Maple syrup’s nutritional value is superior to other common sweeteners, such as honey, sugar, and even agave. The calories in maple syrup are about 52 calories per tablespoon, with 13g of carbs and an estimated glycemic load of 8, lower than honey and agave, and it is rich in minerals.

• Maple syrup is an excellent source of manganese, which plays an important role in energy production and antioxidant defenses, and is necessary for normal brain and nerve function. A portion of ¼ cup of maple syrup contains 100% of the Daily Value of manganese.
• The sweetener provides 37% of the Daily Value of riboflavin, which aids in the metabolic process.
• Pure  maple syrup also contains 18% of the recommended Daily Value of zinc, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
• Other minerals found in maple syrup are magnesium, calcium and potassium, decreasing the risk of hypertension or stroke.

Recent research in maple has revealed that maple syrup is a champion food when it comes to the number and variety of beneficial compounds found in it. Several of these are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties.  

Of great interest to scientists is the discovery in maple sap and syrup of abscisic acid, a phytohormone (plant hormone) which is known to stimulate insulin release through pancreatic cells to increase sensitivity of fat cells to insulin.   Researchers caution that further studies are needed to understand exactly how eating maple affects insulin behavior.