Maple Syrup May Protect Against Alzheimer's

by Marlisse Cepeda for Woman's Day:

Even if you're counting your calories, it may be worth pouring some maple syrup on your morning pancakes every now and then. Not only does the sweetener provide a major flavor boost,  but it might also protect your brain from Alzheimer's disease, according to new findings. 

During the annual American Chemical Society, which is currently being held in San Diego, CA, lead researcher Donald Weaver and his team revealed that real maple syrup can "prevent two types of proteins (beta amyloid and tau peptide) found in brain cells from clumping together," reports HNGN. The "misfolding" of the proteins leads to plaque in the brain, which can result in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

As for those who are already diagnosed with the condition, researchers say that the syrup could prolong their lifespan by preventing any further tangling or clumping. 

The key ingredients in maple syrup that could be responsible for these health benefits are phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant effects. Those same compounds are found in grapes, which is why red wine is often revered for its antioxidant content. 

In a statement, symposium director said: "Natural food products such as green tea, red wine, berries, curcumin and pomegranates continue to be studied for their potential benefits in combating Alzheimer's disease. And now, in preliminary laboratory-based Alzheimer's disease studies, phenolic-enriched extracts of maple syrup from Canada showed neuroprotective effects, similar to resveratrol, a compound found in red wine."

The researchers also plan to study if maple syrup extract can be just as beneficial in combating degenerative brain disease. 

Source: http://bit.ly/1WqaqEO