Maple syrup is a wonderfully pure, natural sweetener. It has fewer calories, less sodium, and a higher concentration of minerals than honey, making it one of the best natural sweetening sources in the world. Here is a brief lowdown on the history, grades, and health benefits of maple syrup.

History
When European settlers arrived in North America , they were fascinated by the Native Americans' process of making maple syrup. An Iroquois Indian legend tells how Chief Woksis threw his tomahawk into a maple tree and collected the sap that began to flow from the cut tree. This sap was then used to boil meat (venison) for dinner. When the water from the sap boiled away, a sweet maple taste was left with the meat, and the tradition of maple-cured meats was established!

Maple syrup-producing trees are found only in select regions of North America , with over 80% of the world's supply being produced in Canada . The USDA grades maple syrup according to color, taste, and density. From lightest to darkest, there is: Grade A Light Amber, Grade A Medium Amber, Grade A Dark Amber, and Grade B. Not only is Grade B the darkest, but it also has the most robust flavor and the most nutrients, making it my personal favorite.

Health Benefits
Pure maple syrup has an abundance of trace minerals, most notably Zinc and Manganese. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in white blood cells, which are vital to your immune system. Zinc is also needed for the proper function of endothelial cells (found in the inner lining of blood vessels). Maple syrup may also help prevent prostate cancer in men. There is a higher concentration of zinc in the prostate than in any other human tissue, and low levels of zinc in the prostate have been linked to a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Manganese also does wonders for your body. It plays a key role in many enzymes that are important in energy production and antioxidant defenses, helping to disarm free radicals. Adults deficient in manganese have also been shown to have lower levels of good HDL cholesterol. Additionally, manganese plays a part in the production of sex hormones, helping to maintain reproductive health. Pure maple syrup is a wonderful source of manganese: just one ounce supplies you with 22% of the daily value!

Whatever you do, avoid "maple-flavored" syrups like the plague. These cheap imitation syrups use mostly corn syrup, with very little (if any) real maple syrup content! If you are used to buying imitation "Pancake Syrup," do yourself a favor ad your body) will taste the difference immediately, and you'll wonder why you ever messed around with that artificial imitation crap.