It is now considered a delicacy in the U.S., Canada and all over the world, but in colonial days it was used extensively as an ordinary sweetener. The Indians taught the first white settlers how to tap Maple trees in the spring, and then evaporate the sweet sap until it became maple syrup. When you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, consider using maple syrup which contains fewer calories and a higher concentration of minerals than honey. Maple syrup is sweet - and we're not just talking flavor. Maple syrup, as an excellent source of manganese and a good source of zinc, can also be sweet for your health. It takes up to 40 gallons of sap to produce just one gallon of pure, natural, organic maple syrup. Click here for Nutrition Facts Price per unit (8 oz. bottle): $4.95 Price per unit (16 oz. bottle): $8.95 Save 10%! Price per unit (32 oz. bottle): $15.95 Save 20%! Certified Organic by Indiana Certified Organic Certified Kosher by Chicago Rabbinical Council Certified Vegan by Vegan Action Gluten Free Why Organic Maple Syrup: There is a difference between organic maple syrup and non-organic maple syrup. For years health conscious consumers have seen the word “Pure” associated with maple syrup and assumed the best. Many conventional maple farmers can practice organic stewardship but Organic certification guarantees the following: No pesticides or chemicals were used to manage this forest. Like any crop, a forest can be sprayed for insect problems or have unwanted trees that can be killed by chemicals. The same organic standards for field crops apply to maple forest i.e. buffer zones, runoff, no fertilizers etc.. Organic certification assures no pesticides/chemicals were used. No formaldehyde has been used in tree tapping. Recent articles in the maple press indicate widespread use of this chemical in tree tapping even though it is illegal. Organic standards do not allow the use of formaldehyde. A healthy forest. Organic standards limit the number of taps in maple trees. This practice sustains the health of the tree. Conventional methods can use as many taps as desired. Organic certification guarantees a holistic approach to maple production. Maple syrup is a good sweetener to use if you are trying to protect the health of your heart. The zinc supplied by maple syrup, in addition to acting as an antioxidant, has other functions that can decrease the progression of atherosclerosis. Zinc is needed for the proper function of endothelial cells and helps to prevent the endothelial damage caused by oxidized LDL cholesterol and other oxidized fats. (The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels.) Endothelial membranes low in zinc are much more prone to injury. Additionally, studies have found that in adults deficient in manganese, the other trace mineral amply supplied in maple syrup, the level of HDL (the "good" cholesterol) is decreased. Zinc and manganese are important allies in the immune system. Many types of immune cells appear to depend upon zinc for optimal function. Particularly in children, researchers have studied the effects of zinc deficiency (and zinc supplementation) on their immune response and their number of white blood cells, including specific studies on T lymphocytes, macrophages, and B cells (all types of white blood cells important for immune defenses). In these studies, zinc deficiency has been shown to compromise numbers of white blood cell and immune response, while zinc supplementation has been shown to restore conditions to normal. In addition to the role played by zinc, the manganese in maple syrup is important since, as a component of the antioxidant SOD, it helps lessen inflammation, thus supporting healing. In addition, manganese may also act as an immunostimulant. Maple syrup may help to support reproductive health and provides special benefits for men. Zinc is concentrated more highly in the prostate than in any other human tissue, and low levels of zinc in this gland relate to a higher risk for prostate cancer. In fact, zinc is a mineral used therapeutically by healthcare practitioners to help reduce prostate size. Manganese may also play a role in supporting men's health since, as a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol; it also participates in the production of sex hormones, thus helping to maintain reproductive health. Thank you for visiting contact webmaster     Site Map     policy/disclaimer [Monday] January 05, 2009 10:06 PM EDT