Maple Syrup: Sweet Anti-Aging Superfood?

Maple syrup may be a lot more than just a delicious topping for pancakes and waffles — it may also protect against Alzheimer's disease. Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered that an extract found in pure maple syrup prevents the mis-folding and clumping of two types of proteins prominent in Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative diseases.

"In preliminary laboratory-based Alzheimer's disease studies, phenolic-enriched extracts of maple syrup from Canada showed neuro-protective effects, similar to resveratrol, a compound found in red wine," said Dr. Navindra Seeram.

Some experts contend that pure maple syrup made directly from the sap of the maple tree is a singular product with unique health benefits.

"We already know that maple has more than 100 bio-active compounds, some of which have anti-inflammatory properties," says Serge Beaulieu, president of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. "Brain health is the latest topic of exploration."

There's more here