If you’re looking for an energy drink to sustain prolonged exercise without a lot of additives and preservatives, you may do well considering a simple homemade concoction using maple syrup.
Looking for an energy drink to sustain prolonged exercise without a lot of additives and preservatives?
A recent study looked at pure maple syrup as an energy source for endurance athletes. It also found that it may also help to fight inflammation, something most “energy drinks” certainly can’t claim.
Maple syrup’s study findings
The study showed that maple syrup contains the same carbohydrate content found in commercial sports drinks (60g/L), and can be readily used as an energy source during long periods of exercise.
First human clinical trial to look at maple syrup
The study was apparently the first human clinical trial to look at maple syrup. 76 males – ages 18-45 – were tested during a two hour cycling session followed immediately by a 20-km time trial.
Dr Jonathan Tremblay, Associate Professor at the University of Montreal, School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, said:
“Using a natural product that athletes enjoy and are inclined to drink more of during exercise can be key to maintaining fluid balance. Maple syrup beverages offer an excellent alternative to commercial beverages. Sports beverages made with pure maple syrup do not contain any processed sugars, are gluten-free, vegan and free of any coloring or additives.”
Study was one of a handful looking into the positive impacts of maple products on health issues
The study was one of a handful looking into the positive impacts of maple products on health issues and exercise endurance. In a separate study, researchers found that chemical compounds – polyphenols – maple syrup actually have some anti-inflammatory effects.
Dr Angela Slitt, professor at University of Rhode Island, College of Pharmacy and her team found a maple syrup extract enriched with polyphenols exerts anti-inflammatory activity. Serge Beaulieu, President of Québec Maple Syrup Producers (QMSP), said:
“At QMSP, we have developed an International Maple Research and Innovation Network of renowned scientists dedicated to learning more about maple from Canada. Consumers love the taste of Canadian maple syrup and there is a growing body of evidence supporting the wider benefits of maple products for human health and exercise regimes.”
#DIY Maple Syrup Energy Drink Recipe
- 3 1/2 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Razi Berry is the founder and publisher of the journal Naturopathic Doctor News & Review, which has been in print since 2005, and the premier consumer-faced website of naturopathic medicine, NaturalPath. She is the host of The Natural Cancer Prevention Summit and The Heart Revolution-Heal, Empower and Follow Your Heart, and the popular 10 week Sugar Free Summer program. From a near death experience as a young girl that healed her failing heart, to later overcoming infertility and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia through naturopathic medicine, Razi has lived the mind/body healing paradigm. Her projects uniquely capture the tradition and philosophy of naturopathy: The healing power of nature, the vital life force in every living thing and the undeniable role that science and mind/body medicine have in creating health and overcoming dis-ease. Follow Razi on Facebook at Razi Berry and join us at Love is Medicine to explore the convergence of love and health.
