out.
I’ve been using liquid stevia for years in my tea. My mother, who is diabetic, is now using it in her tea as well. I have bought her different brands of the powdered stevia to find out which she prefers. She has found Purvia to be the best, but I would suggest to Karin to have her husband try different brands until he finds one to his liking.
On Dr. Mercola’s website today there is an article about all the types of sugars. Among other things, he says, “Agave syrup, falsely advertised as “natural,” is typically HIGHLY processed and is usually 80 percent fructose. The end product does not even remotely resemble the original agave plant. ”
He recommends honey, or stevia. I don’t think he mentioned maple syrup, either positive or negative.
The best Stevia I found that doesn’t have a weird after taste is called Omnivite by Omnivite Nutrition. They’re in Portland, Oregon. It’s a mix with Chicory, Stevia, Vitamin B-5 and chromium. Really yummy!
sorry, it’s called Omnibalance. The company is Omnivite Nutrition.